1769 Transit of Venus observed from Tahiti search for the alleged southern continent. HMS Bark "Endeavour" was chosen to take the astronomers and other scientists to Tahiti. James Cook was commissioned as Lieutenant and appointed to command the vessel. Cook was the obvious choice as he was an outstanding seaman with navigational qualifications, a capable astronomer and had observed a 1766 annular eclipse in Newfoundland that was communicated to the Royal Society by John Bevis. Once the "Endeavour" arrived on the island, Cook decided to set up the Venus transit observatory on shore. He required a completely stable platform which the ship could not provide and plenty
Tahiti Nui Tahiti Nui Tahiti Nui is a Tahitian song that has been recorded by a multitude of artists. Possibly one of the most popular Pacific Island songs. The song can be heard on radio and in parties from Guam, to Port Moresby, to Rarotonga. Toti's Tahitians covered the song and it was released on the "Little Brown Gal" album which was released on Viking VP 24. It has been described by Bengt Danielsson, author of "From Raft to Raft: An Incredible Voyage from Tahiti to Chile and Back" as a melancholy Tahitian song in praise of the island. Possibly the earliest