A History of Physical Theories of Comets, From Aristotle to Whipple

A History of Physical Theories of Comets, From Aristotle to Whipple PDF Author: Tofigh Heidarzadeh
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1402083238
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 283

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Book Description
Although the development of ideas about the motion and trajectory of comets has been investigated piecemeal, we lack a comprehensive and detailed survey of ph- ical theories of comets. The available works either illustrate relatively short periods in the history of physical cometology or portray a landscape view without adequate details. The present study is an attempt to review – with more details – the major physical theories of comets in the past two millennia, from Aristotle to Whipple. My research, however, did not begin with antiquity. The basic question from which this project originated was a simple inquiry about the cosmic identity of comets at the dawn of the astronomical revolution: how did natural philosophers and astronomers define the nature and place of a new category of celestial objects – comets – after Brahe’s estimation of cometary distances? It was from this turning point in the history of cometary theories that I expanded my studies in both the pre-modern and modern eras. A study starting merely from Brahe and ending with Newton, without covering classical and medieval thought about comets, would be incomplete and leave the fascinating achievements of post-Newtonian cometology unexplored.

A History of Physical Theories of Comets, From Aristotle to Whipple

A History of Physical Theories of Comets, From Aristotle to Whipple PDF Author: Tofigh Heidarzadeh
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1402083238
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 283

Get Book Here

Book Description
Although the development of ideas about the motion and trajectory of comets has been investigated piecemeal, we lack a comprehensive and detailed survey of ph- ical theories of comets. The available works either illustrate relatively short periods in the history of physical cometology or portray a landscape view without adequate details. The present study is an attempt to review – with more details – the major physical theories of comets in the past two millennia, from Aristotle to Whipple. My research, however, did not begin with antiquity. The basic question from which this project originated was a simple inquiry about the cosmic identity of comets at the dawn of the astronomical revolution: how did natural philosophers and astronomers define the nature and place of a new category of celestial objects – comets – after Brahe’s estimation of cometary distances? It was from this turning point in the history of cometary theories that I expanded my studies in both the pre-modern and modern eras. A study starting merely from Brahe and ending with Newton, without covering classical and medieval thought about comets, would be incomplete and leave the fascinating achievements of post-Newtonian cometology unexplored.

Dark Matter, Missing Planets and New Comets

Dark Matter, Missing Planets and New Comets PDF Author: Tom Van Flandern
Publisher: North Atlantic Books
ISBN: 1556432682
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 553

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Book Description
Tom Van Flandern's book adds a new dimension to cosmology--not only does it present a novel approach to timeless issues, it stands up to the closest scientific scrutiny. Even the most respected scientists today will readily admit that the Big Bang Theory is full of holes. But it takes a new look, like Dark Matter, Missing Planets, and New Comets, to explain not only why the theory is wrong but what to substitute in its place. If you are curious about such things as the nature of matter and the origin of the solar system, but feel inadequately equipped to grasp what modern science has to say about such things, read this book. You will not get the all too common condescending attempt to water down the `mysteries' of modern science into a form intelligible to little non scientist you, but rather a straightforward new theory, logically derived in front of your eyes, which challenges the roots of many of today's complex accepted paradigms, yet whose essence is simple enough to be thoroughly communicated to the intelligent layman without "losing it in the translation."

The Theory of Comets, Illustrated, in Four Parts

The Theory of Comets, Illustrated, in Four Parts PDF Author: Benjamin Martin
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Comets
Languages : en
Pages : 74

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Book Description


Prebiotic Photochemistry

Prebiotic Photochemistry PDF Author: Franz Saija
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry
ISBN: 1839164360
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 264

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Book Description
Photochemistry is an important facet in the study of the origin of life and prebiotic chemistry. Solar photons are the unique source of the large amounts of energy likely required to initiate the organisation of matter to produce biological life. The Miller–Urey experiment simulated the conditions thought to be present on the early earth and supported the hypothesis that under such conditions complex organic compounds could be synthesised from simpler inorganic precursors. The experiment inspired many others, including the production of various alcohols, aldehydes and organic acids through UV-photolysis of water vapour with carbon monoxide. This book covers the photochemical aspects of the study of prebiotic and origin of life chemistry an ideal companion for postgraduates and researchers in prebiotic chemistry, photochemistry, photobiology, chemical biology and astrochemistry.

