Battle Point Astronomical Association

Spring Solar Events Viewing

Partial Solar Eclipse

May 20, 5pm, Ritchie Observatory

At 5:01 pm Sunday May 20, the Moon will begin to eclipse the Sun. At 6:18 pm, the peak of the eclipse, the Moon will cover 83% of the Sun. Everything will be over by 7:25.

Transit of Venus

June 5, 3pm, Ritchie Observatory

At 3:05:50 p.m. June 5 Venus begins its transit across the face of the Sun. At 5:27 the planet will be half-way across, and by sunset at 9:04 p.m., will have nearly completed its journey. A Venus transit will not happen again until December 11, 2117.

BPAA is inviting the public to watch these events through our solar telescopes at Ritchie Observatory, weather permitting. Astronomers will be on hand. Remember: Never look at the Sun directly. You must have a proper filter to protect your eyes. We will also have “eclipse shades” available, for a $5.00 donation to our sundial project, and a model of the proposed sundial on display in the park.