Venus to go on rare journey on June 6
Imagine measuring the distance between the Earth and Sun with the help of paper, rope and a few geometrical instruments, and that too without ever leaving the terrace of your building. On June 6, 2012, one can do exactly that. For, on that day Venus shall transit the Sun, an astronomical sight that will be visible from dawn to around mid-morning in all parts of India. This astronomical spectacle is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all, as the next Transit of Venus will take place 105 years later.
On June 6, the rising Sun will be seen to have a round black dot, on its face. This dot will slowly move across the face of the sun and then will move out. This event is called the Transit of Venus. The last such even took place on June 8, 2004.
“The June 6 transit of Venus is a chance for the children to be a part of an interesting scientific experiment, which is to measure the distance between Earth and Sun by using a few simple techniques and applying easy formulas,” said Dr Vivek Monteiro of Navnirmiti, an NGO working in the field of science education to school children.
Adding that the experiment though easy needs some guidance from the teachers and special equipment, Monteiro said, “We have written letters to schools to come forward and participate in the experiment. Even as the exams have all but ended and students preparing go on vacation, interested schools must ensure that they start the process quickly,” he said.
A number of professionals working in the field of science education have come forward and designed a website called www.daytimeastronomy.in where all the information about the Transit of Venus and experiment has been made available.
The transits of Venus occur in pairs, with the last one taking place on June 8, 2004.
Imagine measuring the distance between the Earth and Sun with the help of paper, rope and a few geometrical instruments, and that too without ever leaving the terrace of your building. On June 6, 2012, one can do exactly that. For, on that day Venus shall transit the Sun, an astronomical sight that will be visible from dawn to around mid-morning in all parts of India. This astronomical spectacle is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all, as the next Transit of Venus will take place 105 years later.
On June 6, the rising Sun will be seen to have a round black dot, on its face. This dot will slowly move across the face of the sun and then will move out. This event is called the Transit of Venus. The last such even took place on June 8, 2004.
“The June 6 transit of Venus is a chance for the children to be a part of an interesting scientific experiment, which is to measure the distance between Earth and Sun by using a few simple techniques and applying easy formulas,” said Dr Vivek Monteiro of Navnirmiti, an NGO working in the field of science education to school children.
Adding that the experiment though easy needs some guidance from the teachers and special equipment, Monteiro said, “We have written letters to schools to come forward and participate in the experiment. Even as the exams have all but ended and students preparing go on vacation, interested schools must ensure that they start the process quickly,” he said.
A number of professionals working in the field of science education have come forward and designed a website called www.daytimeastronomy.in where all the information about the Transit of Venus and experiment has been made available.
The transits of Venus occur in pairs, with the last one taking place on June 8, 2004.
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