ΦBK Video Series 2011: Jay M. Pasachoff on the June 5, 2012, Transit of Venus

As John Dewey (ΦBK, Univ. of Vermont, 1879) once said, "Education is a social process. Education is growth. Education is not a preparation for life; education is life itself." In that spirit we present the Phi Beta Kappa Video Series. Each month, we will post one lecture from preeminent scholars in a variety of fields, each on an original and timely topic.

Jay M. Pasachoff is a prominent astronomer and Field Memorial Professor of Astronomy at Williams College. He is also the Director of the Hopkins Observatory. His work has been sponsored by the National Science Foundation, NASA, and the National Geographic Society, among others. Recipient of the 2003 Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society, Pasachoff's work focuses primarily on total solar eclipses. In recognition of his groundbreaking astronomical work, Asteroid 5100 Pasachoff is named for him. Pasachoff earned a Ph.D. from Harvard in 1969, and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa as an honorary member at Williams College in 2000. He is a long-time book reviewer for the Key Reporter.

Here, Pasachoff describes the nature of a transit of Venus, and marks the upcoming transit, which will take place on June 5, 2012. This will be the last chance to see a transit of Venus until 2117. Pasachoff also puts the study of this particular transit in context, giving a fascinating and delightful history of those who have gone before. Finally, he gives advice and instructions for those who are interested in witnessing this historical event.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Pasachoff
• Williams College
• Phi Beta Kappa
• Venus
• transit of venus
• astronomy
• Guillaume Le Gentil
• Horrocks