The day the world discovered the sun
Subtitle: an extraordinary story of scientific adventure and the race to track the transit of Venus
By: Mark Anderson
Edition: 1st Da Capo Press ed.
Publisher: Da Capo Press
Published: 2012
Place of publication: Boston
Language: eng
Number of pages: 280
ISBN-13: 9780306820380
Subjects: Astronomers; Astronomy; Exploration; History
Description: On June 3, 1769, the planet Venus briefly passed across the face of the sun in a cosmic alignment that occurs twice per century. Anticipation of the rare celestial event sparked a worldwide competition among aspiring global superpowers, each sending their own scientific expeditions to far-flung destinations to time the planet's trek. Anderson reveals the stories of three Venus Transit voyages-- to the heart of the Arctic, the New World, and the Pacific-- that risked every mortal peril of a candlelit age.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.
Table of contents: title: A star in the sun; title: The choicest wonders; title: Flying bridges; title: The mighty dimensions; title: The book and the ship; title: Voyage en Californie; title: Great expedition; title: Some unfrequented part; title: A shining band; title: Fort Venus; title: Behind the sky; title: Subjects and discoveries; title: Sail to the southward; title: Eclipse.