Duncan Steel • Nov 10, 2019 •
There will be a transit of Mercury – the planet Mercury will pass across the face of the Sun – taking place at sunrise in New Zealand on Tuesday, 12th November. It was by observing such an event 250 years ago that James Cook and his scientist colleagues were able to determine the longitude of NZ, and so put these … Read More
Duncan Steel • Jun 02, 2019 •
On June 3rd occurs the 250th anniversary of the transit of Venus across the face of the Sun, the observation of which was the prime purpose behind the expedition of HM Bark Endeavour to the South Pacific, under the command of Lieutenant James Cook. Following the measurements of the transit made by Cook and the mission’s scientists in Tahiti, the … Read More
Peter Griffin • Jun 15, 2012 •
The Sciblogs podcast this week is a special edition focussing on the Transit of Venus celebrations that took place in Gisborne last week. First there was the observation of the transit, which we were fortunate to have great weather for, then the business end of the proceedings with the Transit of Venus forum, where 300 people came … Read More
Peter Griffin • Jun 12, 2012 •
Elf Eldridge • Jun 08, 2012 •
Having just returned from three days away at the Transit of Venus conference in beautiful Gisborne, I’ll just share my thoughts as a wrap up. Again I stress that these views are my own and I was unable to attend many of the sessions so they may be a little premature. In three days of talks, discussions, presentation and networking … Read More
Peter Griffin • Jun 07, 2012 •
Those of us in Gisborne yesterday were among the lucky few in New Zealand who got to observe the Transit of Venus yesterday. It was a very special day out at Tolaga Bay where the locals treated us to amazing hospitality. Here are some photos… Look carefully at about 5o’clock on the image of the sun for the small dot … Read More
Peter Griffin • Jun 05, 2012 •
I’m in Gisborne and all set to observe the Transit of Venus tomorrow and take part in the Transit of Venus forum that is taking place on Thursday and Friday. Why Gisborne? Mainly for cultural rather than scientific reasons – Tolaga Bay was where Captain Cook came ashore in 1769 and apparently had the first … Read More