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History of Astronomy

May 15, 2008 | Hits for this post:77 |

The importance of mathematics and telescope in the history of astronomy

The history of astronomy is closely associated with the history of mankind. Right from the beginning of history, man adored the natural forces and stars and anything that they could not define. The history of astronomy develops from Stonehenge to the famous astrophysicist Galileo to the telescope to the human planetary missions.

Stonehenge has a significant role in the evolution of astronomy. Stonehenge was built by the Neolithic people to establish the replica of Sun’s movement. They believed that the stars and other celestial objects can predict their future. So, Stonehenge had religious importance in those days. There were some practical realities in this belief. Predicting seasons correctly helped the farmers to plan their cultivation. Position of Stars was used as the guiding factors for sailors. The practical history of astronomy begins with the Stonehenge.

Astronomy greatly depends upon the theories of mathematics. Eratosthenes, one of the great Greek mathematicians defined the earth circumference by deriving the position of shadow created by sun. The history of astronomy greatly owed to another thinker, Ptolemy for his geocentric theory even though it was later discovered wrong.

The invention of telescope was a turning point in the history of astronomy. Hans Lippershey invented the first modern telescope in 1608. Isaac Newton was the person who invented the reflecting telescope. The history of astronomy had changed at this point. The discovery of Uranus, and Neptune was materialized by using this type of telescope.

Twentieth century is considered as the golden age of Astrophysics. In 1937, Grote Reber developed a sophisticated telescope called Radio telescope. The advancement in technology brought astronomy in a new realm. This advancement enabled astrophysicists to develop powerful telescopes such as the one in Mount Palmor; the telescope is with 200 inch mirror. This is one of the biggest telescopes in the history of astronomy.

The space shuttle, discovery has placed a telescope in the orbit of earth in 1990. This amazing telescope is no other than but Hubble Telescope. The functionality theory of the Hubble telescope is still based on the reflecting telescope of Newton! The telescope has historical importance because, it discovered around 200 planets till this date. Interestingly, placing the Hubble telescope in the orbit of earth was a landmark event in the history of astronomy.

Armature astrophysicists have an inevitable role in the proliferation of astronomy among the common. There are hundreds of amateur astronomers who contributed to the history of astronomy. David H. Levy was an amateur astrophysicist who was co-discovered shoemaker-levy comet.

Interested in the moon, the planets and the stars? Visit http://yourastronomynow.com/blogs - it’s out of this world!

Article written by Kamlesh Makwana

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    1. Teaching Children Astronomy | eduarticle.com on August 20, 2008 8:46 am

      […] be fun. There are so many stars in the sky that you might want to start simple and build your way. Astronomy for kids does not need to be confusing or intimidating. It can simply be fun and […]

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