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Quest To Measure the Venus Transit "Aureole Effect"

Posted by Unknown on from the venusian-death-ray-aimed-at-earth dept.

astroengine writes "On Tuesday, Venus will race across the sun — the last Venus transit until 2117 — so the world's astronomers are primed to view this enigmatic event. But it's not just for the historical significance of the celestial phenomenon; real science will also be done. Just before the transit begins, as Venus sinks into the Sun's limb (an event known as "ingress"), the atmosphere of the planet is expected to display a crescent glow known as an "aureole." For as long as transits have been recorded, the Venus aureole has been observed. They are caused by sunlight being refracted through the atmosphere. Interestingly, the aureole is not uniform — often a bright spot appears around the planet's poles. This enhancement in brightness is caused by a variation in atmospheric temperature in the polar mesosphere. When detected, astronomers have the great opportunity to gauge the temperature in the Venusian upper atmosphere, comparing their results with atmospheric models and in-situ measurements made by the ESA Venus Express spacecraft currently in orbit around the planet."

5 of 60 comments (clear)

  1. "Real science will also be done" by kh31d4r · · Score: 5, Funny

    I hate the fake kind:-(

    1. Re:"Real science will also be done" by jouassou · · Score: 3, Insightful

      You mean the astrologists that use the Venus transit to predict a revolution?

    2. Re:"Real science will also be done" by PopeRatzo · · Score: 3, Funny

      I hate the fake kind:-(

      The newer ones aren't so bad. They feel pretty real, and if it's a good surgeon, you don't even see the scar.

      Wait, what were we talking about? Something about aureoles, I remember that much.

      --
      You are welcome on my lawn.
  2. Looked at thread for breast jokes... by MickyTheIdiot · · Score: 4, Interesting

    ...was not disappointed.

  3. Re:Solar Glasses by Lumpy · · Score: 3, Informative

    A small telescope and a piece of paper, put the paper a few inches away from the eyepiece, and aim the scope at the sun, view the reflection on the paper.

    Cover the end of the scope with a "space blanket" first to reduce the intensity and to avoid melting the crap plastic lenses in the garbage telescope bought at a department store.

    dont look in the eyepiece for any reason.

    --
    Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.