Chasing Venus

In "Chasing Venus," the acclaimed author of "Founding Gardeners" recounts the thrilling eighteenth-century journey to observe the transit of Venus—a pivotal event that allowed astronomers to measure the solar system. As scientists from Britain, France, Russia, Germany, Sweden, and the American colonies set up observatories around the globe, they faced significant challenges, from unpredictable weather to geopolitical turmoil. This engaging narrative captures the personalities, collaborations, and rivalries of the period, ultimately revealing how their groundbreaking efforts transformed our understanding of the universe and the nature of scientific inquiry.