Upcoming Event: Transit of Venus Across the Sun - June 5-6 2012

[iceman]

The Transit of Venus (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/63-658-0-0-1-0.html) across the face of the Sun occurs on June 5th or June 6th, 2012 depending on your location.

This is an extremely rare event, one of the rarest of the predictable astronomical phenomena, and will be the last time you'll have a chance to see this in your lifetimes!

So exactly when and where do you have to be to see it? How do you observe the sun safely during a transit? What's the best way to photograh it? Why is a Transit of Venus so rare? What's the historical significance of a Venus Transit?

All these questions and more are answered in the article I've written:

Transit of Venus Across the Sun, 6th June 2012 - Observing/Imaging Guide (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/63-658-0-0-1-0.html)

If you have any questions or want to discuss the transit or your plans, please feel free to post in this discussion thread.

(image below: Ken Peterson)

[iceman]

Phew, article finally finished and now live.

Please 'Like' and Share it!

[Robh]

Thanks Mike.

You've obviously put some effort into this.
Very comprehensive and informative.
And posted well ahead for people to plan their observations.

I'm looking forward to the event with some excitement.
Let's hope the weather is kind.

Regards, Rob

[Kevnool]

Great read.

One question I was going to raise was Not in our lifetime but it was answered as I read.

the next transit occurs in 2117.

So you all must observe this event.

Cheers Kev.

[erick]

Big job, that article Mike! Well done and many thanks.

Transit of Venus and solar eclipse in one year. Bring it on! :thumbsup:

[Danack]

Can anyone recommend mounts/software that can be used to track the sun (and also the moon)?

[sapote_nessa]

Hello,

Just a question about visibility...I will be in Tibet, at the base of Mt Kailash....

Will this be a good place to see the transit? Is this something I should be able to see with the naked eye?

Have yet to read your article fully, sounds like an exciting transit,

thanks,
ness
Just looked closer at article...so no need to answer viewing techniques!

[Rob_K]

The transit will have already begun when the sun rises at about 5:43 am on 6 June 2012 (Lhasa). It will finish at about 11:40 am with the Sun at about 74 degrees altitude so you'll have plenty of time to see it.

But please ness, DON'T try to see it without a suitable solar filter - get a pair of solar viewing specs from one of the astro retailers before you go! The spot should be visible without scope or binocs (but tiny), provided you get clear weather!! :lol:

Sounds like a great trip - are you a climber?

Cheers -

[Ric]

I was just having a read of your article Mike, lots of great info in it, thanks.

In the new year I'll be ordering my solar filter, it looks like they are a special order for a 12 inch so I'd better start early.

Cheers

[GC]

Great information Mike. I've been planning to turn this into a big event at my daughter's new school. We'll see what they want to get involved with a bit later, but I'm hoping they will build projectors, go into the history etc. Hopefully follow up with an astronomy night the following Friday (good thing it's midwinter, I can keep the momentum up).

My plan is to have my ETX for white light viewing, and my new Lunt with a GStar or similar attached to record and stream the event to the school. It won't be SOHO, but it should be good nonetheless. If I can have the setup uninterrupted I might be able to process images out of it later, but that's a secondary goal.

The trick will be the polar alignment, given that I won't be able to set it up ultra-accurately the night before and expect the scope to still be there the next morning, unless I arrive really early in the morning to do it.

Then maybe Cairns later in the year? We'll see.

I'll leave the 18" dob at home for this event, I think it would set something on fire.

[Nico13]

Thanks Mike,:thumbsup:

Just had a look at your info page, all the info anyone could want and plenty of time to make plans etc.
Just need to order some clear sky's and we'll be right.
Thanks again

Nico.

[universe24]

Hi all, I will come to Australia for the transit. Any group observation event on the day of Venus Transit?

[mithrandir]

Where in Australia were you thinking of coming William? On the east coast the transit starts around 08:20 when Venus will be about 11 degrees above the horizon and finishes at 14:40. Any further west than about Adelaide and the transit starts before Venus rises.

The alternative would be New Zealand where the transit starts with Venus 18 degrees up and finishes very close to sunset.

[universe24]

I am thinking of somewhere around Tennant Creek. Any good spot recommend there?

BTW, since I cannot carry so many batteries to Australia as the flight limited weight for passenger, I would like to know about the price of certain type of battery. Battery I am looking for is D size 1.5v battery and 12V battery cube. If there got any other alternative type of 12V battery, pls recommend also.

Thank you very much.

[mikerr]

I'm not sure if this Australian site has been mentioned before but there is a lot of good info.

http://www.transitofvenus.com.au/HOME.html

Michael.

[CCSSCMike]

Great write up! It helped me confirm timings I had in the local area. I will be in Alice Springs, NT with the Coca-Cola Space Science Center web casting and imaging the event.

The cool thing is we will be one of three teams, one in the USA, one (Us) in The Alice, and the other team will be in the Gobi Desert in Mongolia. All web casting live (except after sunset in the US location.)

