Transit of Venus 2012 in Hydrogen-Alpha, 2012 (digital photo)

Creator: Chris Warren This image shows the transit of venus, often believed to be the biggest astronomical event of 2012, which took place on 5-6 June. Transits occur when Venus passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, which looks like a small black disc passing across the face of the sun. They appear 8 years apart, and in pairs, with each pair seperated by over a century. This image is proudced by a stack of 200 frames shot between third and fourth contact. Born digital photograph entitled 'Transit of Venus 2012 in Hydrogen-Alpha', by Chris Warren, dated 6 June 2012 Taken with a Lunt LS60THa telescope; Point Grey Grasshopper Express (ICX674) camera Winner of Our Solar System category in Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2012