What is a Transit?

A transit is where one astronomical body appears to pass in front of another. In this case, it is that Venus appears to cross the sun.

When is it happening

Depending on your time zone, it will either be the afternoon of the 5th of June or the morning of the 6th of June. Check here for details.

Why is it so Special?

Transits are very rare. The next one will be in 105 years time. This is the last chance we will get in our lifetime to witness this event

What are Transits useful for?

In the year 1769, a transit was used by Captain Cook and others to first get a measure for the distance between the Earth and the Sun. This was the first time we had an accurate idea of the scale of our solar system and our place in it.

The Gloria Project

Message to the future: The Transit of Venus is a very special day in world history. Join a global EU funded arts/science activity and record something of your part of the world on that day. In 2117, at the time of the next transit of Venus, people will be looking.

Please go to www.gloria-project.eu and get involved.

Who made this site

This site was created by the Bradford Robotic Telescope Project. You can use our professional telescope online to take your own pictures of space.