5 Safe Ways to Watch Tuesday's Transit of Venus

1. Watch the at a planetarium or program by a university astronomy department. Because Venus will look quite tiny against the sun's vast surface, it will be best to watch this amazing event via professional projection on a large screen. Many astrology clubs are hosting Venus Transit viewing parties across Michigan.

2. Visit NASA's website for a live-streaming broadcast and enjoy a live chat with scientists, if you like.

3. Make a simple "pinhole camera" or by using two sheets of paper: make a pinhole in the center of one sheet; then stand with your back to the sun, holding that sheet so that the sun shines through the pinhole onto the second piece of paper. You'll see an image of the projected on the second sheet.

4. Experts suggest that one widely available filter for safe solar viewing is No. 14 welder's glass. The welding hood MUST house a #14 or darker filter. It is advised that you do not view through any welding glass if you are not sure of its shade number. Arc welders’ glasses are generally NOT sufficient. Inexpensive Eclipse Shades have special safety filters that appear similar to sunglasses, but these filters permits safe viewing.

5. The is best viewed directly when magnified through a telescope with a solar filter; you’ll get to see Venus and sunspots. Never look at the sun through a telescope without a solar filter on the large end of the scope.