Media Advisory/Photo-Op - Ontario Science Centre hosts Transit of Venus Star Party

TORONTO, May 28, 2012 /CNW/ - Join us on June 5^th for a Star Party for the Transit of Venus Viewing. The Transit of Venus occurs on June 5, 2012 and is a unique opportunity! From our point of view on Earth, the planet Venus will pass in front of the Sun, much like the moon passes in front of the Sun during a Solar Eclipse. However, unlike a Solar Eclipse, a transit of Venus occurs very rarely; the next transit will occur in 2117 - 105.5 years from now.

The Ontario Science Centre is celebrating the event with a free Star Party outside our main entrance in TELUSCAPE. The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) will be on-hand with properly shielded telescopes. The Centre will provide free solar viewing glasses to view the phenomenon. In addition to the Centre's resident Astrophysicist and Researcher/Programmer Jesse Rogerson, we will host special guest speaker Dr. John Moores of York University who will discuss planetary science and our Solar System. Plus, there will be fun activities for kids of all ages, Science Centre Hosts will give solar system demonstrations and safety lessons, and more.

WHAT:	Transit of Venus Star Party
WHEN:	Tuesday, June 5, 2012 5:30 p.m.   6:04 p.m.   8:30 p.m. 9:15 p.m.   10:00 p.m.	- Star Party Starts - Transit of Venus Begins - Public Talk with Dr. John Moores titled "Worlds Enough in Time" about planetary science and our solar system - Night time viewing begins with RASC - Star Party Ends
WHO:	Jesse Rogerson, Astro-Physicist and Researcher/Programmer, Ontario Science Centre Dr. John Moores, York University
WHERE:	TELUSCAPE, Ontario Science Centre  770 Don Mills Road, Toronto, ON

NOTE: Due to anticipated crowds, television outlets who want to broadcast live from TELUSCAPE must R.S.V.P. by 2:00 p.m. Monday, June 4, 2012 to ensure a space in TELUSCAPE for their satellite trucks.

Media Contact: 

Jefferson Darrell, Media Relations Officer, Ontario Science Centre
416-696-3154 jefferson[email protected]