I am really looking forward to coming over. I can provide a link to the webcast if you would like to list it on your article, or just here in the forums.

Mike

[Shark Bait]

The Sydney Observatory has some excellent information that covers the Transit of Venus 2012. Some of it is interactive. I don't think this link has been posted on IIS yet, but if it has it is worth listing again...

http://www.sydneyobservatory.com.au/transit-of-venus-6-june-2012/

Worth a look. :thumbsup:

[808Caver]

Aloha from Maui

I am looking for some help timing the contacts during the Venus transit. We are doing a project and need a large baseline to determine Earth-Dun distance. Timing to the second would be best. Anyone down there able to help with this??

Aloha from Maui
Rob

[universe24]

Could you list down the minimum requirement on timing measurement?
Could we do it using DSLR + telescope?
How we can calibrate our laptop/camera time to synchronize worldwide?

[JMcCullough]

I am flying in from the USA for the Venus transit. Right now we plan to fly to Darwin and drive to Katherine. Are there any groups in the area than we can join? Any other suggestions for observing sites?

[turbo_pascale]

.

Something not quite right with this I think.

Isn't the sun about 30 arc MINUTES in diameter and Venus about 1 arcminute.

Turbo

[iceman]

Yes, I need to update that. Thanks for teh reminder.

[JB80]

You guys are lucky to get the full transit & eclipse this year.
*Jealous*

We had toyed with going to Japan to see it but now it looks like we'll only get to see it for a short period after sunrise either from Crete or somewhere around Stromboli in Italy, we did have Egypt on the list as it would of been awesome to watch the sunrise between the pyramids but I have a feeling it might start getting messy there after the elections so don't want to risk it.

[Ric]

Hi Jarrod

I could just imagine an image of the transit between the pyramids, what an awesome sight and bound to win an imaging contest for sure.

[AstralTraveller]

Jarrod,

It's always a bummer when astro event are visiable only at the wrong time and/or place. This is often the case with lunar eclipses and just look at how little land the next solar eclipse covers. We only got the start of the last transit so it must have been better for Europe. I just hope that over a lifetime it sort of evens itself out and I get to see my fair share of celestial wonders.

[JB80]

Hi Ric, I agree if it was to come out the way I picture it surely it would do well. Alas with the kids we don't want to risk it though.
Certainly a once in a lifetime location for a once in a lifetime event sort of thing.

David, yeah it should tend to even itself out. I was still in Australia for the last Venus transit but it was before I seriously caught the astro bug. We caught the last partial solar eclipse at sunrise which I was lucky to get a glimpse of through the cloud and we had a total lunar eclipse at sunset so it's not all bad. The South gets the best comets seemingly, I remember how great it was to see McNaught every night and the pics of Lovejoy are just as impressive.

[naskies]

Great article, Mike. I've been sharing it with my friends.

A quick suggestion - do you think it might be a good idea to warn people against shooting or looking at the sun naively using photographic Neutral Density filters as a precaution?

I've noticed that many ND filters don't block anywhere near what an ND5 or even ND3.8 white light solar filter does, and furthermore the UV transmittance of some photography ND filters is disturbingly high... could be a recipe for eye damage.

[JB80]

^ You make a good point about the ND filters especially the lower grade ones.With that said they could be useful though if used correctly, possibly?
I have an Hoya NDx400 which does state that it is useable on the sun but I have never tried it, maybe I'm being overly cautious and should give it a go.

To be honest I'm not overly sure how to approach imaging this event. In the end we decided on going to Crete which means we should see an hour or two just after sunrise over water.
I'll only have with me my camera and a couple of lenses the largest being 300mm, sunrise itself is probably my best bet but what would people suggest?
Do I just stop the camera down and shoot at iso100 and hope for the best?

I get a feeling that the ND400 would be a bit overkill for the sunrise itself maybe I should get a different filter to enhance the chance of capturing venus. It might be alright to use after it has risen.

I'd like to do a timelapse of the sunrise if it was workable.

Any ideas?

[Octane]

What's a suitable solar filter for a Takahashi FSQ-106N?

H

[gregbradley]

I made my own last transit using Baader solar film.

You have to make it carefully as you obviously can't having it come loose in use.

Greg.

[Octane]

I'm a compelte gumby when it comes to making things! I'd just prefer to lay down some cash and get one pre-made. :)

I just had a look at Bintel's site; I'm wondering if I can just buy the Orion 120mm solar filter and pad it with Velcro strips to fit the 106N's lens cell?

H

[mithrandir]

H, Thousand Oaks (http://www.thousandoaksoptical.com/solar.html) list a couple for your Tak - the size you want is 5750. I got first use of mine on the 127ED today. AstroShop (http://www.myastroshop.com.au/products/solar-filters.asp)might have some in stock. The felt liner inside the metal mounting ring holds it tightly to the dew shield.

