On June 5, 2012, Venus will pass in front of the Sun for the last time until 2117. Southern Stars, makers of the SkySafari astronomy apps, challenges anyone with an iOS or Android mobile device to capture this one-in-a-lifetime event -- and to enter to win a brand-new iPod touch, Android tablet, or iPad!
To win the content, contestants must purchase a copy of SkySafari (Basic, Plus, or Pro version) for iOS or Android between now and June 5. Contestants may predict the Venus transit using SkySafari, or with free tools and apps available on http://www.transitofvenus.org, http://www.transitofvenus.nl, and tov2012.esri.com .
When the transit happens, contestants should take a picture of it with their mobile device. Contestants should email their pictures, and their SkySafari purchase receipts from the iTunes Store or Google Play, to venus@southernstars.com before June 7.
It doesn't matter how contestants take a picture of the transit, as long as they do so with their mobile device. They may project the Sun's image on a card; they can photograph it through binoculars with a sun filter; or they may use their creativity to capture the transit in a way we haven't through of. For suggestions, see http://www.transitofvenus.org, http://www.transitofvenus.nl, and tov2012.esri.com .
WARNING: Don't stare at the Sun without proper eye protection. Never observe the Sun through binoculars or a telescope without a solar filter. Viewing the Sun without proper equipment during the Venus transit -- or at any other time -- may cause serious eye injury or even blindness. Fortunately, it's safe to simulate the transit of Venus with SkySafari.
Three prizes will be awarded at random to all qualifying contestants. Only one submission only per contestant will be accepted. The prizes are:
Third prize: iPod touch, 4th generation, 8GB model, white
Second prize: Samsung Galaxy 2 Tab 7-inch Android tablet, black
First prize: iPad 3, 16 GB Wi-Fi model, white
Winners will be notified by email no later than June 12. Anyone with a smartphone is encouraged to get a copy of SkySafari from the iTunes Store or Google Play, to learn about the transit of Venus on http://www.transitofvenus.org, http://www.transitofvenus.nl, and tov2012.esri.com -- and to capture the event with their mobile device.
For contest details, go to http://www.southernstars.com/company/news/2012-05-29.html . In addition to the content, Southern Stars will offer sale pricing on all of its iOS and Android apps from May 30 through June 6. During the sale, all versions of SkySafari will be priced at 30% to 50% off regular price. Details can be found at http://www.southernstars.com/company/news/2012-05-29.html .
