At the Dawn of American Astronomical Photography

During the late nineteenth century, techniques that would one day be called astrophysical moved from physics and chemical laboratories into astronomical observatories and challenged the traditional astronomical measurements of positions and brightness. During the same period, the chemical processes of photography revolutionized the recording of astronomical observations, whether traditional or physical. Their entry into mainstream American astronomy was motivated by a quasi-stochastic penomenon: a total eclipse of the Sun visible between the contiguous borders of the United States of America (US). To prepare for the total solar eclipse of 7 August 1869, the US Nautical Almanac Office (NAO), a government agency, invested time, staff, and substantial appropriations into physical astronomy measurements and the recording of the event photographically. Although no NAO employee had previous expertise, these efforts led the way for the adoption of astronomical photography at the US Naval Observatory, which would eventually absorb the NAO. In addition, an NAO associate would go on to lead the Harvard College Observatory, which would develop the most extensive US collection of photographic astronomical observations. The resulting photographic plate archives continue to be a resource for twenty-first century astronomers

Art · Astronomy · Eclipse · Geography · Photography · Physics · Solar eclipse · Visual arts · History and Developments in Astronomy · History of Science and Medicine · History of Science and Natural History