June 8, 2004

Observation Headquarters

On June 8 this page will be the Observation Headquarters for all those who want to do their own calculation of the distance from the Earth to the Sun. What is needed are timings of one or more of the contacts as well as your geographical location. Combine your data with those of observers from remote places on Earth, and our online calculator will take care of all the necessary mathematics, resulting in a value for the solar parallax and the distance from the Earth to the Sun in kilometres.

1 Accurate timings

For accurate timings you might want to use this on-site klok or download a synchronisation programme. You may also use this java-applet for obtaining UTC.

2 Your geographical location

Know where you are located on Earth. The geographical locations of many cities can be found through this page on HeavensAbove.

3 Contact timings

Determining the time of first contact will be extremely difficult. Therefore try to focus on both interior contacts and the fourth contact when Venus leaves the Sun entirely.

4 Enter your observations

Here you can enter your observations. After submitting your name and location will be stored in the database. When using the online calculator you may combine your observation(s) with those of other observers on Earth and calculate the distance from the Earth to the Sun together.

5 Calculate the Earth-Sun distance

Compare your date with data from someone else. Together you are able to calculate the Sun's distance

6 After the transit

When all observations are in we will try and calculate a common value for the Astronomical Unit using the European Venus Transit network.