Newton’s Optics

Synopsis: This Learning Object consists of a three vodcasts by Jim Bennett, Director of the Oxford Museum of the History of Science, on the Newtonian telescope - why Newton designed it, and how it fits into the story of science in the eighteenth century; astronomical instruments - the impact of the astronomical instrument trade on the practice of astronomy in the eighteenth century; how instrument makers exerted more control over which instruments were made than the astronomers who commissioned them. There is also a short video reconstruction showing Dr Jonathan Hare performing Experimentum Crucis as it would have been carried in the eighteenth century. It demonstrates how Newton proved the homogeneity of light using a prism and a convex lens and explains
it in terms of its modern relevance.
Language: English
Country: Great Britain
Year of release: 2011
Year of production: 2011
Notes: Other Learning Objects in the Enlightening Science Project cover Science and Religion, Newton’s Physics, Newton the Man, and Newtonian Audiences.
Documentation: Key historical texts are also reproduced on the website.
Subjects: Astronomy; Physics
Keywords: history of science; Newton, Isaac; optics; scientific instruments; telescopes

URI: http://www.enlighteningscience.sussex.ac.uk/resources_for_teachers/newton%27s_optics/
Price: free
Delivery: Streamed

Name: University of Sussex, Enlightening Science
Web: http://www.enlighteningscience.sussex.ac.uk/home External site opens in new window
Phone: 01273 872868
Fax: 01273 623246
Address: East Sussex
BN1 9SH

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