June 5th, 2:30pm - The event will proceed as planned.
See you tonight!

View the Transit of Venus!

The community is invited to join University of Waterloo Physics & Astronomy professors, students, and members of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) to take in this astronomical event that will not happen again for more than 100 years!

Tuesday, June 5th 2012
5:00-8:00pm
University of Waterloo, BMH Green

Activities include:

• Public Lecture - "Observing the Transits of Venus: Why and How Astronomers Risked Their Lives", Prof Gretchen Harris, Physics & Astronomy Dept, Arts Lecture Hall (AL), room 116, 5:00-5:45pm (Seating is limited, please register)
• Free transit viewing glasses, while supplies last
• Watch the transit through solar telescopes and live video
• Ask an astronomer!

Due to popular demand the Public Lecture has been moved to a larger lecture hall - AL 116. Please see the updated event map for location

What is a transit of Venus?

When Venus passes directly between earth and the sun, we see the distant planet as a small dot gliding slowly across the face of the sun.  Historically, this rare alignment is how we measured the size of our solar system.  

Looking for some more information? Check out the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada's Transit of Venus site!

Weather considerations:

This event is weather dependent. 
The public lecture will run, rain or shine. The final decision on the viewing portion of the evening will be made by 9am on June 5th and posted here. Severe cloud cover and/or rain could cause a cancellation.  

Safety Note:
Do not look at the sun with unprotected eyes or use personal telescopes to view this event.  

Event location:

Full campus map

Campus parking information 

Tuesday June 5th is 2-for-1 rider day on the GRT! Please consider taking public transit to this event.For more information and routes, please visit Grand River Transit.