Synopses & Reviews
In this unique and fascinating history of science, acclaimed popular science writer William Sheehan who was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship for Science Writing and award-winning geographer John Westfall take us back through the centuries to chronicle the intrepid explorations of scientists and adventurers who studied the transits of Venus in the quest for scientific understanding.
In exquisite prose, the authors begin their true tale with the first telescopically observable transit in 1639, when Copernicus's vision of the solar system was just gaining acceptance. This "Earth-shattering" observation was of monumental importance, because it helped confirm that the planets, including Earth, revolved around the Sun, and not the reverse as had heretofore been believed. Sheehan and Westfall take us on a journey through time vividly evoking the excitement and adventures of explorers and scientists who braved the elements, wars, and disease to follow the transits of the past. Some succumbed to an early grave. Others were victorious in capturing those precious, fleeting moments when Venus cast its shadow on the Sun.
From the courageous voyage of Captain James Cook through later breath-taking adventures to the upcoming 2004 and 2012 transits, this uniquely invaluable tome will provide a history and a guide for the future on the unparalleled beauty and meaning of experiencing a transit of Venus. Complete with maps showing both historical and contemporary observation points, plus tables of visibility conditions for major cities, this eloquent story of a timeless phenomenon will enchant readers of all ages.
Review
"Sheehan and Westfall have produced an exciting, colorful and definitive account of the history of an extremely rare astronomical phenomenon. Using the detailed instructions provided, the book will inspire readers to view Venus as it transits the sun for the first time since 1882." Steven J. Dick, NASA Chief Historian
Review
"A masterful work full of mystery, intrigue, passion and danger. Sheehan and Westfall take us on a wild and enchanting romp through time, as imminent scientists, disillusioned egoists, impassioned mathematicians, and preeminent explorers, chase the shadow of Venus around the globe on a grail-like quest for the 'perfect number.'" Steve O'Meara, Contributing Editor, Sky & Telescope
Review
"Sheehan and Westfall have produced a page-turning account of the circumstances and history of one of Nature's rarest phenomena. Passion, obsession, frustration, adventure, rivalry and disaster, above all the
triumph of intellect to fathom the depths of space, are all exemplified in this fascinating tale of scientific endeavour." Richard Baum, Director emeritus, Mercury and Venus Section of the British Astronomical Association
Synopsis
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