THE TRANSIT OF VENUS.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume IX, Issue 1013, 17 December 1881, Page 4

THE TRANSIT OF VENUS.

Astronomers throughout the world are already making preparations for the observation of the transit of Venns which is to oceur on December 7th, 1882. Every effort is being made to perfect the arrangements, for it is. recognised that no other opportunity for determining the difficult problem of the sun’s distance from the earth by means of the phenomena available on such rare occasions as the passage of Venus over the sun’s disc will occur again until the year 2004. Possibly before that period arrives the sun’s 'distance may have been determined by ■other methods, but the astronomers ■of the 19th century naturally feel that for their credits sake it behoves them to make the most of the favourable opportunity which will be afforded them next year. Expeditions of observation will have to be despatched to several points, but fortunate’y the stations will not be so difficult of access as in 1874. There are four astronomical phases of the phenomena to be watched, and Australia and New Zealand will be the most favourable positions for the observation of the fourth phase—viz., egress retarded. It is proposed to send an expedition to Auckland, where it will arrive early in September next, but for the observations required in Australia the Imperial authorities do not intend to make any special provision, but will rely upon the efforts of the Colonial astronomers, and we feel every confidence that they may do so without hesitation. Stations will probably be organised in the northern portions of the Continent, but in Victoria we shall not be required to go to any particular expense, although a station may possibly be established somewhere across the Dividing Range, in the Sandhurst district. The Committee of the Royal Society, which has been advising the Admiraiity on this subject, consider it desirable that stations should be established in South Africa and on the southern Coast of Madagascar, in the West Indies, and in Falkland Islands. The cost to the Imperial Treasury is estimated at about £15,500. At one time it was believed an Antarc-ic expedition would be required, but this has been abandoned as unnecessary. Great interest will certainly be taken in these Colonies in the successful observation of the transit, and we draw early attention to the subject in order that all necedsary 'ari'arfgements l may be made with the care and scientific accuracy which the occasion demands. —Australasian.