So often celestial events require the perfect circumstances for amateur star-gazers to get a glimpse of the spectacular, but a local astronomer says the 2012 Venus Transit should be visible as long as there are clear skies where you live.
The Venus Transit is the . The last one took place in 2004, but you had to fly to Europe if you wanted to see it.
Morris Jones of the Old Town Sidewalk Astronomers says that the experience Tuesday should be "remarkable" as long as the clouds have parted.
"It should be perfect wherever you are," Jones said. "In order to view it you just need a clear sky."
As far as equipment goes, however, there are some special things amateurs need to get a good glimpse.
"What you need is a special telescope with a fildter or some sort of projection system," noting that people can use #14 welder's glass to view the event as well.
Jones brought a special telescope to work and will be checking out the Venus Transit from there while his wife, Jet Propulsion Laboratory astronomer Jane Houston Jones, will set up her telescope in a parking lot at JPL.
"They're expecting quite a crowd," Jones said.
For amateurs who don't have the right equipment, Jones recommended watching the Venus Transit on the NASA website.
"NASA will be streaming the whole event from Hawaii," Jones said. "You'll have a full view of the whole event."
- WHAT: The 2012 Transit of Venus
- WHEN: 3:06 p.m. PST, 6:06 p.m. EST
- WHERE: Anywhere with a clear sky!
