Chasing Venus: The Race to Measure the Heavens

Event Details

In the 1760s an unprecedented educational opportunity presented itself to the world’s scientific community. A seldom seen astronomical event was about to take place. Twice in eight years, Venus would traverse the Sun. This was the first opportunity modern science had to attempt to accurately measure a variety of cosmic distances. And the call went out for scientists all over the Earth to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Award-winning author of The Brother Gardeners and The Founding Gardeners, British writer Andrea Wulf, returns to Charleston to promote and discuss her newest work: Chasing Venus: The Race to Measure the Heavens. Wulf will make a presentation on the book and her research on Thursday, Nov. 8 at the Edmondston-Alston House. The lecture will be followed by a cocktail reception and book signing. The event will take place in candlelit Drawing Rooms on the second floor of the historic house on The Battery. Wulf’s illustrated lecture will look at the first global scientific collaboration that called on scientists across the world, including here in Charleston, to unite despite political, geographical, and intellectual boundaries.