It does give a really orange sun. The image isn't that well focused as I was just experimenting. Sony a200, ISO100, 1/320 sec

Edit: I have a glass filter. The solar film ones give the usual white colour.

[Octane]

Thank you, so much, Andrew.

Looks like AstroShop is temporarily out of stock. OPT is backordered, as is Adorama.

H

[naskies]

Thousand Oaks has been backordered and out of stock for a while :( I placed a direct order with them several weeks ago, and they told me that they can't take any more orders for delivery before the transit.

I didn't realise that there was also a May 20th annular eclipse for the North Americans too... I should have ordered the filters it months ago!

I'll probably just end up getting a roll of the Baader solar film.

[Octane]

Dave,

Where are you going to get your film from? Perhaps we can put an order in together?

I may be able to bodge something up for the FSQ, I guess.

H

[callingrohit]

A link providing the local transit times of venus across the sun for around the world
http://transitofvenus.nl/wp/where-when/local-transit-times/

Its my first time with such a transit and wondering if photographing it with a dslr with 300mm lens will be any good

Thanks

[mithrandir]

H, Baader film is offered on http://www.myastroshop.com.au/products/solar-filters.asp

They list ND5 for visual (but works for photography) and ND3.8 for photography only.

Bintel are out of TeleVue Sol Searchers. Sydney Obs took their entire stock. I made up my own with a strip of aluminium ~20cm x 2cm, 2 SS screws and 2 rawlplugs. Folded the two ends up for about 2cm. Drilled a small hole in one end. and two holes between the bends for the screws. Ran the screws through the strip nto the rawlplugs. The plugs fit in the slot in the handle joining the rings on the 127ED.

Told the unaligned Gemini (G11 plonked down pointed roughly south) to GoTo the sun, centered the spot with the hand control. Image was almost dead center in the camera first try. :D

[Octane]

Andrew,

Cheers. I saw the film earlier. There's still 3 weeks until the event so it might give me enough time to bodgie up a solution. :)

H

[JB80]

This is all I'll have at my disposal but I get it at sunrise which will give it a different dimension.
I've been looking into getting a x1.4 or x2 telecoverter to add to the 300mm focal length.

As long as you have an appropriate filter I see no reason why you can't but to give you some idea of the size the sun will appear in your photos just shoot the full moon as it's about the same size in the sky as the sun.(I think, that's why eclipses are so perfect).

It probably won't be very big but maybe you can enlarge it afterwards.

[naskies]

H,

I was going to order them from the Astro Shop... but I just saw that Peter Tan stocks a roll for about $76 (instead of the Astro Shop's $125).

No idea about shipping though. I'm planning on ordering a couple of other items, so I'll be looking into it this week.

I'd like to get some ND3.8 and ND5, which will be far more than I need. I'll probably list the remainder for sale on the classifieds?


Cheers,

Dave

[JB80]

As a side note to the question about the 300mm lens this is what I just got although it's probably a touch out of focus it shows AR 11476 easy enough so it should show Venus.
This was stopped down as far as I could go f/40 and used my fastest exp 1/40000. Even though the ND400 says it's good for use on the Sun I would not recommend it unless you had it connected to a laptop or at all.

Grab some solar film instead.

[Dennis]

Most keen amateur astronomers probably know this already, but for readers who are not familiar with the Baader AstroSolar ™ Photo Film (3.8) versus the Baader AstroSolar ™ Safety Film (5), the Baader website writes:

“AstroSolar™ PhotoFilm is not intended for visual observation. PhotoFilm is only for use with telescopes for high magnification photographic work. Do not use it for producing solar eclipse viewers, do not mount it onto DSLR camera lenses.”

The last sentence re: “…do not mount it onto DSLR camera lenses” is worth reiterating.

Cheers

Dennis

[callingrohit]

Thank you Jarrod and Dennis foryour replies. I will be using hoya nd400 plus a homemade filter using Thousand Oaks RG Solar Film.

[JB80]

I wouldn't use the ND400, I never plan on using that again anywhere near the sun.
I did it out of curiousity seeing as Hoya advertise it as something that the filter can do but frankly I think they should take that information off their website and packaging as it's not good for you or the camera.

Stick with the thousand oaks stuff and that will be fine.

:)

[Poita]

I was about to pull the trigger on some 3.8 for my 4" scope. If you would have enough left over I'll buy it from you.
Cheers

-Peter

[cometcatcher]

I got some great pics in 2004 and will have another try this year but this time will be using completely different equipment so here's hoping.

The transit in 2004 with a video camera and 500mm telephoto (60mm refractor).

[naskies]

I wonder if the warning about not using OD3.8 on SLR lenses is more about operator safety than equipment damage, i.e. people looking through the viewfinder?

