PRESS CONFERENCE ABOUT CELESTIAL EVENTS

by Knut Jørgen Røed Ødegaard

The major lunar eclipse on May 4 is expected to be one of the most magnificent lunar eclipses in 50 years. On May 21 the planet Venus will hide behind the Moon for about an hour. On June 8 the same planet will transit the Sun for the first time since 1882. In a few weeks time we may also find the answer to how much water the mysterious planet Mars has hidden below its surface.

The events taking place in May and the beginning of June this year will be among the most significant events we will experience in nature.

The Norwegian Astronomical Association, Institute of Theretical Astrophysics at the University of Oslo, and the Nysgjerrigper Science Knowledge Project (under the auspices of the Research Council of Norway) want to inform the public about these historic events.

A press conference will be held on Monday May 3rd at 10.30 am at the University of Oslo in Auditorium 2 in Helga Engs hus. The street address is Sem Sælandsvei 7.

SUBJECTS

The lunar eclipse on May 4 which is expected to become particularly magnificent. We explain where, when and how it can be watched and what it may look like.
On May 21 the Moon will occult Venus: How can it be observed, what happens?
The transit of Venus on June 8: What happens, and why is this so important historically and today?
- How to experience the transit
- We encourage everyone in Norway to leave their jobs for a few hours to experience the unique phenomenon
- The major national/international event in the Frognerpark on June 7 og and 8.
- International cooperation
- Live webcast of the lunar eclipse, the occultation of Venus and the transit of Venus.
- On June 8, the award of "Årets Nysgjerrigper" (the most curious or inquisitive group of pupils) is announced and the winners celebrated.
The search for water on Mars: What do we know and what is expected to be found in May?

IMAGES AND FILMS

At the press conference images, illustrations, films and animations will be presented and made available. Posters, magazines etc. describing the transit will also be available.

More information about the transit of Venus can be found here.

Read about the occultation on May 21 here.

MEDIA CONTACT

Knut Jørgen Røed Ødegaard
(astronomer)

Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics
University of Oslo
P. O. box 1029 Blindern
NO-0315 Oslo
Norway

Phone: +47 22 85 75 22 (Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics)
+47 992 77 172 (cell phone)

E-mail: knutjo@astro.uio.no

Adresse: webmaster@astro.uio.no