TRANSIT OF VENUS

Hello Fellow StarGazers!
Just a reminder that today- June 5th -Venus will be transiting (crossing in front of) the sun. This only occurs in 8 year pairs every 110 years or so. The last one was in 2004, the next one won't be until 2117!
There is an EXCELLENT video and article at LATIMES.COM that explains what is happening and how scientists used the transit of Venus back when Captain James Cook was sailing to Tahiti (the last time it happened prior to 2004) to measure it for purposes of determining the distance from the Earth to the Sun.

The article also tells how you can view it safely. In Arkansas it is visible starting around 5 p.m.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-venus-transit-20120601,0,3065385.story

Astronomy is looking up! (but not directly up....at the sun, that is).

Have a great weekend! Oh, what to wear to the transit.....

We're Havin' A Heat Wave...

We're breaking records today and yesterday with the high temps. (Clear and currently 84 degrees!) The weather is really nice for our Spring Break guests. Everybody is catching lots of fish- we had a guided fishing trip out this morning, several jonboats rented, and plans for canoe & kayak rentals tomorrow.
We are selling lots of firewood because tonight is going to be gorgeous! Jupiter and Venus are still visible just after sundown and Mars and Orion can also be seen. Our friend is bringing his high powered telescope down to the resort and has offered to let anybody who is interested participate in the star gazing party. There's not a cloud in the sky...
After dancing toward each other in the sky for months, the two bright planets finally come together tonight (March 13) in what's known as a conjunction. At their closest point this evening, they'll be separated by a scant 3 degrees as they hover above the western horizon. (Your clenched fist held at arm's length covers about 10 degrees).
Wish You Were Here!!!