Once in a lifetime: Transit of Venus set for June 5-6

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    Update: On June 5 and 6, weather and location permitting, citizens of Earth were able to see a solar event that won't be repeated until 2117 - the transit of Venus. Similar to an eclipse, a transit occurs when a planet or other object moves between the sun and Earth.

    Here, the transit of Venus has almost begun.

    Source: NASA

    Caption by: Andy Smith

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    Venus appears to be a spot on the sun as it appears to fly over the sun's surface in this image taken by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO).

    Caption by: Andy Smith

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    How the Venus transit might look to a normal observer from Earth using a filter.

    Caption by: Andy Smith

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    This image was taken by NASA Astronaut Don Pettit from aboard the International Space Station on June 5, 2012.

    Credit: Don Pettit

    Caption by: Andy Smith

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    SDO shows the path of Venus across the sun.

    Caption by: Andy Smith

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    Caption by: Andy Smith

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    Venus transits usually occur in pairs, once per century. This 2004 photo catches a plane that appears to be streaking toward Venus.

    NOTE: If you want to see the transit - DO NOT STARE at the sun. Use some kind of eye protection such as welder's glasses. Here are some eye safety techniques.

    Source: NASA

    Caption by: Andy Smith

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    This map shows the times that the transit can be seen throughout the world.

    Click on the image to enlarge.

    If you aren't able to watch the transit, you can always watch it live on the Web.

    Caption by: Andy Smith

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    Here's a real photo of the sun with the most likely route of Venus as it transits.

    Caption by: Andy Smith

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    This is a photo of Venus approaching the blocked out sun.

    Caption by: Andy Smith

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    Photos taken by the TRACE satellite.

    Caption by: Andy Smith

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    This image shows where Venus was seen in 2004 and where it will be seen on June 5 and 6, 2012.

    Caption by: Andy Smith

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    The transit will be captured by numerous photos and videos, of course. Some of the most interesting will come from the International Space Station and the Hubble Space Telescope. The Hubble's lens cannot tolerate the brightness of the sun so scientists plan on it capturing reflections off the moon.

    Caption by: Andy Smith

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    This rocky location on the moon is where scientist plan to have the Hubble focus on.

    Caption by: Andy Smith

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    This view of the 2004 transit of Venus was taken from the International Space Station

    Credit: Thomas Maruska

    Caption by: Andy Smith

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The planet Venus moved directly between the Earth and the sun - and will not do it again for another century.

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Update: On June 5 and 6, weather and location permitting, citizens of Earth were able to see a solar event that won't be repeated until 2117 - the transit of Venus. Similar to an eclipse, a transit occurs when a planet or other object moves between the sun and Earth.

Here, the transit of Venus has almost begun.

Source: NASA

Caption by: Andy Smith

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