Forecast iffy for Venus transit viewing

The planet's passage in front of the sun won't be seen for another 105 years, but clouds may not cooperate in the Lehigh Valley.

For astronomers, Venus passing in front of the sun is not just a rare planetary spectacle — it won’t be seen for another 105 years. It’s also one of those events they hope will spark curiosity about the universe.

The transit is happening during a 6-hour, 40-minute span starting just after 6 p.m. EDT in the United States. What you can see and for how long depends on what the sun’s doing in your region during that exact window, and the weather.

Current forecasts call for partly to mostly cloudy conditions this evening in the Lehigh Valley.

Raritan Valley Community College and Da Vinci Science Center are hosting viewing parties today.

As astronomers use the latest technology to document the transit of Venus, stargazers gathering across the world should only look at the celestial event with a properly filtered telescope, a strong welding visor or cardboard eclipse glasses.

If viewed directly, permanent eye damage could result.

Extremely hot Venus is one of Earth’s two neighbors and is so close in size to our planet that scientists at times call them near-twins. During the transit, it will appear as a beauty mark moving across the face of the sun.

“In terms of rarity, to be here at a time when it’s happening, you almost have to look at it,” said Geoff Chester of the U.S. Naval Observatory. “It ain’t going to happen again in my lifetime.”