Transits of Venus

Welcome

The observations of the Transits of Venus in the 18th and 19th centuries sought to determine the dimensions of the solar system. They were international collaborations on an unprecedented scale; collaborations that rose above war and personal conflict. Expeditions were sent all over the world and their data was collected and analysed by the astronomical community.

This website is also a global collaboration. It provides a set of historical instruments and images, drawing on collections around the world. Institutions and individuals are invited to expand the site by contributing their own material.

You can explore the site through the following headings. To return to this home page click on the logo in the top left corner of any page

An initiative of the Scientific Instrument Commission of the International Union of the History and Philosophy of Science. Contact transits@mhs.ox.ac.uk.

Developed by the Academic Computing Development Team, part of Computing Services at the University of Oxford.