William Wallace Campbell and the "Einstein
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Illinois—Where Astronomical Photometry Grew Up
Beaman and Svec, JAAVSO Volume 40, 2012 141 Illinois—Where Astronomical Photometry Grew Up Barry B. Beaman 6804 Alvina Road, Rockford, IL 61101; [email protected] Michael T. Svec Furman University, Department of Education, 3300 Poinsett Highway, Greenville SC 29613; Internet: [email protected] Presented at the 100th Annual Meeting of the AAVSO, October 7, 2011; received January 21, 2012; revised February 2, 2012; accepted February 6, 2012 Abstract In 1903 Dr. Joel Stebbins joined the University of Illinois faculty as an astronomy instructor and Director of the University of Illinois Observatory. In 1905 he and F. C. Brown began experimenting with selenium sell photometry and developed the equipment and many of the photometric practices used then. Those practices formed the foundation on which present day photometry processes are based. This paper will trace the history of Stebbins’ career and his development of photoelectric photometry from 1903 to 1922. This story explains how Stebbins’ wife, May, caused a change in astronomical observing that continues today. 1. Introduction The prairies of central Illinois may seem an unlikely place to begin a photometric revolution. Illinois is a flat land state with only about 100 clear nights per year, the average elevation is only 600 feet above sea level, and the highest point is only at 1,500 feet. Yet, Illinois has produced its share of prominent and innovative astronomers. George Ellery Hale built his Kenwood Observatory in the heart of Chicago. Edwin Hubble spent his teen years in the Chicago suburbs and was educated at University of Chicago. Grote Reber built the World’s first parabolic-steerable radio telescope. -
Intentos Argentinos Para Probar La Teor´Ia De La Relatividad
Asociaci´on Argentina de Astronom´ıa BAAA, Vol. 50, 2007 G. Dubner, M. Rovira, A. Piatti & F. A. Bareilles, eds. PRESENTACION´ ORAL Intentos argentinos para probar la Teor´ıa de la Relatividad Santiago Paolantonio1 & Edgardo R. Minitti2 (1) Museo Astron´omico Sarmiento-Gould, Observatorio Astron´omico, Universidad Nacional de C´ordoba, Argentina (2) Observatorio Astron´omico, Universidad Nacional de C´ordoba, Argentina Abstract. Astrophysics research at the Argentinean National Observa- tory (Cordoba) began during the period when Dr. Charles Perrine was its Director (1909-1936). In 1911 Perrine was invited by Dr. Freundlich (Berlin Observatory) to carry out observations in Brazil during the solar eclipse that would take place on October 10, 1912, with the aim of verify- ing Einstein’s theory of relativity. With numerous instruments specially designed and constructed in Cordoba, the expedition took place. How- ever, an inopportune rain made fail all the project. Poor weather condi- tions made also fail two new attempts, one in Teodesy (Ukraine; August 21, 1914), and the other in Tucacas (Venezuela; February 3, 1916). Suc- cessful observations and verification of Einstein’s predictions finally took place in 1919, during an eclipse observed in Brazil. The Argentinean Observatory was unfortunately absent in such opportunity. Resumen. Durante la direcci´on del Dr. Charles Perrine (1909-1936) se inician en el Observatorio Nacional Argentino los trabajos relacionados con la Astrof´ısica. En 1911, Perrine es contactado por el Dr. Freundlich del Observatorio de Berl´ın, quien le propone realizar observaciones para verificar la Teor´ıa de la Relatividad en el eclipse del 10 de octubre de 1912 que ocurrir´ıa en Brasil. -
Sterns Lebensdaten Und Chronologie Seines Wirkens
