Albert Abraham Michelson
Physicist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
December 19th, 1852
172 years ago
Died
May 9th, 1931
94 years ago — 78 years old
Category
Scientists & Innovators
Country
United States
Links & References
A prominent physicist and chemist, contributed significantly to the field of metrology and was the first American to receive the Nobel Prize in Physics. Developed the Michelson interferometer, a device used to measure very small distances and variations in optical path length. Conducted the famous Michelson-Morley experiment in 1887, which aimed to detect the presence of the hypothetical luminiferous aether, leading to significant advancements in understanding light and motion.
First American Nobel Prize laureate in Physics
Developed the Michelson interferometer
Conducted the Michelson-Morley experiment
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