Transit of Venus

Date: May 26, 2012
Contact: Joanne Kerns, 701-745-3300

Stanton, North Dakota: See the last Transit of Venus in your lifetime! Visit Knife River Indian Villages NHS and safely witness this event. The best and safest way to view this rare event is through a solar-filtered telescope. Amateur astronomers will have several telescopes set up for public viewing beginning at 5:00 p.m. CDT until sunset on June 5, 2012. Remember; NEVER look directly at the sun.

What is a Transit of Venus? The Transit of Venus takes place when the planet Venus passes directly between the Sun and Earth, becoming visible against the solar disk. Venus transits were historically important as they were used to gain the first real size estimates of the solar system. After the June 5, 2012 transit, there won't be another such alignment until 2117.

North Dakota weather can be unpredictable. In case of bad weather or heavy clouds, this event may be cancelled. If in doubt, contact the park on the day of the event 701-745-3300. Knife River Indian Villages is located 1/2 mile north of Stanton at 564 County Road 37.

For more information on the Transit of Venus:
NASA websites:
http://venustransit.nasa.gov/transitofvenus/
http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/OH/transit12.html
other:
http://www.transitofvenus.org/