](http://www.kendallgiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Visibility_of_2012_Transit_of_Venus.png)A couple of days ago I posted about making blackberry cobbler from some wild blackberries we found and picked.
Nature is always interesting and surprising, but that little discovery of some wild blackberries made that day truly memorable. Those blackberries were an opportunity to appreciate what nature has to offer, to call my mom and ask for the cobbler recipe, and to fix and eat a dessert made from scratch.
That one event, the discovery of the blackberries, led to a chain of other events that transformed that otherwise ordinary day into a great day.
The universe often provides little treasures like that, but we are often too busy with the hassles and frustrations of “life” that we don’t notice them. Or if we do see them, we still don’t stop to appreciate them.
Like today, for example. The universe is providing another treasure, another opportunity for everyone to make their day a memorable one, if only folks take the initiative to notice and so something about it.
Today, 5 June 2012, the planet Venus will pass between Earth and the sun. This event won’t happen again in more than 100 years (not until the year 2117), so this is your once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness and appreciate this rare event. In the 18th century, astronomer Edmund Halley used this Venus transit to help calculate the size of the solar system.
In the U.S., this transit will occur in the hours before sunset — about 6:09PM ET.
While you shouldn’t try to look at the sun without appropriate equipment, such as welding glasses with No. 14 glass, why not take this opportunity the universe is providing to turn your ordinary day into a meaningful one.
What sorts of things can you do?
- Read up on the transit of Venus — I’ve provided a collection of links below
- Step outside before sunset, feel the warmth of the sun on your face, and know that miles above you this Venus transit is taking place (but don’t stare at the sun! — see the next item)
- Try to safely view the transit — see the link below on ways to safely watch the Venus transit
- Contact your local astronomy club to see if there are any events being held in your area for the Venus transit
- Watch a live webcast of the Venus transit being organized by Astronomers Without Borders
I hope you have fun with this event and that your day is memorable!
More on the Venus transit: