The start of June 2012 is going to be a busy time!

Partial Lunar Eclipse on the 4th June

On the 4th June 2012, Australia and New Zealand are well placed for a Partial Lunar Eclipse, as the eclipse will take place in the evening when the Moon is high in the sky.

Partial Lunar Eclipses are completely safe to observe.

This isn't a particularly deep lunar eclipse but it's still worth watching as approx 40% of the Moon will be in Earth's shadow. For more information, including timings for your location, check this article here on IceInSpace.

Venus Transit across the Sun on 6th June

This is the one we've all been waiting for. On the 6th June, Australians and New Zealanders are very well placed to watch Venus move across the disc of the Sun.

It is extremely dangerous to look at the Sun without proper solar eclipse glasses or a properly fitted solar filter on your telescope/binoculars.

If you don't have the required filters or solar eclipse shades, or you're clouded out in your location, check out one of the many websites that will be broadcasting the event live. We will have a list of them here on IceInSpace.

The image below was captured by Greg Bradley during the 2004 transit.

If you miss this transit, you won't be alive to see the next one in 2117!

IceInSpace Calendar Competition

If you're a photographer, you only have a number of days left to submit your images to the IceInSpace Calendar Competition before the 31st May 2012.

It's your chance to get your image published in the IceInSpace Astronomy Calendar 2013.

For information about how to submit your images, check out the IceInSpace Calendar Competition Page.

During June, voting will commence and the extended IceInSpace community (you!) will be able to vote on your favourite images to appear in the 2013 calendar.

Keep an eye on IceInSpace for more detail and updates and be sure to Like our Facebook page for live updates during the Partial Lunar Eclipse and Venus Transit.