Yesterday and earlier today, crowds gathered around the world to watch as Venus passed between the Earth and the sun, a last-in-our-lifetimes chance to see the mechanics of orbit at work in the sky. While some people here on Earth were thwarted by clouds, NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory had a clear view for grabbing this high-definition shot. The perspective makes it appear as though Venus is right up against the sun, but actually about 67 million miles separate the two; Venus is much closer to Earth than it is to the sun. The next transit won't happen for 105.5 years.

Below, recent Pictures of the Day:

Image: NASA.