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Practical Observations of The Transit of Venus: Resonance May 2004
Practical Observations of The Transit of Venus: Resonance May 2004
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What is Transit?
B S Shylaja
be above or below the Sun. The orbital planes of Venus and Earth Figure 2. There are five syn-
are different. Hence the two planets will be in line with the Sun odic cycles within 8 years
only when Venus is exactly on specified points which can be bringing back Venus and
either in June or in December. The June events can recur in an Earth to the line of nodes;
thus the transits occur as a
interval of 243 years; so can the December events. Moreover,
pair 8 years apart. The figure
they occur in pairs separated by eight years. Thus the first pair formed by joining these con-
occurred in 1632 and 1639 in the month of December; the next junctions is called a pentacle
events of December occurred in 1874 and 1882. The June events and has attracted a good
occurred in 1761 and 1769 and are scheduled again for 2004 and number of artists.
2012.
One of the most when I am dead, will have an opportunity to observe … I wish
successful observers them all imaginable success”. He emphasized the need for obser-
was Captain James vations from all over the globe. The event was received with great
Cook who observed enthusiasm. About two hundred astronomers sailed to different
the transit of Venus parts of the globe well in advance. One of the most successful
from Tahiti islands. observers was Captain James Cook who observed it from Tahiti
The location retains islands. The location retains its name as Venus point even today.
its name as Venus
Cook observed that Venus appeared like a perfect circle on the
point even today.
disc of the Sun. It had a halo surrounding it; he rightly guessed
that this is because of the atmosphere of Venus.
distributed among his relatives. He sued the relatives; but what he Venus looked like a
got at the end of it left him poor and disturbed. fruit (pear) before it
assumed the shape
The only positive note in this sad tale of ill luck is the plant he
of a dark perfect
carried all the way. He presented this colourful flowering plant to
circle. Many others
his colleague astronomer Hortense Lapute. The species is today
also had seen this,
known as Hortensia reminding us of the sad tale of le Gentil.
which has remained
As soon as the results of the transit observations were analysed its a puzzle. It is
importance was realised by all astronomers. The next pair of termed the ‘black
events in 1874 and 1882 was eagerly awaited. Photography, drop effect’.
which had just then been discovered, served as a boon. Over 1700
photographs were taken from all over the globe. The Sun–Earth
distance was measured very precisely.