dalcde said:Can the Venus transit be viewed with the naked eye? I do have a solar filter (from the anstronomy department of a university), so this isn't about safety issues. The question is would I need a telescope to oberve the dot or can I just look at it?
twofish-quant said:You should be able to see the dot, and the main issues are eye safety issues rather than astronomical.
Yes, it is safe to view the Venus transit with your naked eye. Unlike a solar eclipse, the Venus transit does not require any special eye protection as the planet is far enough away from the sun and does not block its light completely.
The next Venus transit will occur on December 11, 2117. The transit occurs in pairs, with the first transit happening 8 years apart from the second. However, after the second transit, there is a gap of over 100 years until the next pair of transits occur.
No, the Venus transit can only be viewed from certain parts of the world. The visibility of the transit depends on the alignment of the Earth, Venus, and the sun. The transit will only be visible in regions where the sun is above the horizon during the transit.
No special equipment is needed to view the Venus transit. However, using binoculars or a telescope can enhance the viewing experience and make it easier to see the planet moving across the sun.
The Venus transit is significant to scientists because it provides a rare opportunity to study the atmosphere of Venus. As the planet passes in front of the sun, its atmosphere absorbs certain wavelengths of light, allowing scientists to gather information about its composition. This can help us better understand the planet's climate and evolution.