Sky gazers gather for the Transit of Venus

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - The Transit of Venus is a rare astronomical event. From our view on Earth, it looks as though Venus is crossing in front of the sun. Experts say it’s a once in a lifetime event that you need to see.

The Transit of Venus occurs in 8 year pairs every 120 years. The event Tuesday night was the second of a pair of events. The first happened in 2004. The next time this will be seen will be in the year 2117!

To be able to see this event, you will need to take special precautions to protect your eyes.

• NEVER look directly at the sun
• Sunglasses are NOT enough to protect your eyes
• You must use some type of special equipment to view the transit

Binoculars or a telescope fitted with proper filters are the best way to view the transit. You could also make an inexpensive devise on your own.

“What I would suggest is that you make a pinhole camera," described BJ Harper with the Fort Wayne Astronomical Society .  "You simply get a cardboard box, poke a hole with an ice pick in one end of it, put a white piece of paper on the opposite side of the box, and then hold it over your head. Let the sun shine through the hole by turning around and you can see the image on the paper in the box.”

When you do see the image, all you will see is a tiny black dot slowly making it’s way across the surface of the sun. While that doesn’t sound all that exciting, it’s something that kids born after today will never get to see.

Viewing parties were held Tuesday night.  These events were hosted by the University of St. Francis and the Fort Wayne Astronomical Society.  A photo gallery from the events today can be found at this photo gallery .