Transit of Venus - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1742232698 ISBN 13: 9781742232690

Publisher: NewSouth Publishing, 1678

Synopsis

"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 and a full-bodied visual feast, and whether his readers choose to nibble at the book meditatively or to ingest it voraciously in a single sitting, they are sure to come away licking their lips and drooling for more." - Michael E. Chauvin, The Bulletin 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. From Johannes Kepler's first prediction of a transit of Venus in 1631, to Captain Cook's 1769 transit expedition to Tahiti (which led to the European settlement of Australia), and on to our 21st-century quest to find distant Earth-like planets using the transit method, astronomer Nick Lomb takes us on a thrilling journey of exploration and adventure.

About this title

About the Author

Nick Lomb was Curator of Astronomy at the Sydney Observatory for over thirty years (1979-2010). He continues to work as a consultant astronomer for the Sydney Powerhouse Museum and Sydney Observatory. He is the author of the Australian Sky Guide, published annually by the Powerhouse Museum, as well several books on astronomy including Astronomy for the Southern Sky (1986) and the catalogue produced for the Powerhouse Museum’s exhibition on the 2004 transit of Venus, Transit of Venus: The Scientific Event that Led Captain Cook to Australia (2004).

Review

“In his new book, Nick Lomb, longtime curator of astronomy at Australia’s Sydney Observatory, gives the complete rundown on this astronomical event.”
—The Washington Post

“[Lomb] has produced a lavishly illustrated book that covers the human side of transits of Venus in addition to describing the scientific interest....Lomb’s book covers so many aspects of transits that, with its clear writing and beautiful illustrations, it should be of great interest to all.”
—The Key Reporter, published by Phi Beta Kappa

“[A] gorgeous book...worth every penny.”
—The Australian

“Dr. Lomb covers each of the transits in detail by not only explaining the logistics involved in getting people and instruments to prime locations for observing the transits but also by providing a background story of those involved along with the triumphs and tragedies. . . In addition to the detailed stories, the book also contains a stunning collection of 140 photos and illustrations covering everything from high definition NASA images to drawings from the explorers themselves. . . Anyone interested in the upcoming transit of Venus will finds this book to be a great resource for understanding the historical and scientific significance of the event along with valuable information to observe the event.”
—UniverseToday.com

“[A] lavishly illustrated and entertaining history of the phenomenon. . . . Lomb’s book was an invaluable resource”
—SmartPlanet.com

“The history of the quest to determine the astronomical unit is intertwined with the Venus transits and the stories of the scientist-adventurers who made that possible is worthy of a whole book.  Fortunately, Nick Lomb has done just that in a full-color one out now, just in time to maximize your enjoyment of the event. Make the most of it, you will not live to see another one. . . Everything you could want to know, about how astronomy was used for naval travel to the impacts of that work today is included.  For the upcoming [transit], Lomb includes everything you would want to know from just about every spot on Earth.”
—Science 2.0

“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

“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.”
—Professor Fred Watson, Astronomer-in-Charge, Australian Astronomical Observatory

About this edition

• Publisher: NewSouth Publishing
• Publication date: 1678
• ISBN 10: 1742232698
• ISBN 13: 9781742232690
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English