Twin City Amateur Astronomers announce Venus transit event

[June 01, 2012]  McLEAN -- The Twin City Amateur Astronomers will host a Venus transit event at the Sugar Grove Nature Center on Tuesday from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. This will be the last opportunity this century to view the planet Venus as it crosses the face of the sun. Another chance at such a viewing will not occur again until 2117.

There will be a brief presentation on the history and cycles of Venus transits and their impact on astronomy.

A variety of viewing options will be available for the public to safely observe the transit, which begins with first contact at 5:04 p.m. local time. Viewing will continue until sunset.
At no time should you attempt to view the sun without proper protection to avoid eye injury.

Total transit time is about 6 hours and 40 minutes; however, since the transit will begin in the evening, early viewing is encouraged, as the sun will set below the horizon and distant tree line before the conclusion of the transit.

This event is free and no registration is required. With questions, contact Tom Weiland, 309-830-0167.

Sugar Grove Nature Center is located in beautiful, historic Funks Grove, just south of Bloomington-Normal. For a map and directions to the nature center, visit www.sugargrovenaturecenter.org. 

[Text from file received from Sugar Grove Nature Center]

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