This evening, observers witnessed a rare celestial pattern which only happens once in our lifetime. The Transit of Venus across the sun was seen tonight starting 6:04p.m. EDT.  Stargazers were able to see Venus moving across the sun. By 6:22p.m., Venus appeared as a moving black dot against the sun.


The next Venus Transit won't happen again for another 105 years. The Transits normally happen in pairs, eight years apart. The last Venus Transit was in June 2004 which is paired with today's Transit.

Because Venus is closer to earth, it appeared larger as a little black dot against our sun. The rare astronomical event was only recorded six times in history.


The next pair of Venus Transits is scheduled to occur Dec. 11, 2117 and Dec. 8, 2125.


NASA will webcast this event live. Viewers from all over the world can witness this event tonight.


But to view this rare phenomenon, observers must follow NASA's advice. NASA recommends inexpensive eclipse shades which have special safety filters that appear similar to sunglasses, but these filters permits safe viewing.


Special solar filters are available for observers using binoculars and telescopes. NASA warns never to look directly into the sun through a telescope, as it will cause permanent damage to your eye sight.


For more information, check out NASA's Transit of Venus page.

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