Measuring the Universe: from the transit of Venus to the edge of the cosmos

[Bekah]

Interesting,  David,  thanks. 

Here's a nce little , although quite simple, 4 minute history and explanation of the transit of Venus: 
 http://www.transitofvenus.org/
(It's pretty anyway and has nice music)

Bekah


On May 24, 2012, at 7:32 AM, David Morris wrote:

> http://www.rmg.co.uk/visit/events/measuring-the-universe
> 
> In June 2012 stargazers will flock to prime locations around the world
> to see the Transit of Venus – the next one will not occur for another
> 105 years.
> 
> Transits take place only when Venus passes directly between the Earth
> and the Sun, appearing as tiny black dot against the bright solar
> disk. In previous centuries these rare events were used to make an
> accurate measure of the distance to the planets, giving astronomers
> their first inkling of the true mind-boggling scale of space. To mark
> this occasion the Royal Observatory, Greenwich will host a programme
> of activities from March to September 2012, with a new exhibition and
> a season of talks, special events and planetarium shows all asking the
> question: just how big is the Universe?
> 
> From Edmund Halley and Captain Cook, to Edwin Hubble and the Cosmic
> Microwave Background, the Royal Observatory will tell the stories of
> the people who measured the cosmos.
> 
> Transit of Venus equipment at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, 1874 (H5493)
> 
> 
> http://vimeo.com/41434123
> 
> “Measuring the Universe” is a fascinating animation that explains some
> of the ingenious ways scientists measure the universe. It is part of
> the ongoing exhibition Measuring the Universe: from the transit of
> Venus to the edge of the cosmos, on display at the Royal Observatory
> Greenwich in the UK. The exhibition ends September 2, 2012.