Later today the Planet Venus will pass across the face of the sun in a lunar event more rare than last month’s eclipse, and weather permitting, astronomers will be setting up telescopes to provide free, safe viewing to the public.  Amateur Astronomer Don Machholz says it takes about 6 hours for Venus to cross the sun and the viewing will begin at 3:10 this afternoon.

click to hear Don Machholz
Machholz and a group of astronomers will have telescopes set up in Auburn at the Auburn Dam Overlook from 3:30 to 8 p.m. today, and this evening from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.  Wayne Watson of the Imaginarium will have viewing set up at the Rood Center above the Madelyn Helling Library.   People are warned not to look at the solar event with the naked eye as it could cause permanent eye damage.