My fast telephoto lenses (e.g. f/2.8 or faster) act like finderscopes when I look through the viewfinder at night - I can see far more stars than with my naked eye alone. I can imagine this wouldn't be a good result pointing it at the sun with only a OD3.8 filter.

Quick back of the envelope calculations:

OD5 solar film blocks 99.999% of light, so it's like a log(10^5)/log(2) = 16.6 stop neutral density filter.

OD3.8 would block log(10^3.8)/log(2) = 12.6 stops of light.

Considering that OD5 film results in exposures nowhere near the maximum limit of my 5DmkII (1/8000 sec, ISO 100, f/32), I'd be a bit surprised if OD3.8 damages the camera.

For the record... Hoya's NDx400 filter that they claim is safe to shoot the sun with is only a 9 stop filter! In solar film terms, it would be equivalent to a OD2.7...

*** Note: the above is just my personal speculation, I don't actually know what I'm talking about so please be careful :)

[JB80]

This is what their site promotes....

"Photographing solar eclipses and ultra-bright light sources can be extremely dangerous. This filter reduces light values by 9 stops to less than 1/500th of its original intensity and allows safe photography."
They also show a pic of a full sun with sunspots.
http://www.hoyafilter.com/products/hoya/oef-07.html

There is absolutely nothing safe about it, they certainly don't give any intructions on safe use and there is absolutely no way anybody should be looking through the view finder thinking it'll be safe. It's not.

There may be a safe way to use it but I wouldn't recommend it.

[Dennis]

It’s also worth noting that when I connect my DSLR to my (dumb) Mewlon 180mm F12 ‘scope, the effective viewing aperture is F12 at prime focus and F19.6 with the Tak x1.6 extender.

With a DSLR lens, light throughput to the viewfinder is at the maximum aperture of the lens, as the camera meters the scene wide open and only stops down at the moment of exposure.

So, if you fit an F2.8 lens, then you are essentially viewing at 4 to 5 stops wider than my F12 ‘scope, even if you have set the aperture to F22.

Cheers

Dennis

[Sausageman]

I will be setting up my 10" LX200 at Yeronga AFL Club in Cansdale St, Yeronga, Brisbane, I should have the polar alignment done well beforehand, as I will be there at 6am. Anyone is welcome to come and have a look. I will probably have some pin hole devices as well as some of Mike's glasses for viewing.
It is my work site and I have my bosses permission, but please wear some sturdy shoes, thongs will not be allowed on site.

Mike.

[h0ughy]

so you will be working and viewing?;)

[Sausageman]

Yep Dave, it is a work day after all.
Long time between posts for me, been busy for 3 years doing nothing until now. Now teaching the long term unemployed how to work again and doing flood recovery work at the same time.

Mike.

[sheeny]

I put my leave application in yesterday.:D Time to start making sacrifices to the "gods of skies clear"...;) If its clear I'll be in the obs!:thumbsup:

Al.

[Shark Bait]

Maybe this should go into the obsessed thread...:P

I used Starry Night to help plan my transit images. These screen shots are the 'natural' views from Brisbane. I will have to invert and flip the images to match the eyepiece views. I hope we all get clear skies.

[Mal01]

Just for information, the IPS (Ionospheric Prediction Service) of BoM will be providing a live broadcast using the Culgoora solar telescope.

The Culgoora Solar Observatory is located 25 km west of Narrabri, in north-west New South Wales. The observatory conducts continuous optical and radio observations of the sun every day of the year.

Observing instrumentation includes:


a 12 cm solar telescope fitted with an hydrogen-alpha filter, used to observe solar flares and other phenomena
a 30 cm heliostat, used to observe sunspot evolution
a solar radiospectrograph which sweeps through a frequency range of 18 - 1800 MHz every three seconds, used to monitor solar radio bursts



See http://www.ips.gov.au/

Mal

[jjjnettie]

I dropped in at my kids High School yesterday to find out what they will be doing for the Transit and if they'd like me to set up my gear so the students can see this very rare astronomical event.
The Science teacher said they are doing nothing about the Transit, and no they don't need a telescope, thank you and good bye. :shrug: :screwy: :rolleyes:
Soooo, it looks like I'll be free to do as I wish on the day. If it's clear I'll set up in the back yard.
If it's cloudy I'll put into place Plan B. ie. I'm going to pack the gear in the car and keep driving west until it's clear.
If anyone cares to join the convoy just drop me a PM.

[iceman]

I can't believe some schools aren't doing anything.. Once in a lifetime event for the kids.

[jjjnettie]

How can teachers instil enthusiasm for science in the students, if they have none themselves. :(

[Shark Bait]

It is disappointing to hear that a Science Teacher is not willing to embrace this as a chance to inspire the Students. As you said, you are free to chase the Sun if it is cloudy in your corner of the world.

