The 2004 transit of Venus observed from the Open University observatory

Chambers, Peter; Cooper, Alan; Norton, Andrew; Rix, Andrew; Stewart, Malcolm and Tanner, John D. (2005). The 2004 transit of Venus observed from the Open University observatory. Journal of the British Astronomical Association, 115(3) pp. 144–149.

URL: http://www.britastro.org/journal/115-3.htm

Abstract

The purpose of this report is to compare the accuracies of five different techniques for determining contact times. Recordings and measurements of the transit were taken through four instruments, the Open University's Meade LX200 for accurate timing of the third contact, and a Meade ETX 105 for coverage of the whole transit. Both were recorded on digital videotape. In addition, images were recorded on a webcam on a 100mm telescope and visual estimates were made with an ETX125. Analysis of the LX200 tapes gave an accuracy of ±5 seconds for the time of contact. Methods are compared in the Conclusions. Several other telescopes were used on campus for public displays of the event. There was minimal black drop.

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