An astounding astronomical event begins low in the western sky this evening, and the University of Mississippi’s Kennon Observatory is inviting everyone to come view it safely. Shortly after 5 p.m., the planet Venus will pass in front of the sun for a heavenly spectacle that will not happen again for 105 years.
The university’s Department of Physics and Astronomy is hosting an open house at the observatory, with telescopes in the parking lot and inside the observatory dome. Staff members will project the image of the sun on a screen so everyone can view it at the same time. Special filters on the telescopes will allow for safe viewing of the event. It is dangerous to watch the event without proper equipment!
Particularly interesting is the time of the entry (5:05 to 5:25 p.m.), when Venus’ atmosphere becomes visible in a telescope.
The event is free and open to the public. However, in case of cloudy weather, it may not be possible to see the sun at all.