Transit of Venus viewing scheduled for Mauna Kea

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On Tuesday, June 5, between noon and 6:45 p.m. the planet Venus can be viewed transiting across the sun. This event can be seen from all parts of the state of Hawaii.

On Tuesday, June 5, between noon and 6:45 p.m. the planet Venus can be viewed transiting across the sun. This event can be seen from all parts of the state of Hawaii.

To view the transit, one must use protective solar glasses or look through a telescope with a solar filter.

The University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station will have telescopes with solar filters and a live webcast of the transit.

Parking at the station is limited. If parking spaces fill up, vehicles will be held below the station until parking becomes available, said spokeswoman Callie McNew.

The summit access road will be closed to public traffic, but a free shuttle service will be available from the station to the summit.

“Due to limited parking and resources at the (station), it is encouraged that you consider one of the alternate sites for viewing the transit,” McNew said.

The ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo will display the NASA-sponsored live webcast of the Transit.

Solar telescopes will be set up at the parking lot across from the Keaau Fire Station.

In Waimea, a livestream from the summit will be displayed at the W.M. Keck Headquarters. Also in Waimea, solar telescopes and a sunspotter will be available at the Canada France Hawaii Telescope Headquarters.

For Kona residents, VIS staff and volunteers will set up solar telescopes at the Natural Energy Lab at Keahole.

For more information, please visit www.ifa.hawaii.edu/info/vis.

At the Pu‘ukohol Heiau National Historic Site from noon until 4:30 p.m., special solar glasses will be available.