The transit of Venus is happening tomorrow and not again for 100 years

The famed transit of Venus will occur tomorrow. It will be the last time that this event will occur for 100 years.

The event is the time in which the planet's orbit causes it to pass directly between the Earth and the Sun. The planet becomes visible as a small black dot silhouetted against the Sun. The orbit of the planet causes it to travel this path four times every 243 years. Venus' transit will not occur again until the year 2117.

According to USA Today, transit will begin at about 6:04 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, when the planet will appear at the Suns edge and move slowly across its face. The planets trajectory will cause it to reach the opposite edge of the sun at about 12:51 a.m.

According to ABC News, the event will occur most clearly over the North Pacific Ocean and the surrounding land masses including North Eastern Asia, Alaska, and Hawaii. The United States will lose sight of the phenomenon as the sun sets.

The rare transit of Venus will no doubt be a beautiful spectacle to behold. It is, however, one in which many stress a reminder of caution to those wish to see it properly. The transit is an event in which proper observance requires directly viewing the Sun for long periods of time. Specialists stress the dangers of such actions which can cause permanent damage to the eye.

NASA has put together a guide to different options for viewing the event and protective measures available to aid in viewing pleasure while minimizing danger.

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