A rare astronomical phenomenon took place on June 8, 2004 after a gap of 122 years. The event was

Options

A. Total sun eclipse
B. Transition of Venus across the sun
C. Venus and Mercury came in a straight line and very close to each other
D. Earth came in a straight line with Sun and Moon

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Date and Context**: The question mentions a rare astronomical phenomenon that occurred on June 8, 2004. This sets the context for the event we need to identify.

2. **Research the Event**: To find out what happened on that date, we look into astronomical events. One significant event that is known to have occurred on this date is the transit of Venus.

3. **Understand the Transit of Venus**: A transit of Venus occurs when Venus passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, appearing as a small dot moving across the Sun's face. This is a rare event because it only happens in pairs, with each pair occurring about 8 years apart, but the pairs are separated by over a century.

4. **Historical Context**: The last transit of Venus before June 8, 2004, occurred on December 6, 1882. This means that there was a gap of 122 years between the two transits.

5. **Significance of the Event**: The transit on June 8, 2004, was significant not only because it was rare but also because it was the first time many people could observe it live due to advancements in technology and media. This made it a notable event in astronomy.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the rare astronomical phenomenon that took place on June 8, 2004, was the second transit of Venus across the Sun.

**Final Answer**: The event was the second transit of Venus across the Sun.

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