Venus transits are rare celestial events that happen in pairs, occurring every eight years. However, after these pairs, there can be long stretches of time, sometimes lasting over a century, during which no transits occur. This irregularity highlights the unique nature of such astronomical happenings.

Bill Bryson's "A Short History of Nearly Everything" explores various scientific phenomena and the patterns they exhibit. The transits of Venus serve as a fascinating example of how certain events in the cosmos can be both cyclical and sporadic, capturing the interest of astronomers and historians alike.