Observations of the Transit of Venus

The Transit of Venus occurs when Venus passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, appearing as a small black dot moving across the Sun's face. Historically, these transits helped astronomers measure the distance from the Earth to the Sun. By observing the transit from different locations on Earth, scientists could use the differences in timing to calculate this distance. Notable transits occurred in the 18th and early 19th centuries, significantly advancing our understanding of the solar system. Today, the event is also a reminder of the intricate movements of celestial bodies in our universe.