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I thought modern astronomy could use a different definition. Starting approximately with the launch of Hubble space telescope - but thanks to not only orbiting
by avmich 7y ago
I thought modern astronomy could use a different definition. Starting approximately with the launch of Hubble space telescope - but thanks to not only orbiting instruments, but other advancements as well - astronomy enjoys a development so great textbooks practically need to be rewritten every decade.
- NikolaeVarius 7y agoWhy Hubble? The Hale telescope was built 1949 and is still used
- avmich 7y agoHubble launch approximately coincided - and contributed - to a rapid expansion of astronomical knowledge. All other tools, both Earth-based and space-based, since early 1990-s contributed vast heaps of data which reshaped astronomy - noticeably changing the speed of development, hence the need for distinction.
- SiempreViernes 7y agoI had a professor that declared all physics older than him "classical", but he made that definition in jest
- antognini 7y agoI would argue a more relevant landmark would be the introduction of photographic plates. Prior to that astronomers had to sketch what they saw and judge brightnesses qualitatively (usually by comparison to other stars). Photographic plates introduced a whole new level of quantitative rigor to the field.
- DiogenesKynikos 7y agoOr the introduction of the CCD. It produces digital images (which can be analyzed by software automatically), has a linear response to input (so you can reliably measure the brightness of objects), and has much higher quantum efficiency (nearly every photon is detected). Where to draw the line between modern and pre-modern astronomy is a bit of a subjective question, but there's no doubt that the introduction of the telescope was revolutionary.