Skywatching here?

[Mt. Airy Patch]

Venus is blocking a small part of the sun tomorrow. Where are good places here to watch?

[sometimesilie]

Venus is blocking a small part of the sun tomorrow. Where are good places here to watch?

I would recommend checking out the Franklin Institute- a few weeks ago when they shut down the BF parkway for the science event we spoke with the Rittenhouse Astronomy Society. They seem to do fun/different stuff and for this event it appears that for $5 they are having a rooftop (@ the Franklin) viewing party with properly equipped telescopes: Rittenhouse Astronomical Society

[sometimesilie]

In case anyone doesn't know (I didn't) the transit of Venus across the sun begins at 6:03 and lasts until sunset, which is 8:26 in Philadelphia tomorrow.

[Burholme06]

Any tips on watching it without blinding oneself?

[sometimesilie]

Here's a link for safely viewing the transit from Sky and Telescope mag: Safely View the Upcoming Transit - Observing Highlights - SkyandTelescope.com

[NWPhillyRealtor]

Very cool. I want to check this out with my kids. Now where is there a welder supply store nearby?

[BeckyJ]

Widener University is opening its telescope to the public for viewing the transit.

[Hal]

Venus is blocking a small part of the sun tomorrow. Where are good places here to watch?

Good question!

First, get the phone app, and turn your your sky-watching into actual astronomy data.
http://transitofvenus.nl/wp/getting-involved/phone-app

New challenge, if you have a really GOOD telescope, Venus becomes a crescent as it occults the sun.
The Mysterious Arc of Venus


Second, normally, the further from Center City, the easier it is to see the sky.
However, here, perhaps the higher up, the better?
Now, unless you're a good buddy of Murano Penthouse owner, Hunter Pence, or have a membership at the Pyramid Club on top of Mellon Bank,
you'll want to try for the roof deck of a CC highrise.

Other possibilities,
Is City Hall keeping the William Penn observation deck open late for this?
Perhaps Liberty 1, 2 or Comcast Center have some event.
And, there is a beautiful roof deck at the top of the Free Library at the Parkway, just across from Franklin Institute.
I'd also figure that the view from the Ben Franklin Bridge walkways should be good.

Third, if you're a history buff, you'll want to head out to Norristown, ala Rittenhouse
but, if you're, eh, practical, IMAX in King of Prussia (see below)

Delaware Valley Amateur Astronomers and the Upper Merion Township Library

Press Release: From: Delaware Valley Amateur Astronomers and the Upper Merion Township Library
Date: May 21, 2012 RE: View the Transit of Venus with the Delaware Valley Amateur Astronomers

Members of the DVAA (Delaware Valley Amateur Astronomers) along with the Upper Merion Township Library invite you to join them for a "once-in-a-lifetime" occurrence. On the evening of June 5th, 2012, the “TRANSIT OF VENUS” will occur.

From our position on the planet here in the greater Philadelphia area, the planet Venus will pass in front of the Sun on June 5th, 2012, starting at 6:11 p.m. This special astronomical event will NOT occur again until 2117 – one-hundred-five years from now. In Pennsylvania, the June 5th transit will be visible until the Sun sets, with the Transit in progress. Hawaii, and other locations around the world, will see the entire Transit. The DVAA (Delaware Valley Amateur Astronomers- dvaa.org) will be setting up telescopes and having astronomers on hand at two locations from 6pm to 8:30pm (sunset) so visitors can view the Transit of Venus safely:

COLONIAL MIDDLE SCHOOL. Colonial Middle School – rear of school – near ball field. 716 Belvoir Road Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
and
IMAX/UNITED ARTIST MOVIE THEATER IN KING OF PRUSSIA PARKING LOT IMAX United Artist Movie Theater – Parking Lot to the West of the theater.
300 Goddard Blvd. King of Prussia, PA 19406 When you enter the theater lot, go left to the far end.

If you are planning to view this on your own, please use caution. Looking directly at the sun can cause eye damage and possible blindness; no one should ever look directly into the sun. All telescopes and binoculars must be fitted with solar filters, which should be in place during the ENTIRE transit viewing.

Questions about this event can be directed to Rachel Camarda at Rachel.C@DVAA.org; or, Marilyn Michalski at Marilyn.M@DVAA.org.
Image courtesy of Vince Scheetz.

Additional TRANSIT OF VENUS - INFORMATION
- 1st contact approximately 18:11, Sun alt 24 degrees, az 280 degrees – 6:11 p.m.
- 2nd contact approximately 18:29, Sun alt 21 degrees, az 283 degrees – 6:29 p.m.
- Sun set approximately 20:31, Sun alt 0 degrees, az 301 degrees – 8:31 p.m.

Fourth, NASA is doing a webcast

http://venustransit.nasa.gov/transitofvenus/


Hal

[stonefly]

Is looking at the sun for a few seconds with out special glasses really harmful to your eyes? I just want to take a quick look.

[Hal]

Is looking at the sun for a few seconds with out special glasses really harmful to your eyes? I just want to take a quick look.

Yes, think of the lenses in your eyes as being roughly analogous to a good magnifying glass-

Just like concentrated sunlight can burn paper, it can actually burn or cauterize the retina.


BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Specials | Eclipse99 | Safety in sight

Result is a dark scar on the retina, and areas of blindness




Hal

[stonefly]

Yes, think of the lenses in your eyes as being roughly analogous to a good magnifying glass-

Just like concentrated sunlight can burn paper, it can actually burn or cauterize the retina.

Result is a dark scar on the retina, and areas of blindness

Well that stinks. Thanks for the info. It is good to know.

[Mt. Airy Patch]

I feel like Mt. Airy Playground is always a decent spot for skywatching. High up, not much in your way, etc.

[NWPhillyRealtor]

Erdenheim Farm out old Stenton Avenue is good for local nightime star gazing. I planned to take the kids to the Fels Planitarium for the lecture and to watch it but they are sold out. Anywhere closer than Widener University? Will the folks at Colonial Middle School and IMAX parking lot be looking into their own telescopes and will us telescopeless non astronomer types be welcome there? Any astronomers looking for new friends out there? Help!

[borntochill]

Very overcast here so try live stream from NASA:

NASA EDGE @ Mauna Kea, Hawaii: Live Webcast Streams