Venus crossing the sun for the last time this century - KNOE 8 News; KNOE-TV; KNOE.com |

By Victoria Shirley

MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News)- Venus is making it's rare journey cross the sun, it is a twice in a lifetime experience and its your last chance to see the spectacle. "It's because it's rare to see another object go across the face of the sun, it is an incredible event." said science professor Don Wheeler.

The celestial event is called the Venus Transit and it only happens twice in each century. It occurred in 2004 and after Tuesday, it won't happen again for another 105 years. "It is a somewhat rare event, it does come in cycles, it comes in cycles of pairs if you will." Wheeler.

Prior to 2004, the last Venus transit took place in 1882. Observations then were instrumental in figuring the distance from the sun to the earth. And for modern astronomers, the rare planetary lineup will allow NASA to study the planet's atmosphere.

Wheeler encourages everyone use caution when glimpsing the celestial event. "Because this is a solar event, it is very important, we can't stress this enough, you cannot look at the sun without protection."said Wheeler.

Scientists say looking directly at the sun can damage your eyes. Wheeler says the best way to safely view the event is with number 14 welder's mask glass.
"you can get these usually at welding shops and maybe some of the hardware stores but this is actually the piece of glass that fits inside the welders glass." The next transit will happen in December of the year 2117.  "It is going to be a rather spectacular event and plus it's rare and we're not going to see it again, so let's take advantage of it while we can. Hopefully the weather will be cooperating with us." said Wheeler.