Viewfinder: Transit of Venus 2012 as Seen in the Sky Over Loganville/Grayson

A crowd began gathering just before 5 p.m. Tuesday at Bay Creek Park in Loganville for the much-anticipated 2012 Transit of Venus. The celestial event is the second and last one this century. The next Transit of Venus will not be until 2117.

Members of the Charlie Elliott Chapter of the Atlanta Astronomy Club set up telescopes for the crowds to safely witness the historic event. Steve Siedentop handed out special protective glasses and shared some information as the crowd patiently waited for the clouds to part. There was much excitement when it finally happened. The sky cleared and those who waited were rewarded with the once-in-a-lifetime viewing. Through telescopes or the special glasses, the passage of Venus across the sun was clearly visible.

Frank Marchese, a Grayson resident and member of the Atlanta Astronomy Club, shared the pictures that he took of the historic celestial event through a high powered telescope.