The Transit of Venus occurs when Venus passes between Earth and the sun, casting a small dot of a shadow that travels slowly across the sun. Astronomers have used the phenomenon in previous centuries to measure the size of our solar system. You don't need formulas and figures, though, to get the sense during such a monumental astronomical phenomenon that we're really very small...

The event is viewable in our angeleno sky from 3:06pm until 8:02pm, and a few local viewing parties can provide the right equipment and angle to catch the action. Griffith Observatory's Transit of Venus Viewing Party tracks the entire event for free, though if last week's solar eclipse traffic is anything to go by, the number of cars in Griffith Park could be an equally valid way of measuring the solar system. The event at Upper Las Virgenes Preserve is likely to be less crowded, and Santa Monica College is dedicating its June 1 Night Sky Show to preparing for the Venus Transit.

If you'd like to watch from home, though, we've got some important tips to share:

• Never look directly at the sun! In case you thought this was one of those things your parents said that falls into the category of "Your face will freeze that way," think again! This is no old wives' tale; looking directly at the sun during the eclipse WILL cause permanent damage to your eyes - potentially even blindness. And, no, sunglasses are not sufficient protection.

• Welder's Glass: One safe way to look at the sun is using the same thing our parents used - a piece of number 14 welder's glass. Not everyone has one of these lying around the house, of course, and lots of welding supply companies are sold out after so much celestial action. Airgas in Culver City might be able to help, and amazon.com can ship overnight.

• Solar Eclipse Glasses: The other safe way to view is using a pair of solar eclipse viewing glasses. These are inexpensive items that look like 3-D glasses and can be purchased all over the web - or at Griffith Observatory if you catch the shop just after the delivery truck pulls out. Opt in Oceanside still had plenty last we checked and can ship.

• Solar Projection: While it is not safe to look through a telescope or binoculars without a special filter, you can use a telescope or binoculars to project the image of the eclipse onto a shaded piece of white of cardboard. The projected image is safe to look at, but it's pretty tricky to line up. What might be easier is pinhole projection, which allows the sunlight to shine onto the ground or another larger card through a tiny pinhole.

• Shoebox Eclipse Viewer: This method takes the pinhole method one step farther. The process can be a little complicated - or it can be a neat project to work on together. Check out some instructions for creating an eclipse viewer.

• Water Projection: Another safe viewing method is to observe the eclipse as a reflection, in a bowl of water - though this is tricky to pull off when the sun is low.

• Streaming Video: If all else fails, several websites plan to stream the eclipse live; a quick web search should give you a front row seat.

The Griffith Observatory website has more information, as does this Transit of Venus website. However you view, the stage is set for a once-in-a-lifetime sunset!