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Re: [Phys-l] physics history puzzle



Yes, longitude was the topic at hand. I just read Dava Sobel's book "Longitude". Before reliable chronometer's were invented, it was hoped that observations of the Galilean moons made from ships at sea would enable navigators to determine London time. Roemer's observations were a happy by-product!

-----Original Message-----
From: phys-l-bounces@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu [mailto:phys-l-
bounces@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu] On Behalf Of Strickert, Rick
Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 9:07 AM
To: Forum for Physics Educators
Subject: Re: [Phys-l] physics history puzzle

Mapmaking.

When data from Jupiter's moons was used in 1671 to determine accurate
longitude (along with latitude) of positions along the French coast, it was
found that the area of France was significant smaller than previously thought.
Upon seeing the new and more accurate maps, Louis XIV is said to have
exclaimed, "I have just lost more territory to my astronomers than to all my
enemies."

Rick Strickert
Austin, TX

-----Original Message-----
From: phys-l-bounces@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu [mailto:phys-l-
bounces@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu] On Behalf Of Philip Keller
Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 7:45 AM
To: 'Forum for Physics Educators'
Cc: Robert Amitrani; Edward Kinch
Subject: [Phys-l] physics history puzzle

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?
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_______________________________________________
Forum for Physics Educators
Phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu
https://carnot.physics.buffalo.edu/mailman/listinfo/phys-l