The Sky at Night · SEASON 13
When Venus Crosses the Sun
Episode 6 · 1969-06-16
- Documentary
- News
Episode overview
Unique scientific observations are made on the rare occasions when Venus 'transits' - or crosses - the sun. Tonight's programme marks the bicentenary of Captain Cook's voyage to the South Pacific to observe a transit - on June 3, 1769 - during which he claimed Australia for Britain on his way home. Patrick Moore talks to Cdr. Derek Howse, R.N. about Cook's voyage and to Dr. Vinicio Barocas about the first astronomer ever to observe a transit, in 1639 - a twenty-year-old Lancashire curate, the Rev. Jeremiah Horrocks
Season 13 episodes
1. The Moon - A New Era1969-01-27
2. How Much Can You See?1969-02-24
3. Jupiter, the Giant Planet1969-03-24
4. The Moon and the Earth1969-04-21
5. Mars Target Two1969-05-19
6. When Venus Crosses the Sun1969-06-16
7. The Needles of Space1969-07-14
8. The Weather of Mars1969-08-11
9. Relativity1969-09-09
10. Stars that Come and Go1969-10-07
11. The Moons of Saturn1969-11-04
12. The Grand Tour1969-12-02
13. A 'Sky at Night' Special 1969 - Year of Space1969-12-24
