[Previous entry: "Sorrento and Pompeii and Catania"]

06/08/2004: "Transit of Venus from Catania"

Under clear skies we had a hot sunny day to view the Transit.

The alarm went off at 5am and Salvatore and Carmelo picked us up and drove to Lido Aurora. We met the gang and set up the equipment with all the usual hub bub (only in Italian).

Luca and Salvatore setting up (photo)
(Note the caffe - only in Italia can one do astronomy in style with an espresso to start the observing session.)

First contact was very exciting with all the yelling and exclamations. The next 20 minutes flew by to 2nd contact. Here is a 2nd contact photo showing a bit of the 'black drop effect'.

2nd Contact (photo)

So lots of talking, wading in the ocean and nearly 6 hours later, we were excited again on 3rd contact. Some people saw the ring of light around Venus as it was partially off the disk of the sun. 20 fast minutes later, we were sad to see Venus leave on 4th contact.

A few people came by to see what all the equipment was about and we showed them Venus on the Sun. Here's an example of what you could see using the completely safe method of projection.

Viewing by Projection (photo)

Overall a great day, especially with the great hospitalilty of the Catania Astronomy Club and the owner of the Lido Aurora.

Thanks to Giuseppe, Emilio, Salvatore, Saverio, Sciuto, Davide, Carmelo, Mimmo and many others for including us in their activities and for a wonderful day.

Group Shot (photo)

Next a brief stop in Rome and then home. Too bad about the Flames.

Replies: 5 Comments

on Friday, June 11th, Renee said

Love the look of
astronomy, Italian Style.

We need to flush out all that
fancy-schmancy food you've been eating with
some good ole Alberta Beef, corn on the cob,
and poutine(?).

on Wednesday, June 9th, brad and cindy said

Hi, Kathie and Luca...

Please remind us: why the heck did you leave Edmonton these past couple of weeks?

on Wednesday, June 9th, Lisa said

Hi Guys yes Chris did pass the info to me. It's my fault for not responding to any of what looks like a fantastic trip thus far. Can't wait until you guys are back so we can go golfing.

on Tuesday, June 8th, Irma said

Sono felice di vedervi tutti contenti per la missione compiuta, la prossima non dovrete andare cosi lontano per vederla, 6 Giugno 2012 nord america. Le Fiamme si sono calmate con pace di tutti. Giovedi Edmonton .

on Tuesday, June 8th, brad and cindy said

Dunque è sconvolto noi erano delle Fiamme, ho deciso questa mattina di si bruciare i miei occhi fissando diritto nel sole.

Ahimè, il transito del secondo planet ha deviato la radiazione ed i raggi del sole non hanno avuto effetto sui miei occhi. Come infastidire!

I ringraziamenti per le foto e le descrizioni del suo transito grottesco.

Posso ricordare appena l'ultimo transito!

Tenere la scrittura!