KARACHI, June 8: The scientists and students at the University of Karachi, like people elsewhere in the region, observed Venus as a black dot crossing the surface of sun on Tuesday.

Research students under the supervision of their respective teachers visited the observatory in the campus in groups. They were seen excited after seeing the transit of Venus across the face of sun, a rare astronomical event which took place after 121 years and six months.

The transit of Venus across the sun's disk was like a solar eclipse and was visible right from the beginning (i.e. its first exterior contact with the sun at 10.17am), said a student, adding that it took Venus about six hours to complete its transit.

As per the observatory staff, Venus entered the solar disc from southern part of the rim and travelled across it towards west. They said that Venus reached closest to the centre of sun at 1.19pm.

It came into the third contact (Egress Interior) at 4.02pm when it was completely inside the solar disc, but touching the outer rim of the sun. The fourth and the last contact was observed at 4.21pm when the Venus was completely displaced from the solar disc, they added.

Talking to Dawn, the Institute of Space and Planetary Astrophysics director, M. Shahid Qureshi, said that each contact took place at the pre-calculated time. The "Black Drop" effect due to the atmosphere of Venus was clearly visible at both the second and third contacts, he added.

A number of citizens had made arrangements to observe the rare event. People on streets and roads were seen using X-ray films and welding glasses to see the movement of Venus.

Children were mostly not allowed to go in open sky and see the transit with naked eyes.Experts had advised the citizens not to see the transit with naked eye instead they should use binocular, welding glasses, or a telescope with appropriate solar filter.

Opinion

Editorial

Out of control
Updated 19 Feb, 2025

Out of control

AS bodies continue to fall in Kurram despite a state-sanctioned ceasefire, one wonders how long local militants’...
Hollow words
19 Feb, 2025

Hollow words

IT is not uncommon for politicians to resort to the use of hyperbole in order to boost their public standing. ...
Migration matters
19 Feb, 2025

Migration matters

THE grass, it seems, did appear greener on the other side to millions of people as evidenced by the latest UN ...
Cholistan project
Updated 18 Feb, 2025

Cholistan project

GPI goals align with Pakistan's broader economic aims but the manner in which the initiative was launched raises questions.
Right to know
18 Feb, 2025

Right to know

IT is an unfortunate paradox that while on paper Pakistan has some of the most impressive right to information laws,...
Dam dispute
18 Feb, 2025

Dam dispute

THE situation in Chilas needs attention and a fair-minded approach so that it can be resolved amicably. Diamer ...