The Grange, Tasmania: survival of a unique suite of 1874 transit of Venus relics

Orchiston, Wayne, and Buchanan, Alex (2004) The Grange, Tasmania: survival of a unique suite of 1874 transit of Venus relics. Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage, 7 (1). pp. 34-43.

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Abstract

One of the two US expeditions in Australia for the 1874 transit of Venus was based in Campbell Town, Tasmania. While the transit was observed from this site and some of the photographs taken were used in the subsequent investigation of the solar parallax, its main claim to fame is the physical vestiges of the transit programme that have survived there through to the present day. These comprise foundations for instruments, two piers associated with the photographic telescope, and one of the prefabricated observatory buildings. In addition, a copy of a photograph of the transit is preserved in the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery in nearby Launceston. Collectively these form a unique suite of 1874 transit of Venus relics, and arc of international importance.

ID Code:4926
Item Type:Article (Refereed Research - C1)
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Reproduced with permission from the editor of the "Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage."

Keywords:Campbell Town; Tasmania; transit of Venus; astronomical relics
FoR Codes:22 PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES > 2202 History and Philosophy of Specific Fields @ 100%
SEO Codes:97 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 970102 Expanding Knowledge in the Physical Sciences @ 100%
Deposited On:07 Sep 2009 14:23
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