Sterns Lebensdaten und Chronologie seines Wirkens Diese Chronologie von Otto Sterns Wirken basiert auf folgenden Quellen: 1. Otto Sterns selbst verfassten Lebensläufen, 2. Sterns Briefen und Sterns Publikationen, 3. Sterns Reisepässen 4. Sterns Züricher Interview 1961 5. Dokumenten der Hochschularchive (17.2.1888 bis 17.8.1969) 1888 Geb. 17.2.1888 als Otto Stern in Sohrau/Oberschlesien In allen Lebensläufen und Dokumenten findet man immer nur den VornamenOt- to. Im polizeilichen Führungszeugnis ausgestellt am 12.7.1912 vom königlichen Polizeipräsidium Abt. IV in Breslau wird bei Stern ebenfalls nur der Vorname Otto erwähnt. Nur im Emeritierungsdokument des Carnegie Institutes of Tech- nology wird ein zweiter Vorname Otto M. Stern erwähnt. Vater: Mühlenbesitzer Oskar Stern (*1850–1919) und Mutter Eugenie Stern geb. Rosenthal (*1863–1907) Nach Angabe von Diana Templeton-Killan, der Enkeltochter von Berta Kamm und somit Großnichte von Otto Stern (E-Mail vom 3.12.2015 an Horst Schmidt- Böcking) war Ottos Großvater Abraham Stern. Abraham hatte 5 Kinder mit seiner ersten Frau Nanni Freund. Nanni starb kurz nach der Geburt des fünften Kindes. Bald danach heiratete Abraham Berta Ben- der, mit der er 6 weitere Kinder hatte. Ottos Vater Oskar war das dritte Kind von Berta. Abraham und Nannis erstes Kind war Heinrich Stern (1833–1908). Heinrich hatte 4 Kinder. Das erste Kind war Richard Stern (1865–1911), der Toni Asch © Springer-Verlag GmbH Deutschland 2018 325 H. Schmidt-Böcking, A. Templeton, W. Trageser (Hrsg.), Otto Sterns gesammelte Briefe – Band 1, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-55735-8 326 Sterns Lebensdaten und Chronologie seines Wirkens heiratete. -
Investigations of the Interstellar Medium at Washburn Observatory, 1930-58
Journal of Astronomical History andheritage 7(2):85-94 2004 Investigations of the interstellar medium at Washburn Observatory, 1930-58 David S Liebl* University of Wisconsin- College of Engineering, 432 North Lake Street, Rm. 311, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA E-mail: [email protected] Christopher Fluke Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing, Swinbume University ofTeclmo/ogy, PO Box 218, Victoria 3122, Australia E-mail: [email protected] Abstract Behveen 1930 and 1958, the Washburn Observatory of the University of Wisconsin-Madison was home to pioneering photometric research into the interstellar medium by Joel Stebbins and Albert Whitford. Between 1933 and 1941, Stebbins and Whitford published seminal research on the photometry of stellar reddening, using the Washburn 15-inch refractor and the 60- and 100-inch reflectors at Mount Wilson Observatory. Many factors were responsible for the Washburn Observatory's pre-eminence in this area. l11is paper reviews their research on interstellar dust during the years 1922 58, the observational teclmology and scientific methods that were developed at the Washburn Observatory during that time and the scientific discoveries that originated there. We discuss the factors that enabled WashburnObservatory to become a leader in photometry during the first half of the twentieth century. We also draw on the recollections of past and present Washburn Observatory scientists1 to understand how Washburn's standing led to a subsequent programme of research into the interstellar medium at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The resulting portrayal of Washburn Observatory provides insights into the evolution of astronomical research in America, from the beginning of the hventieth cenh1ry until today. -
Francis Gladheim Pease Papers: Finding Aid
http://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/c8988d3d No online items Francis Gladheim Pease Papers: Finding Aid Finding aid prepared by Brooke M. Black, September 11, 2012. The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens Manuscripts Department 1151 Oxford Road San Marino, California 91108 Phone: (626) 405-2129 Email: [email protected] URL: http://www.huntington.org © 2012 The Huntington Library. All rights reserved. Francis Gladheim Pease Papers: mssPease papers 1 Finding Aid Overview of the Collection Title: Francis Gladheim Pease Papers Dates (inclusive): 1850-1937 Bulk dates: 1905-1937 Collection Number: mssPease papers Creator: Pease, F. G. (Francis Gladheim), 1881- Extent: Approximately 4,250 items in 18 boxes Repository: The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens. Manuscripts Department 1151 Oxford Road San Marino, California 91108 Phone: (626) 405-2129 Email: [email protected] URL: http://www.huntington.org Abstract: This collection consists of the research papers of American astronomer Francis Pease (1881-1938), one of the original staff members of the Mount Wilson Solar Observatory. Language: English. Access Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, contact Reader Services. Publication Rights The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher. Preferred Citation [Identification of item]. Francis Gladheim Pease Papers, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California. Provenance Deposit, Observatories of the Carnegie Institution of Washington Collection , 1988. -