[Suzy]

Good on you Dennis for posting that and worthy of bringing it to everyone's attention again. :thumbsup:

I've just ordered my Baader solar film from Sirius Optics here in Brisbane.:D And now to work out what to do with it :rolleyes::lol:.
Not having done this before I'm as nervous as a bull at an abbertoir.:prey:
I'm planning on using the Canon DSLR camera (not on the dob) and my 10" dob and stopping down the aperture (and covering the hole with the solar film). I think.... Can't decide between that and my Stellarview 9x50 finder.:shrug: . Hmmm much thinking to do.

Ron said he still has some available, so if anyone's interested this is what he has:

250 x 250mm sheets (visual) $49.00 (2 left in stock)

250 x 500mm sheets (visual) $69.00

250 x 250mm sheets (Imaging) $49.00


Jarrod: thanks so much for posting and putting up a pic of what it it'll look like through the camera, I've been wondering the same thing (never having done this before), so you've helped me greatly, thank you. :)

[Liz]

Unbelievable!!!!!

Well there you go, you can relax and enjoy it now jjj!!

[Octane]

Peter Tan also has plenty of stock if people can't get any locally.

Cheers for the heads up, Suzy.

H

[Liz]

I am still in shock that the school at Kilcoy are unaware if the famous person in their midst!! What imbeciles that dont appreciate the talents of the world famous Jeanette Dunphy at their doorstep!!!!

[jjjnettie]

:rofl: oh you crack me up

[Mariner]

THanks for the great info Mike - just what I was looking for.



Sorry to hear that JJJ - how can a teacher be that way? I asked my daughters teacher if she would like me to bring some scopes in to view the transit and she was stoked (2nd grade). I have 8 x IIS viewing glasses, 12" Dob and step ladder with orion sun filter, 6" mak with orion sun filter (hasn't arrived yet), 4 inch refractor and 70mm spotting scope to view with. I have a little Galileoscope but am worried it might melt.... The amount of scopes I will set up will depend on how many helpers front up on the morning.

I purchased a piece of seymour solar film to make a filter for my refractor and mak but wasn't sure of how reliable it will be (hence the orion filter in the post). I would like to make a filter for the refractor still but don't want any little kiddies to go blind either - thinking about it I will probably just make a sun funnel for the refractor and the spotting scope instead. I will use gaffa/gaffer tape on every scope to ensure no little hands can pull off filters etc.

Anything else i should be doing??? I am very excited to show the kids of 2R the transit but am also very cautious as to the planning of 24 kids looking at the sun. If anyone can think of as many different safety precautions to take, it would be very much appreciated. I intend to make a little safety sheet/booklet up and some basic factual info as well.

[Liz]

Can I ask a stupid question? Having never witnessed one of these before, do we need to wear our lovely IIS eclipse glasses? I will have my GStar attached to the scope then to PC for the public/myself to see the transit. I wasnt going to look at the Sun, but will Venus be visible as the little dot that comes up in images of previous transits?

[Dennis]

Hi Liz

Good question, and especially so when it concerns safety of vision!:thumbsup:

Yes – use authentic, approved solar eclipse glasses to view the transit with the unaided eye. The Eclipse glasses that Mike has in the IIS shop (http://shop.iceinspace.com.au/shop/iceinspace-eclipse-glasses/)writes:

"These cardboard Eclipse glasses are absolutely safe for direct solar viewing of solar eclipses, sun spots and other solar phenomenon. The filters in the glasses are optical density 5 or greater and are “CE” certified which meets the transmission requirements of scale 12-16 of EN 169/1992 (Australian standard AS 1338.2 and 1338.3).

The lenses are made of exclusive scratch resistant optical density 5, “Black Polymer” material. Eclipse Shades filter out 100% of harmful ultra-violet, 100% of harmful infrared, and 99.999% of intense visible light. These premium filters create a sharper ORANGE coloured image of the sun. The backside is printed with information for safe use and warnings about correct usage".

I didn’t get to visually observe the last transit in 2004 due to pesky cloud cover, so I don’t have any direct experience of visual observing. Venus subtends an apparent angle of just under 1 arc minute, so you could stack approx. x30 Venus’s along the Lunar terminator, so I think you will easily be able to see the silhouetted disc as it crosses the solar face.

Cheers

Dennis

[04Stefan07]

I have my end of semester 1 uni exams coming up and LUCKILY the transit is on the 6th because I have an exam on the 5th and 7th, the days before and after.

Thank god for that!!! :D

[JethroB76]

My kids here in Tassie will be on school holidays so it will work out well for me..

[cosmicap]

Hi- I'm very much the novice but would love to photograph this rare event.
Years ago I had a toy refrctor telescope that had a white screen on an adjustable rod that would focus the sun's image from the eyepiece. We now have a (rarely used) Celestron 130mm, F1=650 F5 Newtonian and I am wondering if a similar method could be used. No access to ND filters for direct viewing/photographing, sadly. 'Scuse my ignorance - hope there is some way to record the show.

