The Observatory’s former long–serving Curator of Astronomy, Dr Nick Lomb, has prepared a book (available for purchase online or at Sydney Observatory, Powerhouse Museum or good bookshops) that is the essential companion to the 2012 transit. It provides detailed information on when, where and how to observe this exciting event. More importantly, it explains its significance and relates the stories of the exciting and adventurous journeys undertaken by astronomers to observe transits in past centuries. One of these was that of Captain James Cook to observe the transit of 1769 from Tahiti, a journey that led to the European settlement of Australia.
Description
The transit of Venus across the Sun in June 2012 will be the last chance in our lifetime to see this rare planetary alignment that has been so important in history.
Rich in historical detail and cutting edge science, along with practical information on how and when to view the transit, ‘Transit of Venus’ is the must-have companion to this extraordinary astronomical event.
Endorsements
‘This is exactly what a great astronomy book should be: comprehensive, highly informative yet very accessible for lay readers, and beautifully illustrated to showcase the glory of the heavens.’
– Dr Kevin Fewster, Director, National Maritime Museum and Royal Observatory, Greenwich, UK
‘With this superb and lavishly illustrated book, astronomer Nick Lomb has provided the complete guide to Venus transits past and present. Essential reading for everyone.’ – Dr Professor Fred Watson AM, Astronomer-in-Charge, Australian Astronomical Observatory, Coonabarabran
‘Everyone should see the transit of Venus in June 2012,since it is the last chance until 2117. And everyone should read Nick Lomb’s fascinating book, which beautifully and dramatically highlights both the history and scientific importance of the transit of Venus.’— Professor Jay M. Pasachoff, Vice Chair, Historical Astronomy Division of the American Astronomical Society
Dr Nick Lomb was Curator of Astronomy at Sydney Observatory for thirty years (1979-2009). He continues to work as a consultant astronomer for Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum and for Sydney Observatory. He is the author of the ‘Australasian Sky Guide’, published annually by the Powerhouse Museum, as well as several books on astronomy including ‘Astronomy for the Southern Sky’ (1986) and ‘Observer & Observed: A pictorial history of Sydney Observatory and Observatory Hill’ (2001). He led Sydney Observatory’s observations and celebrations of the transit of Venus in 2004.
Details
‘Transit of Venus: 1631 to the present’
By Nick Lomb
Published November 2011
ISBN 9781742232690
NewSouth & Powerhouse Museum, 232pp, HB, 230 x 230mm
RRP AU$49.95
110 images, full colour throughout
Table of contents
Introduction
A spot of unusual magnitude: 1639
Frozen plains and tropical seas: 1761
Venus of the South Seas: 1769
Capturing the transit: 1874 and 1882
Space-age transit: 2004
Observing the 2012 transit
Glossary
Bibliography
Acknowledgements
Index
Nick Lomb’s beautifully designed and illustrated book brings the history and importance of the transit of Venus alive with his engaging and lively text. Available for purchase online or at Sydney Observatory, Powerhouse Museum or good bookshops.