Transit of Venus mathematics please.

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the mathematical methods used by Edmond Halley and Jeremiah Horrocks in their calculations related to the Transit of Venus. A participant seeks reliable resources to teach these concepts to Maths and Physics students. A recommended source is the NASA document found at this link, which, while not strictly historical, effectively covers the geometric methods involved.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic geometry and trigonometry
  • Familiarity with the historical context of the Transit of Venus
  • Knowledge of astronomical observation techniques
  • Ability to interpret mathematical documents and diagrams
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical techniques used by Edmond Halley in his calculations
  • Study the contributions of Jeremiah Horrocks to the Transit of Venus
  • Explore the geometric methods outlined in the NASA document
  • Investigate the historical significance of the Transit of Venus in astronomy
USEFUL FOR

Math and Physics educators, astronomy enthusiasts, and students seeking to understand the historical mathematical approaches to celestial events.

Adrian Baker
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Hi there

I'm looking for a source of the maths that Halley did, and also that of Horrocks so that I can run through it with some Maths/Physics students.

Google searches have given many different sites, but none have been that good so far.

If anyone could help me with a link, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks
 
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Have you looked at http://sunearth.gsfc.nasa.gov/sunearthday/2004/2004images/VT_Activity3.pdf ? It's somewhat ahistorical, but it does cover the simple geometric methods.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thanks so much selfadjoint - that will be absolutely great. :-)

I'm printing it out as we speak...
 

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