Transit of Venus

When my husband the astronomer was twelve years old he put two dates on his calender, June 8, 2004 and June 5, 2012. He has mentioned these dates and their importance to me often over the last fifty plus years. These were the dates of the two times in his lifetime that he might be able to see the transit of Venus across sun. This rare astronomical event last happened in 1874 and 1882. It will next happen in 2117 and 2125. In 2004 the day was clear and he was able to see this great wonder. With welding glasses to shield his eyes, he watched the great event from our back yard. He was awe struck.

Tuesday was the day, the last time in his life that he would be able to watch this wondrous event. The transit was scheduled to begin in our area about six in the evening and be visible until sunset. The welding glasses were waiting so he could look at the sun. His schedule had been cleared for this event for sixty-two years. In the late afternoon thick clouds rolled in, obscuring the sun. The transit would happen without him being able to see it this time. Fortunately modern technology made his disappointment much smaller. He has his computer connected to a telescope in New Mexico that had a clear view of everything. He sat in front of his computer for more than three hours watching as the small dark dot that was Venus slowly moved across the face of the sun. He took pictures and made a time lapse video of it all. It really is fascinating to watch as he condensed the three hour event into one minute of viewing time. You can even see telephone wires appear across the the screen as the sun sets and Venus moves out of view.

For my husband the heavens really do declare the glory of God.