Transit of Venus, Hobart

Courtesy of Mercury

As a Libran I could not possibly miss the Transit of Venus, an event that only comes around every hundreds years or so. Luckily the event happens in pairs eight years apart, so you have a double chance in each lifetime. Living in Hobart there is always the chance of cloud cover or overcast weather, but on” the day “  last week, the sky cleared and the sun came out. The Astrological Society of Tasmania set up a battery of telescopes on the Hobart Domain, a great location as this area juts out into the River Derwent allowing panoramic views of not only the sky, but of the river and Hobart as well. Generally, this area is mainly used for kite flying, the odd circus and somewhere to park your car. During the morning of the Transit there was a steady stream of people using the telescopes and taking this opportunity to view that other world.

The sun proved to be pulsating orange ball with a scattering of sun spots randomly scattered across its surface, and there was Venus a perfect round black form moving across its surface. I must confess, I was somewhat surprised by the perfect geometry of its shape in sharp contrast to that of the sun. Around the sun’s edge fiery gases licked the heavens. The whole scene was one that suggested power and heat, so if you missed it make a note for next time; it is only 117 years away.