There are some safe ways to view the transit as Venus passes between Earth and the sun. Never look directly at the sun!
To watch live feeds from around the world online, go to www.slooh.com.
NASA is also presenting a live webcast of the transit at this link: http://venustransit.nasa.gov/transitofvenus/.
Here are some alternative methods to try:
- Use eclipse shades or solar shades. They look similar to sunglasses but they have a special filter that allows safe viewing. Sunglasses do NOT provide adequate protection for your eyes.
- #14 shade welding glass provides adequate protection. Tinted or “smoked” glass does NOT.
- Make a pinhole projector using a long box, a piece of aluminum foil, a pin and a sheet of white paper. Learn how at this link: http://www.exploratorium.edu/eclipse/how.html
- Use binoculars or a telescope to project an image of the sun onto a white surface.
For more tips go to http://transitofvenus.org
Locally:
St. Ambrose University and Augustana College joined to host a Transit of Venus program at the Rogalski Center at the corner of Ripley and Lombard Streets, one block west of Harrison Street at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa. The event starts at 4:30 p.m. It’s free and open to the public.
A solar telescope will be set up at the south edge of Chandler Park in Macomb, Illinois and several WIU physics professors will be on hand to answer questions. Two telescopes will also be set up on the sixth floor of the WIU Malpass Library Archives Unit.
