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Charting the Heavens

Melbourne Rare Book Week

Event Date: 22 July 2023 02:00 PM to 22 July 2023 03:30 PM
Author / Presenters: Shane Carmody
Event Organiser: State Library Victoria



The Transit of Venus, James Cook and Astronomy

Speaker: Shane Carmody



Found in the archives of State Library Victoria’s collections is a tiny, portable celestial globe. Once owned by Captain James Cook, it is an extraordinary artefact that reminds us of the Endeavour’s initial purpose: the pursuit of scientific discovery. Historian and author Shane Carmody, will talk on the voyage of the Endeavour, how astronomical books and tools were used and their role in the international effort to chart the Transit of Venus and establish accurate longitude. There will be the chance to see rare astronomical books and artefacts from the Collection.

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