Lick Observatory Records: Photographs UA.036.Ser.07
http://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/c81z4932 Online items available Lick Observatory Records: Photographs UA.036.Ser.07 Kate Dundon, Alix Norton, Maureen Carey, Christine Turk, Alex Moore University of California, Santa Cruz 2016 1156 High Street Santa Cruz 95064 [email protected] URL: http://guides.library.ucsc.edu/speccoll Lick Observatory Records: UA.036.Ser.07 1 Photographs UA.036.Ser.07 Contributing Institution: University of California, Santa Cruz Title: Lick Observatory Records: Photographs Creator: Lick Observatory Identifier/Call Number: UA.036.Ser.07 Physical Description: 101.62 Linear Feet127 boxes Date (inclusive): circa 1870-2002 Language of Material: English . https://n2t.net/ark:/38305/f19c6wg4 Conditions Governing Access Collection is open for research. Conditions Governing Use Property rights for this collection reside with the University of California. Literary rights, including copyright, are retained by the creators and their heirs. The publication or use of any work protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair use for research or educational purposes requires written permission from the copyright owner. Responsibility for obtaining permissions, and for any use rests exclusively with the user. Preferred Citation Lick Observatory Records: Photographs. UA36 Ser.7. Special Collections and Archives, University Library, University of California, Santa Cruz. Alternative Format Available Images from this collection are available through UCSC Library Digital Collections. Historical note These photographs were produced or collected by Lick observatory staff and faculty, as well as UCSC Library personnel. Many of the early photographs of the major instruments and Observatory buildings were taken by Henry E. Matthews, who served as secretary to the Lick Trust during the planning and construction of the Observatory. -
Introduction to Astronomical Photometry, Second Edition
This page intentionally left blank Introduction to Astronomical Photometry, Second Edition Completely updated, this Second Edition gives a broad review of astronomical photometry to provide an understanding of astrophysics from a data-based perspective. It explains the underlying principles of the instruments used, and the applications and inferences derived from measurements. Each chapter has been fully revised to account for the latest developments, including the use of CCDs. Highly illustrated, this book provides an overview and historical background of the subject before reviewing the main themes within astronomical photometry. The central chapters focus on the practical design of the instruments and methodology used. The book concludes by discussing specialized topics in stellar astronomy, concentrating on the information that can be derived from the analysis of the light curves of variable stars and close binary systems. This new edition includes numerous bibliographic notes and a glossary of terms. It is ideal for graduate students, academic researchers and advanced amateurs interested in practical and observational astronomy. Edwin Budding is a research fellow at the Carter Observatory, New Zealand, and a visiting professor at the Çanakkale University, Turkey. Osman Demircan is Director of the Ulupınar Observatory of Çanakkale University, Turkey. Cambridge Observing Handbooks for Research Astronomers Today’s professional astronomers must be able to adapt to use telescopes and interpret data at all wavelengths. This series is designed to provide them with a collection of concise, self-contained handbooks, which covers the basic principles peculiar to observing in a particular spectral region, or to using a special technique or type of instrument. The books can be used as an introduction to the subject and as a handy reference for use at the telescope, or in the office. -
