An amazing celestial event will take place on June 5^th, and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MICIT in Spanish) will hold a workshop on May 31^st for the public to learn more about this rare phenomenon, which is expected to capture the attention of astronomers, scientists, stargazers, and many others in Costa Rica and around the world.

The unique event consists of the rare transit of the planet Venus right across the face of the Sun. In modern history, this astronomical event has only happened six times in the past, and it will not become visible again until 2117.

On Thursday May 31^st, the Ministry of Science and Technology will present a video conference from the Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). The presenter will be Sergio de Regules Funez, a science writer who shares a similar commitment of bringing science to the masses with other authors like Richard Dawkins. The video feed from Mexico will broadcast at 11:00 AM.

A special workshop for educators and the public will begin at 2:00 pm. This workshop will teach attendees on how to build models that illustrate planetary angles and trajectories, the dynamics involving planetary alignment, and more. The workshop will be given by Professor Jose Alberto Villalobos Morales of the University of Costa Rica, a scientist who is very dedicated to teaching Ticos about physics and the wonders of the world we live in, and to show that algebraic expression of astronomy is nothing to be afraid of.

Readers of The Costa Rica Star may be familiar with the work of Professor Villalobos in the following articles:

• The Alignment of the Sun with the Stone Spheres of Costa Rica: Magic or Astronomy?
• Did the Bribri people of Costa Rica believe in the end of the world?

The MICIT building is located right across from the National Museum in San Jose, right on 2^nd Avenue, between 17^th and 19^th Streets. Space is limited, so please call or email ahead to confirm your attendance:

• 2248-1515
• [email protected]