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Astronomer
Astronomer An astronomer is an individual who studies the universe primarily using telescopes. Astronomers rely on both observations of celestial objects, including planets, stars, and galaxies, and physical theories to better understand how these objects formed and work.... Read more |
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astronomical
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dark energy
dark energy repulsive force that opposes the self-attraction of matter (see gravitation ) and causes the expansion of the universe to accelerate. The search for dark energy was triggered by the discovery (1998) in images from the Hubble Space Telescope of a distant supernova that implied an... Read more |
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Age of the Universe
Age of the Universe The idea that the universe had a beginning is common to various religions and mythologies. However, astronomical evidence that the universe truly has a finite age did not appear until early in the twentieth century. The first clue that the universe has a... Read more |
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observatory
observatory. 1. Building used for observing natural phenomena, usually astronomical, meteorological, etc., using special instruments, telescopes, etc. 2. Building commanding an extensive view, e.g. a belvedere or gazebo.... Read more |
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Willem de Sitter
Willem de Sitter , 1872-1934, Dutch astronomer and mathematician. He was professor from 1908 at the Univ. of Leiden and in 1919 became director of its observatory. His early work on the motions of Jupiter and its satellites contributed to the downfall of the pre-Einstein celestial mechanics. Using... Read more |
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John Dollond
John Dollond , 1706-61, English optician and inventor. A silk weaver, he taught himself languages, mathematics, and science, becoming a noted scholar as well as a scientist. He invented the achromatic lens, which led to the construction of telescopes free of color fringes, and the heliometer, used... Read more |
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Lowell Observatory
Lowell Observatory astronomical observatory located in Flagstaff, Ariz.; it was founded in 1894 by Percival Lowell , the American astronomer who popularized the idea that Mars might support intelligent life. Its original telescope, still in operation, is a 24-in. (61-cm) refractor; also located at... Read more |
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Vesto Melvin Slipher
Vesto Melvin Slipher , 1875-1969, American astronomer, b. Mulberry, Ind. From 1901 he was at Lowell Observatory, Flagstaff, Ariz., where he served as director (1917-54). Much of his attention was devoted to the investigation of astronomical spectroscopy, in particular to the rotations and... Read more |
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Kitt Peak National Observatory
Kitt Peak National Observatory astronomical observatory located southwest of Tucson, Ariz.; it was founded in 1958 under contract with the National Science Foundation and is administered by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy. Its principal instrument is the Mayall 158-in.... Read more |
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Scientists detect a big boom in galaxies
...morning in the universe. On Thursday...teams of astronomers reported...might be zeroing in on the...from the Hubble Space Telescope and found...has been using the giant Subaru Telescope on Mauna...the dark ... |