Astro Advisories

Notices of upcoming Astronomical Events

WESTERN CAROLINAS TO EXPERIENCE (BARELY) A PARTIAL ECLIPSE OF THE MOON

(May 9, 2012) – Astronomers at the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute announce that just before sunrise on the morning of June 4 there will be a partial eclipse of the Moon. Unfortunately, for viewers in North Carolina, this event will occur so close to moonset and sunrise that the view will be quite subtle. At maximum only about 38% of the Moon will be in the Earth’s shadow and that will be visible for viewers west of the Mississippi River.

VENUS TO PASS IN FRONT OF THE SUN ON JUNE 5

(May 9, 2012) – Astronomers at the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute in Rosman point out that on June 5, 2012, we here in the Carolinas will have the opportunity to observe the planet Venus pass in front of the Sun. Astronomers call this rare event a transit. Venus takes a little over 226 days to orbit the Sun. Meanwhile, the Earth takes a more leisurely 365.2422 days. Put these two together and we find that Venus takes 584 days to circle the Sun and catch up with the Earth.