[callingrohit]

Hi community,

I ended up making a solar film (1000 Oaks RG) filter using the pringles tube. Adjusted the length of it to fit exactly the full zoom of my telephoto lens, taped the solar film on one end of the open tube. And I was able to capture the sun. Now i'm ready for the transit of venus, ofcourse subjected that my manager allows me to go outside every hour to snap the transit.

[Liz]

A great idea Vivek!! Can you give us a pic of the finished product?

Catweazel from up here has made a solar filter for his ? 11" scope with the bottom of black plastic bucket & Baeder solar film, it fits snuggly and looks great!!

[callingrohit]

Thanks Liz.

Attached are the images. I'll be wrapping up the complete tube with a black paper. I used a black electrical insulation tape to secure the foil on the tube.
Lucky I had the solar film because apparently there is a huge stock crisis happening around solar films and various solar related filters.

Regards
Vivek

[Liz]

:thumbsup: thank you Vivek, that looks nice and easy.

[StephenM]

Hi Peter,

Yes you can do a similar thing. I finally got around to testing out transit of Venus options with my 130mm Newtonian yesterday morning. I just opened the small aperture in the cap at the end of the optical tube (rather then removing the entire cap), and then projected the image of the sun onto a sheet of white paper in a large black bucket. It's a very crude setup, but I was able to snap an image of the Sun without too much trouble (see attached images). I'll probably use this projection approach to show the children in my son's grade 5 class at school.

Note of course that you have to avoid actually looking into the eyepiece, or you'll suffer permanent eye damage! For this reason I leave the caps on the finder scope.

(And yes, I do need to clean the eyepiece before the transit...!)

Cheers,
Stephen

[Suzy]

Thanks Liz,
You've just asked a question that I've been wanting to ask. :thumbsup:

Don't forget everyone, Mike has done a huge article in the projects & articles section for observing the Venus transit. :thumbsup:
You can find it here. (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/63-658-0-0-1-0.html)

Frank, I hope the link I've supplied above helps with your question regarding putting together an observing guide. :question:

[jjjnettie]

:D I just had a phone call from my boys High School, and they have decided that they would love to have me set up for the Transit. :D
I had a bit of a whinge about it on FB and one of my friends who works in admin at the school saw it, and she gave them a serve. LOL
:thumbsup: :D

[iceman]

Nice one! Glad they saw the light!

[jjjnettie]

I'm stoked, I really am. I'd better get some study done so I'm prepared for any questions. :)

[Shark Bait]

Hi JJJ,

Lots of information here:

http://www.transitofvenus.com.au/HOME.html

and here:

http://www.sydneyobservatory.com.au/transit-of-venus-6-june-2012/

I am happy that the school had a change of heart. I am setting up scopes at my Son's school on the 6th. If the weather holds over 600 people will get to take part in this event. The SolarScope, a projection scope that was won by the school should be presented by a Surveyor next week. :thumbsup:

There seems to be a bit of excitement building up on IIS.

[jjjnettie]

Only the science classes will be taking the time off class, the rest of the school will be able to take a look if they wish, during lunch break. :)
I'm thinking that Pin Hole Projection will be the way to go. To keep them busy while waiting to take their turn at the scope.
I wish I had a PST to use as well.

[Adelastro1]

I'm hearing that some stocks of Astrosolar film are running low (who would have figured that! haha) but I just bought some from Twin City Cameras (also trade as Adelaide Optical Centre) on Grenfell St and they seemed to have a bit left still.

They sell it for $50 but if you buy it over the web prices approach that anyway with postage costs, plus delivery time, so if you're in Adelaide and need some in a hurry check them out. Since they know me quite well mention my name and they MAY give you a few bucks off (not guaranteed)! (I don't receive any benefit from this, only friendly banter from the staff when I head into the shop! :D).

Cheers,
Wayne

[Liz]

Great to hear!!!

[Liz]

This is a great site to see how the Transit will occur in your area - I think it was from Ron on FB - click on the map, or just put in your coordinates.
http://www.sunaeon.com/venustransit/#

Also, I had forgotton about good old Stellarium, which will show you how the transit will progress. :thumbsup:

the image is for 11.20 am in Townsville -

[Poita]

I got the same result at our local school, and I even had a lesson plan ready for them to use, 3 scopes, viewing glasses and pinhole cards for the students to make and use.

I can't believe they are not taking advantage of a literally once in a lifetime event.

I'm keeping my kids home for the morning, they will learn more here if the weather is clear.

[Octane]

My filter arrived. Not a scratch or dent to be found.

The box says Mylar but the information sheet mentions AstroSolar film.

Either way, I'm glad it is here!

Thanks to those who pointed me in the right direction.

H

[Shark Bait]

You will know by how the Sun looks at the eyepiece. The Mylar gives a very slight blue tint to the Sun whilst the Baader provides a true white light view. Both types will do the job.

