See the transit of Venus at a special Morehead event in June

Venus will pass directly between the earth and the sun on June 5. Called the transit of Venus, it provides a unique glimpse of the planet.

And if you want to see it, June 5 is your day. It won't happen again until 2117.

Morehead Planetarium and Science Center in Chapel Hill will offer a safe way to view Venus during a special event from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., June 5. It's free and open to the public.

Morehead will provide special eclipse glasses for each family to ensure safe viewing. Astronomers also will share up-close views of the transit through solar telescopes, which also offer protection. Safety is important because viewing the sun without special eclipse glasses that are much darker than regular sunglasses can cause permanent eye damage.

The evening also will include a transit-themed star show in Morehead's fulldome planetarium; talks by NASA solar system ambassadors Mike Malaska and Tony Rice; and a "planet walk" and children's craft activities led by staff from Morehead and the nearby Kidzu Children's Museum.