High Places.Vp 17 July 2008 22:31:07 Color Profile: Generic CMYK Printer Profile Composite Default Screen
Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen 8 Astronomers at Altitude Mountain Geography and the Cultivation of Scientific Legitimacy K. Maria D. Lane n August 1909, American astronomer William Wallace Campbell, Director of the Lick Observatory, left his home near the summit of Mount Hamilton in Califor- Inia’s Diablo Mountains and travelled with a small expedition party to Mount Whitney in the Sierra Nevada Range. His purpose was to observe the planet Mars with spectroscopic instruments, that would allow him to settle a simmering debate over whether the Martian atmosphere contained any measurable amount of water vapour and, thus, whether the red planet might be habitable.1 To achieve his goal, Campbell had determined that measurements were needed from ‘the highest point of land in the United States’, where the density of Earth’s own atmosphere would be lowest and there- fore least disruptive to the very sensitive processes required to assess the composition of the red planet’s atmosphere.2 Starting from the village of Lone Pine, Campbell and his group travelled by carriage and horseback up the slopes of Mount Whitney to a base camp at 10,300 feet. After two days spent adjusting to the effects of altitude, they continued their ascent on pack animals, despite the fact that ‘the weather for two days past had been threatening’ and that they suffered snow- storms above 12,000 feet.3 After a difficult final ascent, they reached the 14,000-foot summit, where a shelter had been constructed specifically for the expedition’s -
Ed Esperimenti Di Miller (USA, 1921-26)
Dottorato di Ricerca in Storia Internazionale (Metodi di Elaborazione Multimediale) Ciclo XXIII Tesi di Dottorato di Ricerca Esperimenti di ether-drift nel XX secolo. Casi storici a confronto: Effetto Sagnac (Francia, 1913) ed Esperimenti di Miller (USA, 1921-26). FIS/08 M-STO/05 Candidato: Roberto Lalli Matr.: R07487 Tutor: Chiar.mo Prof. Pasquale Tucci Coordinatore: Chiar.mo Prof. Pasquale Tucci Anno Accademico 2009/2010 i Indice Cap. 1. Note introduttive p. 1 1.1. Introduzione p. 1 1.2. Il problema dell’etere alla fine del XIX secolo e le origini della teoria della teoria della relatività ristretta p. 9 1.3. Il rapporto tra teoria ed esperimento nella storia della teoria della relatività p. 12 1.4. I contesti nazionali nella storia dell’accettazione della teoria della relatività p. 15 1.5. Relazioni tra filosofia della scienza e storia della teoria della relatività p. 19 1.6. Il problema delle fonti p. 21 1.7. Ringraziamenti p. 25 Cap. 2. Immagini storiografiche p. 29 2.1. Introduzione p. 29 2.2. Filosofia della scienza: il caso Miller p. 31 2.2.1. Premessa p. 31 2.2.2. Popper p. 31 2.2.3. Polanyi p. 33 2.2.4. Lakatos p. 38 2.2.5. Feyerabend p. 41 2.2.6. Zahar p. 44 2.2.7. Laymon p. 46 2.2.8. Conclusioni p. 50 2.3. Libri di testo p. 52 2.3.1. Premessa p. 52 2.3.2. Gli esperimenti di Miller p. 53 2.3.3. Effetto Sagnac p. 57 2.3.4. -
Lick Observatory Records: Correspondence UA.036.Ser.01
http://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/c8dj5m3f No online items Guide to the Lick Observatory Records: Correspondence UA.036.Ser.01 Alix Norton University of California, Santa Cruz 2015 1156 High Street Santa Cruz 95064 [email protected] URL: http://guides.library.ucsc.edu/speccoll Guide to the Lick Observatory UA.036.Ser.01 1 Records: Correspondence UA.036.Ser.01 Language of Material: English Contributing Institution: University of California, Santa Cruz Title: Lick Observatory Records: Correspondence Creator: Lick Observatory Identifier/Call Number: UA.036.Ser.01 Physical Description: 148.5 Linear Feet257 boxes and 54 microfilm reels Date (inclusive): 1833-2009 Date (bulk): 1870-1960 Access Collection is open for research. The physical copybooks are restricted due to the fragile nature of the material. All use is directed to the microfilm of these volumes. The microfilm reels can be accessed by requesting them from Special Collections via the Library Catalog. Historical note The Lick Observatory was completed in 1888 and continues to be an active astronomy research facility at the summit of Mount