People are invited to enjoy an out-of-the-world experience today.
A safe viewing solarscope telescope has been set up at the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum in Middlesbrough to allow visitors to see the passage of the planet Venus.
Venus will look larger and closer to us than any other planet in the solar system as it passes the Sun, though it is 26.8 million miles away.
The planet will look like a black disc against the surface of the Sun. The last transit of Venus was in 1882.
People can view the event through a solarscope from 9am to 1.30pm. The cosmic event coincides with an exhibition on Captain Cook and the astronomy and navigation of his time; a move which has received the blessing of the Royal Society.
Lord May, its president, has written to Middlesbrough Council: "As the second Australian president of the Royal Society, I take special pleasure in the way you are commemorating the 2004 Transit of Venus at the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum. All best wishes for your celebration.''
Published: 08/06/2004
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