In this artist's rendering by Akihiro Ikeshita released via
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japanese probe
Akatsuki is reaching Venus, right. Probe Akatsuki on Tuesday,
Dec. 7, 2010, reached Venus and prepared to enter orbit on a
two-year mission that would mark a major milestone for Japan's
space program and could shed light on the climate of Earth's
mysterious neighbor. (AP Photo/Akihiro Ikeshita via JAXA)
EDITORIAL USE ONLY By ALICIA CHANG AP Science Writer LOS ANGELES
(AP) -- It's a spectacle that won't repeat for another century -
the sight of Venus slowly inching across the face of the sun. So
unless scientists discover the fountain of youth, none of us
alive today will likely ever witness this celestial phenomenon
again, dubbed a "transit of Venus." It's so unique that museums
and schools around the globe are hosting Venus viewing
festivities - all for a chance to see our star sport a fleeting
beauty mark. Even astronauts aboard the International Space
Station plan to observe the event. The