Transits of Venus
Book Author Classroom Activities
DescriptionA transit of Venus occurs when the planet Venus passes directly in front of the sun as
seen from the vantage point of earth. It’s a rare alignment of the sun, Venus and earth.
Therefore, the next transit of Venus on 5-6 June 2012 is a very special phenomenon, not to
be seen again until 2117.
A study of celestial mechanics will reveal why transits of Venus are so infrequent. An
analysis of the circumstances of the 2012 transit prepares you for the upcomming event.