| Name of Applicant or
Applicant Organisation: |
Northern Midlands Council |
| Phone: |
(03) 6397 7303 |
| Fax: |
(03) 6397 7331 |
| Email: |
lorraine.green@northmidlands.tas.gov.au |
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Observation and celebration of the Transit of Venus, Campbell Town, 8 June 2004. A Transit of Venus occurs when the planet Venus crosses the sun's face as seen from earth, appearing as a small black dot in silhouette against the brilliant disc of the sun. Transits are rare -- with the most recent Transit occurring in 1882. The next Transit will occur on 8 June 2004. The Transit of Venus is of great importance to Australia as a nation. Observation of the 1769 Transit of Venus was the reason why Captain Cook sailed to the south seas; a journey during which he explored the southern coast of Australia, later resulting in colonisation of Australia by the British Government. Why is Campbell Town celebrating the Transit? The 1874 Transit of Venus was a highly significant occasion, with the United States Naval Observatory positioning observation teams at eight locations around the globe, including the Grange, in Campbell Town. The scientific data collected by these observation teams enabled the improved calculation of distances between the planets and the sun. The Naval Observatory team resided in Campbell Town for several months prior to the observation, preparing their equipment for the Transit observation on 9 December 1874. They left behind some of their equipment, which is still standing in the grounds of the Grange.
A full day of celebratory activities is planned in Campbell Town for the 8th of June Transit, including displays by the Queen Victoria Museum and the Imaginarium, and projects developed by school students.
Guided historic tours of the town will happen during the day and include a visit to the original Transit observation site in the grounds of the Grange.
The Queen Victoria Museum's Curator of Physical Sciences, Martin George, will provide lively presentations about the Transit and its significance at 11am and 12.15pm in Valentine’s Park.
A civic luncheon, hosted by Northern Midlands Mayor, Kim Polley, will be held in the same hotel where the post-Transit dinner was held in 1874.
An entertaining Transit play will be presented in the Pavilion at the Showgrounds at 2pm.
Telescopes will be set up at the Showground to observe the Transit from 3pm and the images will be projected on to screens for public viewing. Martin George will commentate the observation session. If the weather hinders viewing, there will be a link via the internet to other observation sites around the world.
Weather permitting, the day will end with a guided stargazing session.
Planning is underway to provide musical performances across the day and to involve representatives of the American Embassy and NASA.
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To showcase Campbell Town and to emphasise the town's significant historic heritage, and its community's "Can Do" attitude to the town's revitalisation. To provide an opportunity for Tasmanians and visitors to participate in celebrations and gain scientific knowledge in an interactive and enjoyable manner, and observe the Transit of Venus under the guidance of the Curator of Astronomy from the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery. |
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Campbell Town |
| Date/s: |
Start: Tuesday, 8 June 2004
at 10:30am
Finish: Tuesday, 8 June 2004 at 04:30pm |
| Venue: |
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| Name of Venue: |
Various venues throughout the town |
| Address of Venue: |
Campbell Town |
| Town or City: |
Campbell Town |
| Postcode: |
7210 |
| Website Address: |
www.tasmaniacentral.tas.gov.au |
| Is there access and amentities
for people with disabilities: |
yes |
| Cost: |
A small entrance fee for the Transit play, and luncheon attendees will meet the cost of the lunch. |
| Additional Information: |
Rug-up warmly and come and enjoy a magnificent winter's day in "Tasmania's Historic Heart". |
