HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAAY-31) - The Venus transit, one of the rarest of all solar occurrences, is happening Tuesday afternoon.

The Venus Transit is when Venus passes in front of the sun. With special equipment you are able to see a tiny dot slowly move across the face of the sun. Because it is dangerous to stare directly into the sun, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center is offering a free viewing event in the parking lot of the Davidson Center. Dozens of special telescopes will be available along with space experts to answer any questions.

“Huntsville isn't called the Rocket City for nothing! It is a space town and this is a solar event. To be able to watch it here, with the Marshall Space Flight Center and with the Von Braun astronomical society is really something quite special,” said Director of Education, Marcia Lindstrom.

The opportunity to see the transit starts at 5:05 and will last until sundown. The hands-on activities at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center begin at 5:30pm, Tuesday, June 5.