CELEBRITY stargazer Sir Patrick Moore and some of the world's top scientists will descend on the small village of Much Hoole this summer to observe a once-in-a-lifetime astronomical event.
The transit of Venus, which takes place every 120 years, will be visible from the Northern Hemisphere on Tuesday, June 8 between 6.20am and 11.30am.
It is an astronomical event first witnessed and recorded in the village near Preston in December 1639 by mathematician and Much Hoole resident Jeremiah Horrocks.
The University of Central Lancashire and members of St Michael's Church, Liverpool Old Road, where Horrocks worshipped, have teamed up for a week of celebrations which will be attended by the world's media and scientists from more than 20 countries.
"This is an exceptionally rare and unique event, and interest will grow nationally and internationally until it happens," said Dr Robert Walsh, of the Centre for Astrophysics at the Preston university.
On the day of the event a telescope will be set up at the church for members of the public to view the transit safely.
The university is holding an international conference during the week and scientists will view the transit at a separate location while the BBC will be broadcasting a live programme from the site.
A video-link will also be set up at nearby St Michael's Primary School which will have the action broadcast from Arizona in the US in case the sky is cloudy.
The transit will be projected onto a piece of card and will look like a dot travelling across the sun.
"We are hoping to raise some money and the profile of the church by celebrating this wonderful event," said Barabara Wood, of St Michael's, who is helping to organise the event.
The church will also hold a flower festival from June 4-6, a celebration dinner which Sir Patrick will attend on Saturday June 12 and a grand finale with a barbecue and fireworks on Saturday June 26.
A stained glass window, designed by youngsters from St Michael's Primary has been installed at the church to mark the event
For details on the events at the church call Stanley Pickles on 01772 615708 and www.transit-of-venus.org.uk for details about the transit.
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