Chasing Venus The Race to Measure the Heavens [Paperback]

On June 6, 1761, the world paused to observe a momentous occasion: the first transit of Venus between the Earth and the Sun in more than a century. Through that observation, astronomers could calculate the size of the solar system—but only if they could compile data from many different points of the globe, all recorded during the short period of the transit. Overcoming incredible odds and political strife, astronomers from Britain, France, Russia, Germany, Sweden, and the American colonies set up observatories in the remotest corners of the world, only to be thwarted by unpredictable weather and warring armies. Fortunately, transits of Venus occur in pairs; eight years later, they would have another opportunity to succeed.
 
Chasing Venusbrings to life the personalities of the astronomers who embarked upon this complex and essential venture and paints a vivid portrait of the collaborations, the rivalries, and the volatile international politics that hindered them at every turn. Thanks to these scientists, neither our conception of the universe nor the nature of scientific research would ever be the same.

“[A] thrilling adventure story. . . . Wulf’s marvelous eye for detail and talent for simplifying complex science make the book . . . well worth reading.” —San Francisco Chronicle  

“Chasing Venuscaptures the spirit of adventure and the wonder at mankind’s newfound ability to understand the world around it. . . . A pleasure to read from beginning to end.” —Sky at Night Magazine 

“Here is a book both astrophysicists and poets can understand.” —The Boston Globe 
 
“Andrea Wulf’s story of the chase is an enthralling, nail-biting thriller and will undoubtedly prove one of the nonfiction books of the year. . . . Don’t miss this wonderful book.” —Daily Mail

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