146 chapter five
to analyze the data (Journal of the Franklin Institute 1882 , 312 ). Again, if
the motivation were purely scientific, the data- analysis portion of this ex-
ercise should have received equal attention and support. Instead, it was
mostly neglected.
Another wasteful aspect of the transit races is connected to the num-
ber of observation stations. Without the aid of a computer, there was no
possible way to use so many data points. Astronomers had to discard most
of the data and work with a small sample of observations (Sheehan and
Westfall 2004 , 276 ). Hence, there was no scientific need for Russia to fi-
nance thirty- two expeditions in 1874 or for Britain to organize sixty- nine
stations in 1769. Much of the effort was therefore a case of competitive
waste and redundancy.
The Transit of 1882
By 1882 many were convinced that the transit method was flawed. The
uncertainty interval for the value of the astronomical unit was reduced
to 0. 5 percent, and it was unlikely that transit observations could narrow
this range.^24 Yet scientific skepticism had little effect on the transit race.
Instead, the 1882 transit generated unprecedented public interest. The
transit inspired novelists, poets, composers, and painters and appeared fre-
quently in the press (Sheehan and Westfall 2004 , 268 – 76 ). As part of a set
ritual, appeals were made for funding, transit commissions were convened,
exotic destinations were chosen, and an army of international astronomers
again took to the roads and seas. No less than forty- five overseas expedi-
tions were sent in 1882 , with sixteen countries taking part in the interna-
tional effort (Sheehan and Westfall 2004 , 270 – 72 ).^25 North America was
expected to be a choice location for observing the 1882 TOV. Nevertheless,
Congress provided $ 75 , 000 for transit expenditures, including five overseas
expeditions.^26
The New York Times followed American preparations for the upcom-
ing transit.
In every civilized country preparations are being made to observe the transit,
and the various civilized governments have made liberal appropriations to send
out parties of observers to various points. The United States Government is not
behind the rest of the world in this respect. (August 22 , 1882 )