• Partial Lunar Eclipse – June 4
• Transit of Venus – June 56
• Total Solar Eclipse – November 12 (North Qld)

A Transit of Venus is when Venus passes directly between earth and the sun so that we see the distant planet as a small dot gliding slowly across the face of the sun.  Historically, this rare alignment is how we measured the size of our solar system. For Australians – it is the reason captain James Cook was down this way back in 1769.

The next transit of Venus occurs June 6, 2012. This will be the last transit of Venus to occur in our lifetime. The next will be in 2117.

So: Mark your calendar.  Plan a visit to join us here at Siding Spring Observatory to safely view this rare event.