Venus Across The Sun

Two episodes. First broadcast from 20040526 to 20040602.

On June 8th, the planet Venus will pass in front of the Sun as seen from the Earth. This rare event will be visible from much of the World, including Europe.

Episode	First Broadcast	Description
01	20040526	In the first of two programmes to mark the occasion, astronomer and writer Duncan Steel investigates the Earth's sister planet and finds out why it's definitely not the place for a package holiday.
02 LAST	20040602	In 1769, the prime purpose of Captain James Cook's voyage to the South Pacific was to observe such a transit of Venus and work out the distance of the Sun. Astronomer and writer Duncan Steel charts the turbulent history of such measurements and finds out how this year's event can be observed.