Telescopes, sundials, cameras and sun facts.
It was a fun day for folks in Pleasanton during the Venus in Transit event held at Shadow Cliffs Regional Park on Tuesday afternoon.
Tables were set up all around the perimeter, including some from Solar S'mores, Sundial-making, Solar System in Your Pocket and Sunprint Art. Families lined up at telescopes centered in the park and waited eagerly to look at the phenomeneon of Venus passing between the Earth and the sun.
Many people who came out were newbies, never having been anything like this before. Mother-daughter duo Tori and Esther Forrest made sure to do some experiments before going.
"We looked on the Internet (and read a book). We found an activity involving binoculars and a pinhole and decided to try something out," said Tori Forrest.
Joshua Martinez, an employee at Shadow Cliffs, already knew about the event and was excited to bring some of his props and original ideas into play.
"Appropriate equipment to bring would be a welder's mask (which I have) and some sunglasses," he said. "I took an astronomy class recently at Los Positas and was really interested in coming."
Besides the plethora of activities for all to enjoy, there were about 10 different set-ups where people had their telescopes set up for viewing.
Tim Sullens was a local who wanted to volunteer his time and equipment to share with others.
"I enjoy showing kids and everybody during events like these. This is my first local event and I've been to other events that don't have a lot of kids and (and families.) I saw the solar eclipse in Reno, but it was at night, and not many kids with families showed up," Sullens said.
Jim Head with the Mt. Diablo Astronomy Society was there with a line that sweeped into other lines for viewing. His telescope was the biggest and as you looked, you were able to see a clear view of Venus right before your eyes.
Dave Feindel of the Tri-Valley Star Gazers has done events like these a number of times and reminded everyone about the importance of community events like this.
"I wanted to come out and share this time with others," he said. "I've done different parties or when people request my help. I did this event especially because I knew it wouldn't be happening again until 2117."
