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Transit of Venus, 8th June 2004
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Transit of Venus, 8th June 2004
Transit of Venus. Venus is the black dot seen on the Sun. This image was taken at 06:10 GMT on 8th June 2004, from near Kidderminster, England. A transit occurs when Venus passes in front of the Sun as seen from Earth. This is the first transit since 1882. Venus is an Earth-sized planet that orbits in between Earth and the Sun. It does not appear to cross the Suns disc during every orbit as the orbital paths of the Earth and Venus are not in exactly the same plane. Venus transits occur in pairs separated by eight years, with alternating intervals of 121.5 and 104.5 years in between pairs. Only Mercury and Venus can transit the Sun as seen from Earth
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Media ID 6425469
© CHRIS MADELEY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
2004 8th June Astrophysical Astrophysics Crossing Event Face Rare Solar System Telescope Transit Transiting Venus
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This print captures the rare and mesmerizing event known as the Transit of Venus, which occurred on 8th June 2004. Taken at 06:10 GMT from a location near Kidderminster, England, this image showcases Venus as a small black dot gracefully crossing the face of the Sun. The Transit of Venus occurs when our neighboring planet passes in front of the Sun as observed from Earth. This phenomenon is exceptionally uncommon, with this particular transit being the first since 1882. The reason for its rarity lies in the misalignment between Earth's and Venus' orbital paths. Venus, an Earth-sized planet situated between our home planet and the Sun, does not appear to cross directly over the Sun's disc during every orbit due to these differing planes. Transits like these occur in pairs separated by eight years but are then followed by alternating intervals of either 121.5 or 104.5 years before another pair takes place. As one gazes upon this extraordinary photograph, it serves as a reminder of both our position within our solar system and humanity's unyielding curiosity about distant celestial bodies. Only Mercury and Venus have been observed transiting across our star from Earth's vantage point, making such events truly awe-inspiring for astronomers and astrophysicists alike. This remarkable image was captured by Science Photo Library—a testament to their dedication in preserving significant moments that bridge science with artistry while igniting wonder within all who behold them.
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