8
As is well known, the scientific process of classical physics that began with
Galileo and Newton came to a climax in the second half of the nineteenth century
with the definition of the kinetic theory of gases, the second law of thermodynamics, and the formalization of the equations of electromagnetism. These new ideas,
coupled with experimental research undertaken over the following years, led to a
new scientific revolution with the advent of quantum mechanics and relativity.
This era was also characterized by a rapid evolution in the application of scientific knowledge and the introduction of new technologies both in daily life and in the
field of research, such as major developments in the fields of energy sources and
materials, telecommunications and transport, machine tools, and precision instruments. The dissemination of photographic techniques played a particularly significant role in astronomy. For almost 150 years, until the introduction of modern
electronic imaging chips, photography was a fundamental tool in astronomical
observations.
Out of this climate of great scientific and technological vitality came what
Samuel P. Langley (1834–1906), American astronomer and physicist, called The
New Astronomy in his 1888 popular book of that name. Other terms, such as Physical
Astronomy, were applied to this field; today we call it Astrophysics. This new
Fig. 1.2 An engraving illustrating the new observatory. (From: Secchi 1877a)
A. Altamore et al.
As is well known, the scientific process of classical physics that began with
Galileo and Newton came to a climax in the second half of the nineteenth century
with the definition of the kinetic theory of gases, the second law of thermodynamics, and the formalization of the equations of electromagnetism. These new ideas,
coupled with experimental research undertaken over the following years, led to a
new scientific revolution with the advent of quantum mechanics and relativity.
This era was also characterized by a rapid evolution in the application of scientific knowledge and the introduction of new technologies both in daily life and in the
field of research, such as major developments in the fields of energy sources and
materials, telecommunications and transport, machine tools, and precision instruments. The dissemination of photographic techniques played a particularly significant role in astronomy. For almost 150 years, until the introduction of modern
electronic imaging chips, photography was a fundamental tool in astronomical
observations.
Out of this climate of great scientific and technological vitality came what
Samuel P. Langley (1834–1906), American astronomer and physicist, called The
New Astronomy in his 1888 popular book of that name. Other terms, such as Physical
Astronomy, were applied to this field; today we call it Astrophysics. This new
Fig. 1.2 An engraving illustrating the new observatory. (From: Secchi 1877a)
A. Altamore et al.