Wednesday, June 6, 2012
FROM 6.13am to 12.45pm today, Brunei will be seeing an astronomical phenomenon that will only occur again in 2117.
To commemorate the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of witnessing the transit of Venus, the Survey Department under the Ministry of Development will be hosting a showcase of telescopic sightings, screens and briefings on the phenomenon today at the Katok Sixth Form Centre (PTE Katok).
A transit of Venus takes place when the planet Venus passes directly between the sun and Earth, becoming visible against the solar disk.
Astronomy Unit Hj Julaini Hj Lamat said what made the event special was that it would occur on various gap years that could range from eight to 200 years.
He noted that the orbit of Venus changes at certain periods, which would lead the planet within telescopic visibility of the Earth.
Hj Julaini said that the planet will be seen as a small dot when seen through enhanced vision equipment.
He advised caution, however, for the spectators of the event.
"For those using their own telescopes or binoculars, it is important that they have appropriate filters because if they don't then they could burn their eyes due to the enhancement of light," he said.
"It is fine if you look at it normally with eye protection but through telescopes, people must be careful."
The viewing at PTE Katok will touch on the educational aspect of the rare moment in history. Those interested in knowing more and witnessing the transit of Venus are welcome to join the showcase at PTE Katok today from 6.13am to 12.45pm, or the entire duration that Venus could be seen traversing the sun from the Sultanate.
Meanwhile, Radion Televisyen Brunei last night reported that the Survey Department also observed a partial lunar eclipse from the Sultan Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Mosque in the capital on Monday night.
The eclipse was visible at 7.03pm when parts of the moon's surfaced appeared in darkness. The phenomenon occurs when the earth's shadow is cast onto parts of the moon's surface. The Brunei Times
To commemorate the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of witnessing the transit of Venus, the Survey Department under the Ministry of Development will be hosting a showcase of telescopic sightings, screens and briefings on the phenomenon today at the Katok Sixth Form Centre (PTE Katok).
A transit of Venus takes place when the planet Venus passes directly between the sun and Earth, becoming visible against the solar disk.
Astronomy Unit Hj Julaini Hj Lamat said what made the event special was that it would occur on various gap years that could range from eight to 200 years.
He noted that the orbit of Venus changes at certain periods, which would lead the planet within telescopic visibility of the Earth.
Hj Julaini said that the planet will be seen as a small dot when seen through enhanced vision equipment.
He advised caution, however, for the spectators of the event.
"For those using their own telescopes or binoculars, it is important that they have appropriate filters because if they don't then they could burn their eyes due to the enhancement of light," he said.
"It is fine if you look at it normally with eye protection but through telescopes, people must be careful."
The viewing at PTE Katok will touch on the educational aspect of the rare moment in history. Those interested in knowing more and witnessing the transit of Venus are welcome to join the showcase at PTE Katok today from 6.13am to 12.45pm, or the entire duration that Venus could be seen traversing the sun from the Sultanate.
Meanwhile, Radion Televisyen Brunei last night reported that the Survey Department also observed a partial lunar eclipse from the Sultan Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Mosque in the capital on Monday night.
The eclipse was visible at 7.03pm when parts of the moon's surfaced appeared in darkness. The phenomenon occurs when the earth's shadow is cast onto parts of the moon's surface. The Brunei Times
Tiada ulasan:
Catat Ulasan