Why read Transit of Venus?

Book cover of Transit of Venus: 1631 to the present

Book description

"In his new book, Transit of Venus, 1631 to the Present, Dr Nick Lomb - an astronomer at the Sydney Observatpry and the author of the Australian Sky Guide - has produced what may be his most timely publication to date...Dr Lomb has cooked up both a titillating textual treat…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Transit of Venus as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Toner Stevenson

Author

I was fortunate to view two Venus transits, and this book made me realize how certain astronomical events have had enormous social impacts. There are many such examples of adventure, elation, and disappointment in this book, but the one that I found most fascinating is the 1769 transit of Venus, which was the main reason for the British voyage to the Southern Hemisphere. This historical event had major repercussions for Australian Indigenous people due to British colonisation.

I particularly enjoyed referring to the many colorful images and maps as I read. The stunning painting of Fort Venus, set up for…

From Toner's list on mash up astronomy, history and culture.