Dr. Paul Rybski, UWW Dept. of Physics, will talk about “Galileo’s Hits, His Misses and Why” (3rd fall 2009 Observatory Public Lecture) on Fri., Nov. 6, at 8pm in Upham Hall room 141. A public viewing session at Whitewater Observatory will follow at 9:15 pm, weather permitting.
LECTURE ABSTRACT: In October 1609, Galileo Galilei began observing astronomical objects. Over the next several years he carefully recorded observations of the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, the Milky Way and the Sun. In so doing, he laid the groundwork for the eventual acceptance of a Sun-centered solar system. This lecture will cover what observations Galileo attempted, what he found in them and what he missed, either accidentally or because he felt he did not have sufficient evidence to announce a discovery.
Andersen Library has materials on Galileo if you are interested in learning more about him. Search HALCat, the Library catalog, to find titles such as Galileo, courtier: The practice of science in the culture of absolutism (3rd-floor Main Collection, QB36.G2 B54 1993).
Please ask a librarian for assistance with finding materials.
