Transit of Venus Viewing Party at UCI Observatory

Area residents are invited to come together Tuesday afternoon at the University of California, Irvine, observatory to watch : a twice-in-a-lifetime astronomical event. 

Starting at 3:06 p.m. on the West Coast, Venus will travel across the face of the sun—an event that last occured in 2004 and won't happen again until 2117. According to observatory Director Tammy Smecker-Hane, watching the transit of Venus .

The viewing party is from 3 to 9 p.m. at the Irvine observatory, which will be projecting the image of the sun through numerous telescopes onto screens so visitors can view the event safely. 

Staring at the sun, even for a brief period of time, can irreparably damage eyesight. Never look through binoculars or a telescope at the sun without a protective filter to cut down on the sun's brightness.

Also at the observatory:

• Telescopes equipped with solar filters
• 500 pairs of solar eclipse glasses for $2
• Model of the solar system

Amateur astronomers are encouraged to bring along their own telescopes to share with visitors. 

Observatory visitors should park in the East Campus Parking Structure at the corner of California Avenue and Adobe Circle Road South, across from the Anteater Recreation Center. Parking on campus costs $2 per hour; maximum, $8.

• Driving directions to the observatory at UCI
• East Campus Parking Stucture, building #88
• Tips for viewing the transit of Venus

Parking is not allowed on the streets in the University Hills neighborhood where the observatory is located. Only cars transporting telescope equipment or a handicapped person will be permitted to drive on the road leading out to the observatory. 

After parking in the East Campus Parking Structure, visitors should walk up the hill to the intersection of California Avenue and Gabrielino Drive and take a left on the gravel road that leads to the observatory. The walk takes approximately 15 minutes.

Unlike the observatory's other visitor events, which take place at night, there will be no shuttle bus for this daytime event.

The event is free of charge, although there is a suggested $5 donation per family to defray its costs.