The Theory of Comets ... The Whole Adapted To, and Exemplified in the Orbit of the Comet of the Year 1682, Etc

The Theory of Comets ... The Whole Adapted To, and Exemplified in the Orbit of the Comet of the Year 1682, Etc PDF Author: Benjamin MARTIN (Optician.)
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 78

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Book Description


Comet

Comet PDF Author: Carl Sagan
Publisher: Ballantine Books
ISBN: 0307801055
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 434

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Book Description
What are these graceful visitors to our skies? We now know that they bring both life and death and teach us about our origins. Comet begins with a breathtaking journey through space astride a comet. Pulitzer Prize-winning astronomer Carl Sagan, author of Cosmos and Contact, and writer Ann Druyan explore the origin, nature, and future of comets, and the exotic myths and portents attached to them. The authors show how comets have spurred some of the great discoveries in the history of science and raise intriguing questions about these brilliant visitors from the interstellar dark. Were the fates of the dinosaurs and the origins of humans tied to the wanderings of a comet? Are comets the building blocks from which worlds are formed? Lavishly illustrated with photographs and specially commissioned full-color paintings, Comet is an enthralling adventure, indispensable for anyone who has ever gazed up at the heavens and wondered why. Praise for Comet "Simply the best." —The Times of London "Fascinating, evocative, inspiring." —The Washington Post "Comet humanizes science. A beautiful, interesting book." —United Press International "Masterful . . . science, poetry, and imagination." —The Atlanta Journal & Constitution

Worlds in Collision

Worlds in Collision PDF Author:
Publisher: Paradigma Ltd
ISBN: 1906833710
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 437

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Book Description
With this book Immanuel Velikovsky first presented the revolutionary results of his 10-year-long interdisciplinary research to the public, founded modern catastrophism - based on eyewitness reports by our ancestors - shook the doctrine of uniformity of geology as well as Darwin's theory of evolution, put our view of the history of our solar system, of the Earth and of humanity on a completely new basis - and caused an uproar that is still going on today. Worlds in Collision - written in a brilliant, easily understandable and entertaining style and full to the brim with precise information - can be considered one of the most important and most challenging books in the history of science. Not without reason was this book found open on Einstein's desk after his death. For all those who have ever wondered about the evolution of the earth, the history of mankind, traditions, religions, mythology or just the world as it is today, Worlds in Collision is an absolute MUST-READ!

Comets in the 21st Century

Comets in the 21st Century PDF Author: Daniel C Boice
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781643274485
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 140

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Book Description
Have you ever wondered what comets are and why astronomers spend so much time studying them? Now, a comet expert and an astronomical historian have come together to produce this unique book. Using their several decades of teaching experience, the authors have concisely presented the information you need to comprehend these majestic apparitions that grace our night skies. No mathematical proficiency is needed. In fact, this book doesn't contain a single equation. Comets are cosmic Rosetta stones, bridging our current knowledge by digging back to the earliest days of our solar systems. How did life arise on Earth? Did comets play a significant role in bringing water and the necessary organic matter to our early Earth? How about the dinosaurs? Were they driven to extinction by a cometary impact 66 million years ago? Comets may be both the enablers and destroyers of life on Earth as we know it. These are some of the tantalizing questions discussed here. If you so desire, steps are given to join the ranks of amateur comet hunters. Astronomy is one of the last sciences where amateurs play a significant role. Your reward for discovery? A comet officially bearing your name in the history books. The next great comet is on its way, we just do not know when it will arrive. Armed with this book, you will be ready to enjoy this unforgettable event.

In the Days of the Comet

In the Days of the Comet PDF Author: H. G. Wells
Publisher: Read Books Ltd
ISBN: 1473345049
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 227

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Book Description
This is H. G. Wells' 1906 science fiction novel, "In the Days of the Comet". The strange vapours of a nearby comet begin to alter the air of Earth itself, engendering an incredible, long-lasting transformation in the way people think. An entertaining and thought-provoking novel, "In the Days of the Comet" represents the classic sci-fi that Wells is famous for, and it is not to be missed by fans and collectors of his seminal work. Herbert George Wells (1866 - 1946) was a prolific English writer who wrote in a variety of genres, including the novel, politics, history, and social commentary. Today, he is perhaps best remembered for his contributions to the science fiction genre thanks to such novels as "The Time Machine" (1895), "The Invisible Man" (1897), and "The War of the Worlds" (1898). Although never a winner, Wells was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature a total of four times. Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this book now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new biography of the author. First published in 1906.

Comets

Comets PDF Author: Donald K. Yeomans
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 506

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Book Description
The diminutive size of cometary bodies is in no way proportional to their scientific importance. Theorists suggest that comets played a major role in the development of the Earth and subsequent collosions of comets may have wiped out various life forms, allowing only the most adaptable to develop further. In short, the study of comets is important from a historical perspective, scientifically compelling and, at the same time, entertaining. In this authoritative book, the development of cometary ideas is traced from antiquity through the actual fly-by of Halley by international spacecraft in 1986. The focus is on the cometary theories that were evident in each era. Included are many colorful anecdotes and information about culture and important personalities throughout history. Also contains an exhaustive catalog of all comet apparitions through the year 1700.