Venus And The 18th Century Space Race

The 18th century was a thrilling time for astronomy as expeditions raced to measure Venus during its transit across the sun. Astronomers faced daunting challenges, employing mathematical principles to unlock cosmic mysteries. Concepts like parallax became crucial in determining distances, a revolutionary idea proposed by Edmund Halley. This quest not only advanced our understanding of the solar system but also laid the groundwork for modern astronomical techniques. Fast forward to today, and the Gaia mission is further illuminating cosmic history, showcasing scientists as cosmic archaeologists.