June 5 & 6 of 2012 will transit the sun. This pass will take about six hours to complete. The last transit was 2004. The reason for the two relatively short periods separated by a much longer periods (the transits have two rather quick transits, only separated by eight years - hence the 2004 to 2012 time frame then a 105 year wait.) of 105 to 121 years - happens only when Earth and Venus are in line with the sun. This doesn't happen often because of the different orbital times and the fact that neither Earths or Venus' orbit are flat.
The Science Daily article is rich with historical data, which if you have even a passing interest, I suggest that you check this Science Daily article out. It really is worth it!
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