Synopses & Reviews
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 planets trek. These pioneers used the "Venus Transit" to discover the physical dimensions of the solar system and refine the methods of discovering longitude at sea.
In this fast-paced narrative, Mark 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. With time running out, each expedition struggles to reach its destination — a quest that races to an unforgettable climax on a momentous summer day when the universe suddenly became much larger than anyone had dared to imagine.
The Day the World Discovered the Sun tells an epic story of the enduring human desire to understand our place in the universe.
Review
"Anderson's prose [is] gleaming with a stout and convincing imagining of the past....An adventure tale that brings to life knowledge that is a touch esoteric, yet was at the center of vital, practical pursuits of the 18th century." Northampton Valley Advocate
Review
"An armchair travel adventure." Roanoke Times
Review
"I can think of no finer reading companion to warm you up for [the transit of Venus] than this week's review, The Day the World Discovered the Sun....This book reads like a fine historical adventure novel....The book doesn't back away from the 'good stuff' that astronomical history buffs yearn for....A table is included for the mathematically curious, and tales of astronomical intrigue abound." AstroGuyz.com
Review
"A fine combination of popular science and real-life adventure that will appeal to a broad spectrum of readers." Booklist
Synopsis
In the tradition of Longitude, a page-turning story of eighteenth-century astronomers racing to find the distance to the sun and the keys to worldwide navigation.
About the Author
Mark Anderson is the author of "Shakespeare" By Another Name and has covered science, history, and technology for many media outlets, including Discover and National Public Radio. He holds a BA in physics, an MS in astrophysics, and lives in western Massachusetts.
Exclusive Essay
Read an exclusive essay by Mark Anderson