Malangese Students Gazed at Venus Transiting the Sun at P-WEC

Malangese Students Gazed at Venus Transiting the Sun at P-WEC

Some students in Malang Regency were amazed by the Venus crossing the sun on Wednesday, 6th June 2012. The stargazing was led by educators of Petungsewu Wildlife Education Center (P-WEC) from the center's solarscope. The children were enthusiastic to witness the rare astronomical phenomenon which is estimated to reoccur in 120 years later.

"Amazing! It is one in a life time experience," a student of a junior high school MTs Wahid Hasyim 2 in Kucur Village, Dau District, Malang Regency said. Malang.

The students took turn to watch the transiting Venus across the Sun. One of them said that the planet looked so small like a birthmark on an human face.

Students could gaze clearly the phenomenon because the weather was clear in the center. They started from 5.30 am to 10.30 am local time. No wonder that the astronomy enthusiasts enjoyed the rare activity very much.

During the viewing, P-WEC educators gave some explanation about the phenomenon and some basic astronomy to the students. They could also watch it from P-WEC's computer which has been complemented with a certain software. They paid attention carefully from minute by minute until the Venus disappeared.

The students expressed that the subject of astronomy is taught theoretically by the Science teacher in the classroom. They could only see the picture on the textbook. By using a simple apparatus made from a lens and a carton box, students could witness the Venus transiting the Sun.

"Do not watch directly with you bare eyes," instructed the manager of P-WEC, Qodirul Aini. He added that the apparatus was a gift from a French astronomer who trained P-WEC members about astronomy a while ago. Regularly, the astronomy enthusiasts gather and share their knowledge.

Translated from: www.tempointeraktif.com

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