Arthur Eddington: The Astrophysicist Who Studied Stellar Structure and the Expanding Universe
The astronomical theories of Arthur Eddington have led to amazing breakthroughs in our understanding of stellar structure, the expanding universe, and the origin of stars. This British astrophysicist was a pioneer in his field, and his theories are still heavily discussed today. His breakthroughs profoundly affected astronomers and astrophysicists for generations. This article will explore the life and work of Arthur Eddington, the astrophysicist who studied stellar structure and the expanding universe.
Who Was Arthur Eddington?
Arthur Eddington was born in England in 1882. He studied mathematics at Cambridge University, and upon graduating in 1904, he began working there as a mathematical professor. Despite having a passion for mathematics, Eddington’s true passion was astronomy, which led him to become an observatory assistant at the Cambridge Observatory. Eddington quickly rose to become the chief assistant of the observatory, and he often worked closely with the director of the observatory, Sir Arthur Stanley Eddington.
Eddington’s Early Astronomic Discoveries
Arthur Eddington began making seismographic studies of stellar systems and applied his mathematical background to these studies. Inspired by the work of his colleague, Sir Arthur Stanley Eddington, he also began to make studies concerning the internal structure of stars. In 1911, Arthur Eddington began publishing papers related to stellar structure. His papers provided a theoretical glimpse into the inner workings of stars, and this caused quite a stir in the astronomical community.
Eddington’s Breakthrough Findings
In 1916, Eddington published a paper theorizing that the sun was powered by nuclear energy. This paper caused great controversy in the astronomical community. Even though it was later proved that this theory was correct, many astronomers rejected Eddington’s early claim, as it was considered too far-fetched.
The Expanding Universe
In 1929, Eddington theorized that the universe was expanding. He developed a mathematical model to support his theory and his paper, “The Expanding Universe,” established an unchallenged paradigm in the world of cosmology. Eddington’s theory of the expanding universe became the foundational framework for the scientific understanding of the universe for the next decades.
Eddington’s Other Speculations
In the 1930s and 1940s, Eddington speculated on the origin of stars. He proposed that stars had been formed from the primordial clouds of interstellar matter. He believed that gravitational attraction between particles created the gas and dust clouds, which further evolved and condensed into stars. Eddington also developed mathematical models to explain how and why stars spin on their axes and suggested that the solar system did not form in an orderly, “top-down” manner.
Legacy of Arthur Eddington
Arthur Eddington’s scientific and philosophical achievements have dramatically altered the way we study stellar structure and the universe. His theories of stellar structure and the expanding universe have been adopted by many modern astronomers and astrophysicists, and his mathematical models are still heavily discussed and utilized today.
Eddington’s impact on modern scientific thought was recognized by the British Philosophical Society who, in 1914, awarded him their highest honor, the Royal Medal. In his lifetime, Arthur Eddington published more than 400 papers and several books. His work has had a tremendous impact on astronomy and astrophysics and stands as a testament to his commitment to science and philosophy.
List of Publications by Arthur Eddington
Arthur Eddington published the following:
- The Internal Constitution of Stars (1926)
- The Mathematical Theory of Relativity (1924)
- The Nature of the Physical World (1927)
- The Expanding Universe (1933)
- The Nature of the Universe (1931)
- An Introduction to the Study of Stellar Structure (1938)
- The Internal Structure of Stars (1941)
- The Physical Principles of Thermodynamics (1944)
Arthur Eddington was an astronomer and astrophysicist whose work has helped shape the way we understand stellar structure, the expanding universe, and the origin of stars. His theories have influenced generations of scientists, and his legacy lives on in the scientific research and study of the universe.