[jjjnettie]

:( I'm sorry you got that reaction. It hurts on a few different levels doesn't it. :(
I hope you and the kids enjoy the experience anyway. At least you arent tied down now if the weather in inclement. You'll be able to pack the kids and scope in the car and go on a Transit chase. :D

[iceman]

There's now an embedded animation/simulation in the article (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/index.php?id=63,658,0,0,1,0#WHEN) (courtesy of SunAeon) that will show you what the transit will look like from your location.

[psyke777]

Anyone arranging a get-together for Sydney people?

[Scopie]

I've taken the 6th off and will be watching from (at this stage) 60% sunny Perth thru the 5cm apeture hole in my 16" dob. Just glued my film over the inside of the mirror cover and plan to observe the sun frequently from now on. Seems silly doesn't it? All that apeture masked off...

I tested the film last weekend and observed the excellent grouping of sunspots in 13mm and 9mm, though at 9mm the view had definitely softened. Its amazing how much the sun disturbs the air!

[h0ughy]

Looking at the weather forecast for Newcastle it no longer seems an option to stay at home (bugger have things just about setup). I will be monitoring the situation and make a decision on Friday as to the action to be taken – because I will have to book a ticket. I have looked at the forecast for Alice Springs, Adelaide, Brisbane and Dubbo, Melbourne, Rockhampton with only two possible fly to destinations available – Alice Springs and Brisbane.

This means I have to rethink my whole strategy as to capturing the transit. I might look at a zoom video camera as something light to put on the polarie and take the lunt with the dmk41 to put on the astrotrac. Battery power and weight……..if I make the plunge for a flight will have to go night before and then find a spot near the airport to do the viewing from so can get back on the flight home…..seems like I have done this before…..?

Astrotrac and the polarie both run on AA batteries – take two laptops and battery backup may get me through the day..

the thrill of the chase - i think not:sadeyes:

[madwayne]

Being bold making weather predictions this far out Houghy, personally I think I will sit tight knowing I have the Wednesday off and can drive after work Tuesday if it is looking that bad.

Sutherland Astronomical Society will be holding an open day for anyone interested in viewing the transit through members or Society telescopes. More details on www.sasi.net.au (http://www.sasi.net.au). That is my plan at the moment to be there on the day helping out and viewing the transit with other members if sydney's weather co-operates.

Clear skies to you all for the day.

Wayne

[h0ughy]

Na not bold - practical. if you dont plan for the contingencies......;)

[sheeny]

Fingers crossed...

Look at this forecast for Oberon! Venus day is the best so far... but the fact that rain is forecast on the days either side of it has me worried.:sadeyes: 102mm in 24hrs just 2 days before...

Time will tell.

BTW... if it turns out conditions are good here, your welcome to visit for the day, Dave! I'll be here one way or the other...

;)

Al.

[Shark Bait]

Thanks for posting the weather info Houghy. I hope we all get clear skies.

[Shark Bait]

For some reason I am having trouble visualising the ingress and egress areas when looking through the filtered 12" Newtonian.

I must be spatially challenged? :ashamed:

I resorted to using Starry Night and Paint to put these cheat sheets together. The goal is to magnify the correct area of the Sun for taking video of Venus as it passes through 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th contacts. The images with the text in the correct orientation are the natural views and the other images are what I should see through the eyepiece.

Has anyone else been through this exercise?

Are these screen grabs correct for the location of Venus through the eyepiece?

Thanks,
Stu.

[Poita]

You're welcome to come visit us in Mudgee if you want to make the drive.
I have that newfangled 240V power fitted to the house and everything :)

_peter

[Poita]

Road trip!

[h0ughy]

looking at the forecast Peter i think you will be in the same boat as us on the coast:sadeyes:

[Poita]

Quite possibly, but if not, the offer is open.

[h0ughy]

might just take you up on that ;) if the weather is nicer there

[willpower]

New Kendrick Baader filter arrived! Now for a break in the clouds over Port Mac!:rolleyes:

[h0ughy]

well looking more to the forecast - i think i will be definitely flying to SUNNY brissy, but its at the cost of most of my gear staying home. i rather see it then not at all

[Shark Bait]

Hi Houghy,

I know that there will be solar filtered scopes setup at the Brisbane Planetarium (Mt Coot-tha) and at the Queensland Museum. The Brisbane Astronomical Society will be making these scopes available for all who wish to get involved and take the time to have a look. I am certain you would be welcomed to help out. :thumbsup:

I will be setting up at my Son's school. If the weather is clear and everything goes to plan we hope to have around 600 people see the transit.

Regards,
Stu.

[Adelastro1]

Forecast for Wednesday for Adelaide is mostly sunny. Looks good at this stage! I just hope it will be like it was today here, beuatiful!

