Get Ready!
Transit of Venus Video
This short video from transitofvenus.org takes you through a short history of the Transit of Venus, and ties its importance today to the search for planets orbiting other stars.
Observe the Sun Safely!
There are many simple ways to observe the Sun safely. Check out our guide so you can join in the fun!
Transit History
This is only the seventh Transit of Venus to be observed in recorded history. Learn about the history of past events, including how observations in the 1760s helped measure the size of our solar system.
Transit Science
Discover the science and mathematics of the Sun, the Transit, and the mysterious "Black Drop Effect."
When and Where to Watch
Where do you have to be to watch the Transit? When does it start? And most importantly, what if it's cloudy?
August 21, 2017
Total Solar EclipseLearning how to observe the Sun safely for the Transit is great practice for the total solar eclipse that will be visible from Nashville in 2017!
When and Where to Watch
In Tennessee (and the rest of the eastern half of the US,) the transit begins approximately 5:04 pm Central Daylight Time and will continue past sunset. In Nashville on June 5, sunset is 8:02 pm, though the Sun will be hidden behind trees, hills, or buildings some time before then.
Come to Adventure Science Center on June 5 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm for demonstrations and, weather permitting, observations of the Transit of Venus. If the weather's clear, we'll be watching with the Barnard Seyfert Astronomical Society until sunset around 8:00 pm.
There is no need to watch the entire event. Times to watch out for, though, are 5:04 pm, when the leading edge of Venus first reaches the edge of the Sun's disc, and 5:22 pm, when Venus is completely past the edge.
Other Observing Events
We hope you can join as at Adventure Science Center, but there are several other places in the area where people will be gathering to enjoy the transit:
- Warner Park Nature Center - 4:30 to 8:30 pm
- MTSU Observatory - 5:00 to 8:00 pm
- Vol State Community College Science Field
- Giles County Public Library - Lynnville - 4:00 to 5:30 pm
- Giles County Public Library - Pulaski - 6:00 to 7:00 pm
- Discovery Center - Murfreesboro - 4:30 to 7:00 pm
- Bowie Park - Fairview
- Liberty Garden Park and Arboretum - Jackson - 4:30 to 8:00 pm
Watch Online
- NASA GSFC 2012 Transit web site
For most of North America, the Sun sets in the west before the transit is over. This page includes a world map to demonstrate where the transit is visible. - Watch online with SLOOH
Cloudy where you are? Want to watch the end of the transit but can't afford the airfare? Watch live online with the SLOOH Space Camera.
