This image taken at about 18:24 Arizona time, is the approximate mid point in the transit of Venus. I adjusted the image such that ecliptic north is up. Venus moved from left to right across the northern hemisphere of the solar disc.
Image: Venus at Mid-Transit. Camera: Canon SX-40, Rainbow Symphony Solar Filter, Shutter Speed: 1/2000′, Aperture: F 5.0, Film Speed: ISO 3200
We will not be able to watch or photograph much more today since the terrain rises to the west and apparent sunset is about forty minutes before actual. Regardless, we wouldn’t see Venus exit the disc since that will occur well after sundown here in the 48 contiguous states. We feel lucky that we got to see the midpoint of the transit.
We also feel lucky to have witnessed two solar events in just a little over three weeks, the first semi-rare event being the annular eclipse and this extremely rare Venus transit. The next transit of Venus will be 105 years hence in the year 2117.
No pics for me, but I watched it by focusing a telescope and projecting the image on a piece of paper. It was indeed fascinating!
I always liked how a telescope or binoculars can be used as a functional helioscope. We had a lot of fun watching the event. 😀
We’re about 1/3 of the way from Hawaii to the mainland, and one of the helicopter pilots we bring out got some good shots of it.
I’ll have to see if I can have him send me those….
That would be cool – the entire transit would be visible from that area. It was still going when the sun went down in the 48 states.
There is a really nice video at:
http://wattsupwiththat.com/2012/06/06/time-lapse-video-of-venus-transit-seen-from-sdo/