FIRST TEXAS TRANSIT OF VENUS HISTORICAL MARKER
TO BE DEDICATED DECEMBER 3!

From Paul D. Maley

This is to alert amateur astronomers that a marker honoring the observation of the Transit of Venus by the American expedition to San Antonio in 1882 from the United States Naval Observatory will be officially dedicated on Dec. 3, 2004. All local amateurs who have an interest in Texas history and its link with astronomy are invited to attend this important commemoration. Outside of McDonald Observatory and the Odessa Meteorite Crater, this would be just the third significant place in the state of Texas to be designated as a "historic location". Based on an initiative by the NASA Johnson Space Center Astronomical Society, the post commander, Gen. Daniel Perugini approved the funds for the creation of the marker in May 2004 and the marker was finished at the factory just recently.

WHERE/WHEN

The event will take place on FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3rd at Bldg. 623 at 10:00am on the grounds of Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio at which time a permanent marker will be installed 150 feet east of the precise spot where Asaph Hall observed the Transit of Venus on the morning of December 6, 1882. Ft. Sam is located two miles north of the center of the city.

HOW TO GET THERE

Ft. Sam Houston can be reached by following Hwy 35 to the Walters exit. For a map to Ft. Sam Houston, click here. Go north on Walters to the main gate. This is a military base. Those with government ID and government vehicle sticker can proceed straight through. Others must stay to the right where you receive a day pass after showing a picture ID. Additionally vehicles must have current registration, inspection and proof of insurance. Rental cars will need to have rental papers. Follow the more detailed map to reach Bldg. 623. To view the detailed map, you will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.

This announcement is being sent to Texas astronomy clubs. Anyone wishing to be sent a formal invitation should please email Paul D. Maley their physical address and name NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY NOV 17. Please publicize this important event.