x
Breaking News
More () »

Fayetteville “Venus Transit” Watch Party

Amateur and professional astronomers stopped by the Venus Transit Party off of Garland Avenue in Fayetteville to check out this once in a lifetime sight. People...
Venus2

Amateur and professional astronomers stopped by the Venus Transit Party off of Garland Avenue in Fayetteville to check out this once in a lifetime sight.

People looked through telescopes of all sizes to catch a glimpse and local astronomers were excited to share it with the public. 

Venus3

"It ranks pretty high just because it's a semi-rare event that we can share with the public," Rebecca Mickol, Space and Planetary Association for Collaboration and Education Hogs (SPACE Hogs) member, said.

The last Venus Transit was in 2004. After Tuesday, it won't happen again for another 105 years.

"Earth, Venus and the Sun all have to be in a line for us to see it across the disk of the sun and basically that's a very small area," Mickol said.

Cathy Roe said, "I certainly won't be here the next time it comes so but she looks pretty good for her age."

Through an eye piece, people saw a small dot gliding across the face of the sun.

"I've gotten to see it through a sun scope, which is like a little dot at the corner of the sun. It's pretty cool looking," William Penny said.

Projection screens were set up so everyone could see the spectacular solar event. Spectators also saw sun spots up close.

"The best view has been through one of the little wooden sun spotters on the back table and it reflects down on a piece of paper and that one was really nice." Ricky Corder said.

 Astronomers said Earth is a lot like Venus.

"People think of it as Earth's evil twin cause they are about the same size but life definitely couldn't live there," Mickol said.

The next Venus Transit won't be in our lifetime. Scientist estimate the next one will be in 2117.

Before You Leave, Check This Out