Venus transit June 8 at sunrise: viewing party at KU?

[mckitterick]

It looks like we get a few minutes of Venus transit here, basically watching the disk of Venus slide off the sun's disk. Here's the info:

Begins to move off sun's disk 11:05 UT (that's 4:05am locally, folks)
Transit ends 11:25 UT (4:25am)

Hmmm... on the 8th, the sun rises 'round these parts at 10:54 UT (wow, just a half hour before the show is over). Gosh, might be easier for me to stay up rather than wake up, considering my usual schedule. Where's the highest place to set up a scope around here? Probably on the hill at KU (no parking problems at 4am). I have a solar filter so we won't burn out our eyeballs. If the sky is clear, I'll plan to set up the 'scope a little before 4am, unless'n we have some kind of astronomical all-night bash.

Who's interested? Sorry, everyone west of Kansas -- you don't get to see it at all until 2012, then in another 100 years or so.

Chris

Comments

[0verdrive.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't mind taking a look! (Work the next day wouldn't be fun, but how often do you get a chance to see the Venus transit?)

Campus would probably work, but there will be campus lights to contend with.

Wells Overlook would be ideal (high on a hill, then higher on a platform). The park "closes" after 10:00, but I wouldn't think that would have to stop you... who's going to be checking the park at 4:00 AM? ;)

Otherwise, the hill at clinton might be a good option...

(Both of these options require something of a trek with the telescope, but I could help, if you think it'd be worth it to get away from the lights...)

[bellanorth.livejournal.com]

I'll be interested in knowing the details you set; I'd like to see it if I may.

[0verdrive.livejournal.com]

I just remembered that last time I talked to you about the transit, you mentioned that city lights aren't such a big deal when looking at the moon. Which makes sense -- it's pretty damn bright on it's own.

I just naturally think telescope = dark place required. That said, I still have to ask: would it be better be in the country, or will it not really matter one way or the other?

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

For watchin' the sun, don't much matter if'n it's bright or dark! Just don't want visual obstacles like trees and buildings.

Chris

[tmseay.livejournal.com]

I'll join in! I guess I'll just keep an eye on the LJ for details, eh?

-Thomas

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

I'm afraid to say that the forecast is not only for clouds but also 30% chance of thunderstorms. Poo.

We'll just have to see one of the 40,000 digital movies posted tomorrow.

Chris

[adammaker.livejournal.com]

I'm quite interested, as you well know. ;^)

Your ex astrophysics geek,
Adam

No Venus transit viewing tonight

[0verdrive.livejournal.com]

Chris asked me to comment in this post informing everyone that due to predicted thunderstorms, there will be no Venus transit viewing this morning.

He muttered something about not wanting his telescope out in the rain. Wuss. ;)

I guess we'll have to wait until 2012?

Re: No Venus transit viewing tonight

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

By the way, the 2012 transit will be visible from start to end here in Kansas. So bite me >g<

Chris