This Moment in Science History for 05-18-2025 Podcast Por arte de portada

This Moment in Science History for 05-18-2025

This Moment in Science History for 05-18-2025

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 On May 18, 1910, the Earth passed through the tail of Halley's Comet, causing widespread panic and excitement among people around the world. Halley's Comet, named after the English astronomer Edmond Halley, is a periodic comet that orbits the Sun and is visible from Earth every 75-76 years.

In the months leading up to the event, there was a great deal of speculation and fear about what might happen when the Earth passed through the comet's tail. Some people believed that the comet's gases would poison the Earth's atmosphere, while others thought that the comet might collide with the Earth and cause catastrophic damage.

Despite these fears, the Earth's passage through the comet's tail was uneventful. However, the event did provide an opportunity for scientists to study the comet in greater detail. Astronomers around the world observed the comet through telescopes and took photographs of its nucleus and tail.

One of the most significant scientific findings from the 1910 passage of Halley's Comet was the discovery of the element neon. French astronomer Jean-Baptiste Janssen observed the comet's spectrum and noticed a bright yellow line that did not correspond to any known element. This line was later identified as neon, which had not yet been discovered on Earth.

The 1910 passage of Halley's Comet also had a significant cultural impact. The event inspired a great deal of art, literature, and music, with many people seeing the comet as a symbol of hope and renewal. The comet even made an appearance in Mark Twain's novel "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," where it was used as a symbol of freedom and adventure.

Today, Halley's Comet remains one of the most famous and well-studied comets in history. Its next appearance is expected in 2061, and scientists are already preparing to study it in even greater detail using advanced telescopes and spacecraft.
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