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Four times in every 243 years, Venus passes between the Sun and Earth allowing its silhouette to be observed by skilled and amateur astronomers around the world. The transit of Venus occurs in pairs. The first of the only transit pair that will occur this century took place over six hours on 8 June 2004. The next will take place on 6 June 2012.

The first of the pair that took place prior to this occurred on 9 December 1874.

Huge advances in photographic instruments in this year meant that the transit of Venus of 1874 could be watched and mapped more closely and accurately than ever before. Australian government astronomer HC Russell had been been working since 1871 on the equipment and planning that would aid his observation of this historic event. From stations across the east side of Australia, he and his team of astronomers mapped the Transit of Venus and published their observations with detailed images depicting what they had observed.

Transit of Venus 1874 is a facsimile reproduction of this most detailed and beautifully presented publication and has a new cover and half-title page.

Henry Chamberlain Russell (1836-1907) was an astronomer and meterologist.

Introduction

Mr Russell’s report
Mr Lenehan’s report
Mr Savage’s report
Mr P.F. Adams’ report
Mr Vessey’s report
Mr Hirst’s report
Mr du Faur’s report
Mr Fairfax’s report
Captain Hixon’s report
Captain Onslow’s report
Professor Liversidge’s report
Mr Tornaghi’s report
Rev. A. Scott’s report
Mr MacDonnell’s report
Mr Watkins’ report
Dr Wright’s report
Mr Allerding’s report
Mr Bolding’s report
Messrs Belfield and Park’s report
Mr Belfield’s report