2004 Venus Transit In Pictures

oneiros27 writes "For those astronomy fans out there -- pictures are starting to come in from the 2004 Venus Transit (where Venus passes in front of the sun). Times of the transit will vary by city, but make sure you use safe techniques for viewing the sun if you want to look for yourself." Anonymous Coward writes "Check out the transit of Venus webcast from Australia. It starts at 4.50 UTC on June 8." Update: 06/07 04:03 GMT by T : Linked webcast link updated to a URL projected to better handle the load, thanks to reader Tom Minchin.

Re:Sir?

[Man in Spandex]

When an event such at this occurs once in a lifetime, for the scientific enthusiasts or hobbyist, this is more than just a round disc blocking another shiny round disc.

We will learn more about this planet and how the corona varies compared to an eclipse.

Safety, Remember Safety

[Talking Toaster]

I'M BLIND!!!!

For one thing, it doesn't start for another day and an hour or so.

(I'll admit that I panicked and rushed outside and took quick looks at the sun, before I came back and read the article and realized we still have about 25 hours until it even starts.

For another thing, slashdot was kind enough to post a link to safety instructions [nasa.gov] in the headline.

So, what are solar filters? How much do they cost and where can I get one if I want to drive across the country in a mad dash to catch it at sunrise in South Dakota or whatever?

I've been wanting to check out that Wall Drugs that so many people have bumper stickers for for awhile anyway. Maybe they sell solar filters? But if I'm going to drive halfway across the country I want more then just a pinhole thingy.

Who's up for a road trip?

But if you forgot safety and go temporarily blind, at least you can turn your Chinatown apartment into one big computer and discover a way to predict the stock market.