Re: [Phys-l] physics history puzzle

[Herbert Schulz <herbs@wideopenwest.com>]

On Mar 19, 2010, at 7:45 AM, Philip Keller wrote:

> So I just read this and I thought it was really interesting.  I'll make it a puzzle:
>
> Whenever I teach Roemer's method for finding the speed of light, I am always amazed that anyone in that era would time the orbits of Jupiter's moons so carefully.  But know I know that the timing of those Moon's was a potentially important and relevant matter at that time for a reason unrelated to the speed of light but with potential for great economic and military implications...
>
> What motivated those measurements?
> _______________________________________________

Howdy,

If I had to guess I'd say for measuring longitude.

Good Luck,

Herb Schulz
(herbs at wideopenwest dot com)