Donations are currently being accepted to build the observatory, which will be used by students this fall.
Just as the transit of Venus sparked excitement among astronomists and amateur sky watchers alike in early June, Hembree Springs Elementary staff, students and families also sought to experience the once (or twice) in a lifetime event. Viewers from the school safely witnessed Venus crossing in front of the sun using a variety of telescopes and special viewing glasses, as a continuation of the monthly star nights where students get the hands-on opportunity to learn about astronomy and science, thanks to their very own fifth grade teacher, Javier Tavel. Tavel volunteers his time, expertise and amazing telescopes throughout the year to afford Hembree families opportunities to experience what the universe has to offer. As a way to continue to …
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You'll probably be dead the next time this happens, so watch it on Tuesday evening.
A little after 6 p.m. on Tuesday, residents of our area will have an opportunity to witness one of the rarest predictable celestial events: a transit of Venus. Often referred to as the "Evening Star" or "Morning Star," Venus is the brightest natural object in our sky after the Sun and the Moon. As the second planet from the Sun, it's closer to the Sun than the Earth is. A "transit" of Venus occurs when Venus passes between us and the Sun in such a way that we can see Venus's silhouette backlit by the Sun's brilliant light. It last happened in 2004, but it won't happen again until 2117. So, unless you plan to shatter some human longevity records, this is probably your last chance. The Coca-Cola Space Science Center in Columbus Georgia will…