Hamilton, near San Jose, California. It is named after James Lick (1796-1876), who left $700,000 in 1875 to purchase land and build a facility that would be home to "a powerful telescope, superior to and more powerful than any telescope yet made". The completion of the Great Lick Refractor in 1888 made the observatory home to the largest refracting telescope in the world for 9 years, until the completion of the 40-inch refractor at Yerkes Observatory in 1897. Since its founding in 1887, the Lick Observatory facility has provided on-site housing on Mount Hamilton for researchers, their families, and staff, making it the world's oldest residential observatory. -
Fang Family San Francisco Examiner Photograph Archive Negative Files, Circa 1930-2000, Circa 1930-2000
http://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/hb6t1nb85b No online items Finding Aid to the Fang family San Francisco examiner photograph archive negative files, circa 1930-2000, circa 1930-2000 Bancroft Library staff The Bancroft Library University of California, Berkeley Berkeley, CA 94720-6000 Phone: (510) 642-6481 Fax: (510) 642-7589 Email: [email protected] URL: http://bancroft.berkeley.edu/ © 2010 The Regents of the University of California. All rights reserved. Finding Aid to the Fang family San BANC PIC 2006.029--NEG 1 Francisco examiner photograph archive negative files, circa 1930-... Finding Aid to the Fang family San Francisco examiner photograph archive negative files, circa 1930-2000, circa 1930-2000 Collection number: BANC PIC 2006.029--NEG The Bancroft Library University of California, Berkeley Berkeley, CA 94720-6000 Phone: (510) 642-6481 Fax: (510) 642-7589 Email: [email protected] URL: http://bancroft.berkeley.edu/ Finding Aid Author(s): Bancroft Library staff Finding Aid Encoded By: GenX © 2011 The Regents of the University of California. All rights reserved. Collection Summary Collection Title: Fang family San Francisco examiner photograph archive negative files Date (inclusive): circa 1930-2000 Collection Number: BANC PIC 2006.029--NEG Creator: San Francisco Examiner (Firm) Extent: 3,200 boxes (ca. 3,600,000 photographic negatives); safety film, nitrate film, and glass : various film sizes, chiefly 4 x 5 in. and 35mm. Repository: The Bancroft Library. University of California, Berkeley Berkeley, CA 94720-6000 Phone: (510) 642-6481 Fax: (510) 642-7589 Email: [email protected] URL: http://bancroft.berkeley.edu/ Abstract: Local news photographs taken by staff of the Examiner, a major San Francisco daily newspaper. -
The Legacy of Einstein's Eclipse, Gravitational Lensing
The Legacy of Einstein’s Eclipse, Gravitational Lensing Jorge L. Cervantes-Cota 1, Salvador Galindo-Uribarri 1 and George F. Smoot 2,3,4,* 1 Department of Physics, National Institute for Nuclear Research, Km 36.5 Carretera Mexico-Toluca, Ocoyoacac, C.P.52750 Mexico State, Mexico; [email protected] (J.L.C.-C.); [email protected] (S.G.-U.) 2 IAS TT & WF Chao Foundation Professor, Institute for Advanced Study, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong 3 Université Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratoire APC-PCCP, Université Paris Diderot, 10 rue Alice Domon et Leonie Duquet, CEDEX 13, 75205 Paris, France 4 Department of Physics and LBNL, University of California, MS Bldg 50-5505 LBNL, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +1-510-486-5505 Abstract: A hundred years ago, two British expeditions measured the deflection of starlight by the Sun’s gravitational field, confirming the prediction made by Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity. One hundred years later many physicists around the world are involved in studying the consequences and use as a research tool, of the deflection of light by gravitational fields, a discipline that today receives the generic name of Gravitational Lensing. The present review aims to commemorate the centenary of Einstein’s Eclipse expeditions by presenting a historical perspective of the development and milestones on gravitational light bending, covering from early XIX century speculations, to its current use as an important research tool in astronomy and cosmology. Keywords: gravitational lensing; history of science PACS: 01.65.+g; 98.62.Sb 1.