On Wednesday June 6th there will be a transit of Venus. The main mission of Captian Cook's first voyage to the South Pacific was to extend the knowledge of astronomy. As part of an international effort the Royal Society and The British Admiralty sent James Cook and the Endeavour to the South Pacific for the express purpose of observing the transit of Venus in 1769.
A transit occurs when one celestial object passes in front of another. In this case Venus passes in front of the Sun. Transits of Venus are not very common... there won't be another for 105 years. At Stonehenge we will be running special presentations on the Cook voyages, the transit and, weather permitting, safe telescopic viewing of the transit throughout the day. Presentations start on the hour from 10am to 4pm. Bookings essential.
E: Hamal@xtra.co.nz
