Measuring the Solar System and Universe

  • Thread starter Thread starter Hornbein
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Solar
Click For Summary
The discussion highlights the significance of the transit of Venus, emphasizing its importance as a primary objective of Captain Cook's voyage. It mentions a historical figure who became so engrossed in this event that he was declared dead, leading to personal consequences for his family. Participants express curiosity about the mysteries surrounding the measurement of the universe, particularly the determination of its curvature, which remains unexplained in the conversation. The mention of Terence Tao adds a notable biographical element to the discussion. Overall, the thread explores intriguing historical and scientific mysteries related to astronomy.
Hornbein
Gold Member
Messages
3,597
Reaction score
2,968
Answers to some mysteries that I've wondered about for a long time. Fast paced with cool biographical details.



Part One is good too.
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
Greg Bernhardt said:
You had me at Terence Tao! What are your favorite mysteries solved in here?
Why the transit of Venus was so crucial that it was of the main objectives of the voyage of Captain Cook. Some other man was so preoccupied with this he was declared dead. His wife remarried and his estate was distributed. I was disappointed though they didn't explain how the curvature of the universe is determined.
 
Reply
  • Like
Likes Greg Bernhardt

Thread 'Lunar Orbit Issues & Lunar Clocks'

I recently purchased a lunar clock intended as a Christmas present for a young family friend who has become interested in astronomy. The clock face shows twelve images of the Moon in all its main phases, with the Full Moon depicted at the "twelve o'clock" position. Now I purchased this clock especially early to allow time to check on its accuracy. After waiting for a full lunar orbit to occur, I have since discovered that the clock time when measured relative to its lunar images (that's to...
View full post »

Similar threads

High School U.S. Solar Eclipses - Oct. 14, 2023 (Annular) & Apr. 08, 2024 (Total)
  • · Replies 68 ·
3
Replies
68
Views
7K
Graduate Does the invariable plane of the Solar system have axial precession?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
Undergrad New Developments In The Search For Planet X
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Undergrad Solar System Diameter: Calculating Distances & Multi-Star Systems
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
High School New theory, our solar system formation, "space bubble"
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
Undergrad Without degeneracy, when would Solar cores collapse?
  • · Replies 109 ·
4
Replies
109
Views
6K
Undergrad Evidence for existence of a 9th Planet in the solar system
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
High School Question about the solar system and gravitational forces
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Undergrad Planetary Formation: Could Collisions Explain Our Solar System?
  • · Replies 52 ·
2
Replies
52
Views
6K
High School Ivuna meteorite from edge of solar system to Tanzania?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K