Australia to see rare event of Venus crossing in front of Sun on June 6

Melbourne, March 22 (ANI): People in Australia will get the chance to see one of the rarest events on the astronomical calendar - the transit of Venus in front of the sun - on June 6.

Keen observers will be able to see the transit from the time the planet moves in front of the disc of the Sun (approx 8.16am) until it leaves about six and a half hours later (approx 2.44pm).

But Sydney Observatory has warned that people should not look directly at the Sun and advises to plan ahead for safe viewing of the transit.

"A transit of Venus occurs in pairs eight years apart, with approximately one pair every century. This year's transit follows an exceptional one in June 2004," the Daily Telegraph quoted Sydney Observatory's Senior astronomer-educator Geoff Wyatt as saying.

"The transit of Venus should only be viewed safely through a solar telescope, solar binoculars or special solar glasses.

"Sydney Observatory will have both solar telescopes and binoculars with solar filters available for optimal viewing.

"In the lead up to the transit we will also offer sessions on how to safely view the transit from home," Wyatt added.

The next transit will not occur until 2117. (ANI)