THE ECLIPSE EXPEDITIONS OF THE LICK OBSERVATORY AND THE DAWN OF ASTROPHYSICS

Authors

  • J. McKim Malville Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences, University of Colorado

Keywords:

solar eclipses, solar corona, magnetic fields, General Relativity, non-local thermodynamic equilibrium, cultural astronomy

Abstract

Between the years 1898 to 1932, Lick Observatory organized a series of 17 solar eclipse expeditions, many to remote regions of the world. The science of these expeditions involved three issues of major significance in the development of astrophysics during the first three decades of the 20th century: (1) testing of General Relativity; (2) the physics of non-equilibrium stellar atmospheres; and (3) the role of magnetic fields in solar physics. The responses to these issues provide intriguing insights about the dynamics of paradigm change within astronomical culture, as well as culture in general.

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Published

2023-07-28

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 3 (2014)

Section

Articles