Venus in Transit

Description

On June 8, 2004, Venus will cross the sun's face for the first time since 1882. Eli Maor tells the intriguing tale of the five Venus transits previously observed and the fantastic efforts made to record them. This is a story of heroes and cowards, of reputations earned and squandered, all told against a backdrop of phenomenal geopolitical and scientific change. Throughout, Maor guides readers to the upcoming Venus transits in 2004 and 2012, opportunities to witness a phenomenon seen by no living person and not to be repeated until 2117.

Eli Maor teaches History of Mathematics at Loyola University in Chicago. He is author of "e: The Story of a Number, Trigonometric Delights," and "To Infinity and Beyond" (all Princeton).

"Maor brings science history vividly alive in a manner reminiscent of Eco, with tales of eccentric astronomers, political corruption, and conspiracy. A delight to anyone interested in astronomy or the history of science."--Booklist "Eli Maor's book is primarily a straightforward historical account of the five observed transits of Venus... [It] will appeal to readers who enjoy an easy-going story..."--Journal of the British Astronomical Association "[Maor] reminds the reader what a long and circuitous route science has traveled to take the measure of the world around us."--Laurence A. Marschall, The Sciences "In the course of recounting important transits of the past, Maor introduces us to some of the forgotten personalities in the history of astronomy."--Dan Falk, The Toronto Globe and Mail "Maor examines the international intrigue, history, mystery, and science of what was considered an extremely important event that helped determine the accurate measure of the distance from Earth to the Sun."--Mercury "A small gem of a book... Maor explains with grace, clarity and wit why this event is so rare, and describes the heroic efforts and frequent misadventures involved in attempts to observe the five transits that have occurred in the almost 400 years since Johannes Kepler, the discoverer of the laws of planetary motion that bear his name, predicted their occurrence."--Jeffrey Marsh, The Washington Times "Brimming with historical anecdote and up-to-date information, this book provides much more than a simple introduction to two of the most anticipated celestial events of the 21st century...It chronicles the fervor, triumph, and folly that accompanied the last five transits of Venus witnessed by Western civilization ... This book will please the history aficionado and the most ardent amateur astronomer."--William Schomaker, Astronomy "[A] charming guide... Maor weaves his tale with clarity and historical precision."--Owen Gingerich, Times Literary Supplement "This book will fascinate those interested in chasing rare astronomical events."--Choice "I enjoyed Maor's book; it is written in an easy, clear, anecdotal way that makes great bedtime reading."--Done Fernie, Nature "[A] snappy, enjoyable, and eminently readable historical account ..."--David W. Hughes, The Observatory "Nobody alive has seen a transit of Venus, and if you miss the 2004 and 2012 events you will not have another chance. If you are interested in transit history, read Maor."--John Westfall, Sky and Telescope "June 8, 2004: Venus in Transit is short and entertaining. This book is an engaging retelling of the story for a popular audience."--James Evans, ISIS "Venus in Transit is a well written and documented account of previous transits, giving a real flavor of the characters involved and their achievements and disappointments in observing this rare event."--Astronomy Now