Venus Transit: One of the most important astronomical events of this Century

One of the rarest of predictable astronomical phenomenon occurred on Tuesday and Wednesday (5 & 6 June 2012) when Venus passed directly between the Sun and Earth, a transit that will not occur again until the year 2117.

The skies were a bit cloudy initially but several brief breaks in the clouds allowed for some stunning Venus transit views.

The transit of 2012 lasted approximately 6 hours and 40 minutes. Starting at 3:39 A.M IST it was widely visible around the globe. Some countries saw the transit on Tuesday, while others saw it on Wednesday morning (due to Earth's rotation on its axis).

Due to the planet's (Venus) tilted orbit, Venus transits are so rare that only eight have been observed since the invention of the telescope more than 400 years ago. This particular Venus transit was the last transit of the 21st century; the prior transit took place on 8th June 2004. The previous pair of transits was in December 1874 and December 1882. The next transits of Venus will be in December, 10th & 11th 2117 and in December 2125.

Children & parents wait in line to view the 2012 Venus transit 

Our Zlife Education Astronomy team organized the event at Ahlcon International School, Mayur Vihar and at Camp Mustang (20 kms from Gurgaon) on 6th June 2012. Astronomy enthusiast kids along with their curious parents joined in the event, to view the last Venus Transit of this century, an event of which they can be sure will not be witnessed again in our lifetimes since the next one will happen only after 105.5 years.

Camp Mustang

Astronomy enthusiasts gathered around to view the transit of Venus, an event that will not occur again in our lifetimes

The event started at sunrise approx 5:23 A.M and lasted till 10:19 A.M. Initially there was a lot of disappointment as the sky was a bit cloudy, with only brief moments when it would be clear. However by 8:00 A.M the sky was completely clear to view the remaining transit without hassles.

Students at Ahlcon International School

Parents as enthusiastic as kids to view the transit

In the end we had a bunch of happily satisfied curious minds who witnessed a significant astronomical event.

Were you able to view the Venus Transit? Let us know in the comments. 
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Chinmaya Vidyalya Night Sky Observation Ssession at Camp Mustang

Chinmaya Vidyalya Night Sky Observation Session at Camp Mustang

Excitement was in the air so was in the little hearts about the night sky universe adventure which was about to start. 21 little ones were all geared up for their first night sky session at Zlife Education center of learning, Camp Mustang

We departed from school at around 1700 hrs and reached our destination, camp mustang at about 1830 hrs. It was cold but not enough to set back the curiosity of the students. 

Kids already had an idea of what they were going to see and experience in the night as they were briefed in the bus on our way. After entering the camp, we rested in the lounge area, where kids enjoyed evening snacks and beverages. 

At about 1930 hrs we briefed the kids about the camp and the program followed by the allocation of their respective tents. We gathered back in the lounge at around 2000hrs with our hopes up and feet down. I briefed kids about the program in short and emphasized on the medal distribution part, 1 could see the sparkle and a willingness to grab that shiny gold medal, in their eyes.

 2 groups were divided, one of which played the solar walk quiz and the other went to watch the moon and Jupiter through our very own 6” Newtonian telescope and vice versa.

Kids were jumping as if they have seen a fairy tale superhero and were ecstatic. We continued our venture of astro observation after a splendid vegetarian meal at 2100 hrs. 

After a break, kids were finally introduced to the basics of night sky observation with some definitions and concepts that are very handy for astro enthusiasts. Later they were taught about the sky map, planishphere. 

Now they were all geared up to go out there under the shades of the stars and look freely and be a part of the cosmos. After a refreshing beverage drink, at around 0000hrs we went out and learned about the constellations, myths, stories and their whereabouts in the sky.

 I set the telescope towards Pleiades star cluster and the mighty Orion Nebula in the constellation Taurus and Orion respectively. Now was the time for us to scoot back into the cosy and warm lounge area as the winter chills were knocking at our very sensitive senses. 

Kids were given a short break and after that they played 'SKETCH WHAT YOU SAW' competition in which  they drew the heavenly bodies on the paper, which were stored rather permanently in a safe section of their minds.

 I sent the kids to bed, beside them bragging about to learn more and more as the night was at peak and little minds needs rest too. At around 0500 hrs in the morning medals were distributed to the already wide awake kids and we bid our goodbyes to the camp after a nice breakfast. The night left its imprints on our minds and souls, the night observation of Chinmaya Vidyala