Historical Events tagged with "physics"
Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.
Francis Baily's Observation of Baily's Beads
During an annular eclipse, Francis Baily observed a phenomenon now known as 'Baily's beads.' This effect occurs when the rugged lunar landscape allows beads of sunlight to shine through in some places while being blocked in others. Baily's observations took place from a location in the vicinity of the Path of Annularity, enabling him to bring attention to this unique visual occurrence caused by the eclipse.
Continue ReadingFresnel Defines Polarization Concepts
Augustin-Jean Fresnel presented a memoir to the Academy of Sciences, where he introduced the terms linear polarization, circular polarization, and elliptical polarization. His thorough investigation included a direct refraction experiment that provided crucial verification of his theory, connecting optical rotation to the concept of birefringence in light. This presentation significantly contributed to the understanding of light's behavior.
Continue ReadingFresnel's Breakthrough on Light Diffraction
Augustin Fresnel presented his groundbreaking memoir on light diffraction to the French Academy of Sciences. This work meticulously detailed the behavior of light as it interacts with obstacles, particularly the phenomenon of diffraction, wherein light seemingly spreads into shadows and around edges. Fresnel's research countered long-standing criticisms of the wave theory of light, providing compelling evidence that established the wave nature of light more clearly than ever before. His insights not only advanced the understanding of optical physics but also laid the groundwork for future innovations in this field.
Continue ReadingFresnel Signs Theory of Diffraction Note
Augustin Fresnel, a prominent French physicist, signed a crucial preliminary note elucidating the theory of diffraction. This document, significant in understanding light behavior, was deposited the following day. The groundbreaking work culminates in what today is referred to as Fresnel integrals—a fundamental aspect of wave optics. His research opened pathways to advancements in both physics and engineering, particularly in optics.
Continue ReadingBrewster Announces Biaxial Crystals Discovery
David Brewster presented his findings on doubly-refracting crystals to the Royal Society, highlighting the biaxial class. Simultaneously, Augustin-Jean Fresnel prepared a supplement regarding the reflection of polarized light, demonstrating ongoing advancements in optics and light behavior, leading to significant developments in the field.
Continue ReadingJean-Pierre Christin Introduces Centigrade Scale
Jean-Pierre Christin, a French physicist, developed the centigrade temperature scale, defining it with 0 degrees as the freezing point of water and 100 degrees as the boiling point at standard atmospheric pressure. This scale, aimed at improving clarity in temperature measurement, offered a simpler alternative to the Fahrenheit scale. Christin's proposal was significant as it provided a consistent framework for scientists and engineers, aiding in advancements across various fields including meteorology, chemistry, and physics.
Continue ReadingIsaac Newton's Groundbreaking Scientific Publication
Isaac Newton published 'Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica', a seminal work in physics and mathematics. The book introduced the three laws of motion and the law of universal gravitation, laying the groundwork for classical mechanics. Published in London, this profound work not only changed the way science was perceived but also established Newton as a key figure in the scientific revolution. The text's rigorous approach combined with mathematical proofs set a new standard for scientific inquiry and reasoning, impacting various scientific fields profoundly.
Continue ReadingHalley Presents Newton's Derivation of Kepler's Laws
Edmond Halley read Isaac Newton's groundbreaking work, 'De motu corporum in gyrum,' to the Royal Society in London, showcasing Newton's derivation of the three laws of planetary motion, originally formulated by Johannes Kepler. This presentation was pivotal in demonstrating the relationship between gravity and celestial motion. It opened new doors for the understanding of the universe and laid the groundwork for modern physics. The insights gained from Newton’s derivation significantly impacted the scientific community's perspective on planetary orbits and mechanics.
Continue ReadingOtto von Guericke Completes Vacuum Studies
Otto von Guericke finalized his significant manuscript, 'Experimenta Nova (ut vocantur) Magdeburgica de Vacuo Spatio', where he vividly narrated his groundbreaking experiments on vacuum and electrostatic phenomena. Through rigorous experiments, he notably illustrated the absence of air and its effects, providing essential proofs of his theories. His work contributed to the understanding of atmospheric pressure and electrostatic forces, thereby influencing future scientific inquiries into these fields. This publication marked a notable advancement in experimental science and philosophy.
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