Francesco Bianchini and Venus

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Francesco Bianchini, an Italian astronomer, died today 1729 and best known for his study of Venus. In 1728 he published Hesperi et Phosphori nova phaenomena sive Observationes circa planetam Veneris [New Observations concerning the Morning and Evening Star, the planet Venus]. The book is illustrated with several engravings of Venus, including one revealing Venus’s surface markings in some detail. This is not possible because of the thick atmosphere that obscures the face of the planet.

Francesco Bianchini [Wikipedia]