The Transit of Venus: How a Rare Astronomical Alignment Changed the World (Awa Science Series)

Adds, Peter

ISBN 10: 0958262977 / ISBN 13: 9780958262972

Published by Awa Press, Wellington, 2007

About this Item

Feels unread with tiny amounts of shelf wear. On 8 June 2004, the planet Venus moved across the face of the sun. This historic event - visible from nearly every country on Earth - was the first time in over 120 years it had occurred. On 6 June 2012, Venus will again traverse the sun, providing an extraordinary and moving spectacle to the people of Earth. "The Transit of Venus" brings together a collection of engaging essays from some of the world's most respected scientists and historians that tell of the life-changing impact these types of cosmic events have had on the exploration and colonization of our own planet.

Seller Inventory # 039519

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Transit of Venus: How a Rare Astronomical Alignment Changed the World (Awa Science Series)
• Publisher: Awa Press, Wellington
• Publication Date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0958262977
• ISBN 13: 9780958262972
• Binding: Soft cover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Near Fine
• Seller catalogs:
  • Science

About this title

Synopsis

Going beyond the science of astronomy, this study looks at the history of Venus' rare passings across the face of the sun which have affected the exploration, colonization, and science of our planet for thousands of years. In response to Venus' 2004 transit, the first in 121 years, the scientists and historians in this study look at the extraordinary impact these astronomical events have had on our culture throughout history, and look ahead to the next transit in 2012.

About the Author

Peter Adds is head of the School of Maori Studies at Victoria University in New Zealand. Paul Callaghan is head of the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology. Hamish Campbell is the geologist at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Richard Hall is cofounder of the renowned Stonehenge Aotearoa Astronomy Centre in Wairarapa, New Zealand, and the author of How to Gaze at the Southern Stars. Anne Salmond is a professor of Maori studies and anthropology at the University of Auckland. Duncan Steel is the principal research scientist with the Ball Solutions Group and vice president of the Spaceguard Foundation. Marilyn Head is the winner of the 2002 Carter Medal for her services to astronomy education.