[h0ughy]

if, just if , i happen to fly up late tuesday night is there access to mt coot-tha - never been there. I would need to polar align and setup before the sun comes up. may probably end up sleeping in the car for a early 4am start? but this is of course all very academic until sunday nights weather forecast;)

[Shark Bait]

Yes, there is easy access and dedicated carparks for the Planetarium and the Lookout at Mt-Cootha. The Planetarium is part of the Botanical Gardens complex at the base of the Mt-Cootha. The Lookout is next to the Summit Restaurant & Cafe and offers views of the City. The speed limit is 50km/h and it is a good idea to stick to it as the police like to set up speed traps on the road to the top. Both sites are popular and the public will be interested in what you are doing.

The Planetarium link:

http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/facilities-recreation/arts-and-culture/planetarium/index.htm

This is the site that some BAS members will be setting up to assist the Planetarium with the expected large numbers of public. Careful placement of the scope will be needed to catch the transit from beginning to end. 1st & 2nd at approx 18deg altitude. 3rd & 4th at approx 24deg altitude.

Some Lookout images:

http://www.brisbanelookout.com/index.php?option=com_photogallery&task=view&gallery=4&Itemid=7

The Lookout has good views to the North and very good views to the East and South. The Western horizon is parially blocked by trees and a small pagoda. The 3rd & 4th contacts will occur at 24 deg altitude. I cannot be certain that you will catch it without having to move.

Hope this helps.

[Liz]

Just made my dodgy cardboard and solar film cover for my camera lens. Aim to get a pic as it all starts, then later, when in town and all set up, hopefully an image through the scope.

This is an image just taken through the solar film - hoping venus will stand out quite nicely.

[msshhhh]

Currently insanely jealous of everyone not living in Sydney. The sky is a sheet of grey. And I am refusing to believe what any of the weather reports are telling me.

[Sausageman]

Will still be setting up at Yeronga AFL Club grounds, will get the whole transit from start to finish.
Won't be there early enough for a polar alignment or any stars either. just have to rely on GPS and adjust it.
Got lots of visitors coming along.

Clear skies everyone.

Mike.

[Giuseppe66]

Hi everybody! I represent a group of Italian stargazers who will be watching the transit from the southern tip of Italy. We will be able to watch just the last hour, when the sun will rise above our horizon. Does anybody in Australia or elsewhere want to share pics, so we can play at measuring the AU? We also have a couple of high school students who will be happy to get involved in it. We will be taking pics every 5 min (6:00; 6:05 etc) and we also take the time of the 3rd and 4th contact. Our location is at 37°55' N and 16° 00' E, approx. Let us know, ciao:rofl:

[Sausageman]

The lappie has died on me, so it will be a visual observation only.
Still it could be worse.

Mike.

[Rockah]

Watching/imaging now - thought it would be pleasant, but it really is quite amazing

[SkyViking]

Got beautiful almost clear skies here in Auckland :) Watching through a spottingscope with Baader film at work, it looks stunning :D:D

[Satchmo]

Getting some great views here from Berowra , Sydney. Cloud is fast moving and low and getting some good stretches of clear sky where the Sun is.

The first thing that strikes me is how black the disc of Venus looks against the Sun !

[SkyViking]

A quick snap with the iPhone

[Dennis]

Nice on Rolf – here’s one with a few low altitude wobbles from the shimmering horizon.

Vixen ED102S F9 refractor with Canon 40D and Extender x1.4.

Cheers

Dennis

[Suzy]

Whoa I can see it really well just with the solar glasses!!!! :eyepop:
I have the Canon 1100D taking pics thru my 10" dob, but for me, nothing beats the view of eyeballing it straight with the glasses.
What an exhilarating experience!

[Forgey]

A quick one from this morning.
Image taken at 8:39am using canon 1100d on the saxon ed100

[JSmith]

Hi all,

I'm in the Sydney CBD at work and won't be able to get a proper look until after work... which will be too late.

Is anyone setup in the city or somewhere close with a filtered telescope that I may come to share with you during my lunch break?

Either that or does anyone know of a shop that sells eclipse glasses in the city?

I've been observing the event online since it began but would love to have a proper look.

I will be very appreciative to anyone who can assist me today.

Thanks,

JSmith :help::thanx:

[iceman]

Try the observatory?

[mithrandir]

Think it was booked out Mike. Should check before traveling.

[JSmith]

Thanks Iceman.

I tried to book yesterday but all booked out I'm afraid... Unfortunately I only found out about this a few days ago which hasn't given me much time to get organised. I thought there was just the partial lunar eclipse this year and the full solar eclipse later in the year. :(



C'mon, there must be someone with a setup in the Sydney CBD I can share for 5 mins? :)

... or surely there is a store I can buy some eclipse glasses from?

Cheers,

JSmith :thanx:

[JSmith]

Bugger, it's cloudy and raining again now anyway... :(

JSmith

[justicewell]

i was bound in by fog up here on my perch in the blue mountains, but loved watching it live on the net, with awesome commentaries from the guys in Hawaii. have been trolling around looking at some of the pics here on IIS and am lovin what i see.
cheers:D