Speed of Light
In 1878, Newcomb had started planning for a new and precise measurement of the speed of light that was needed to account for exact values of many astronomical constants. He had already started developing a refinement of the method of Léon Foucault when he received a letter from the young naval officer and physicist Albert Abraham Michelson who was also planning such a measurement. Thus began a long collaboration and friendship. In 1880, Michelson assisted at Newcomb's initial measurement with instruments located at Fort Myer and the United States Naval Observatory, then situated on the Potomac River. However, Michelson had left to start his own project by the time of the second set of measurements between the observatory and the Washington Monument. Though Michelson published his first measurement in 1880, Newcomb's measurement was substantially different. In 1883, Michelson revised his measurement to a value closer to Newcomb's.
Read more about this topic: Simon Newcomb, Work
Other articles related to "speed of light, light":
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... started planning for a new and precise measurement of the speed of light that was needed to account for exact values of many astronomical constants ...
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Famous quotes containing the words speed of, light and/or speed:
“No speed of wind or water rushing by
But you have speed far greater.”
—Robert Frost (1874–1963)
“O take fast hold; let that light be thy guide
In this small course which birth draws out to death,”
—Sir Philip Sidney (1554–1586)
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—Mary Barnett Gilson (1877–?)