Correspondence Address:
Bethel Methodist Cemetery
P.O. Box 156
Lewes, DE 19958
Physical Address:
Bethel Methodist Cemetery
Savannah Road
Lewes, DE 19958
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Email: info@bethelmethodistcemetery.com
Cape Gazette: Historic marker reveals Lewes' contribution to global astronomy
By Nick Roth | Cape Gazette | December 3, 2015
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A new historic marker unveiled at the entrance to Bethel Cemetery on Savannah Road Nov. 20 highlights Lewes' contribution to an 18th century global astronomy project.
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In 1769, three surveyors from the American Philosophical Society in Philadelphia traveled to what was then known as Lewestown to monitor the Transit of Venus, when the planet passes in front of the Sun. The rare event occurs eight years apart every 120 years or so. The event last occurred in 2004 and 2012. The next transit is expected in December 2117 and December 2125.
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Through research, it was determined the men set up a temporary observatory in what is now the Bethel Cemetery. The purpose of their journey to Lewes was to make scientific calculations as Venus made its journey across the face of the Sun, which could be combined with calculations taken from around the world to determine the distance between Earth and the Sun. By accurately measuring that distance, 18th century astronomers had a means to chart the entire solar system.
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At the unveiling of the historic marker for the Transit of Venus Observatory in Lewes are (l-r) Sen. Ernie Lopez, R-Lewes; state archivist Stephen Marz; Jim Morrison, local resident who researched and wrote about the transit; and Mike DiPaolo, executive director of the Lewes Historical Society. PHOTO BY NICK ROTH
Jim Morrison, left, and Sen. Ernie Lopez unveil the new historic marker at the entrance to the Bethel Cemetery in Lewes.
PHOTO BY NICK ROTH
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Jim Morrison, who worked as an engineer on the Apollo program, researched and wrote about the Transit of Venus and its significance in Lewes.
PHOTO BY NICK ROTH