The Shape and Size of the Earth

A Historical Journey from Homer to Artificial Satellites

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Earth Sciences, Geophysics, Physics, General Physics
Cover of the book The Shape and Size of the Earth by Dino Boccaletti, Springer International Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Dino Boccaletti ISBN: 9783319905938
Publisher: Springer International Publishing Publication: July 13, 2018
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author: Dino Boccaletti
ISBN: 9783319905938
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Publication: July 13, 2018
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

This book describes in detail the various theories on the shape of the Earth from classical antiquity to the present day and examines how measurements of its form and dimensions have evolved throughout this period. The origins of the notion of the sphericity of the Earth are explained, dating back to Eratosthenes and beyond, and detailed attention is paid to the struggle to establish key discoveries as part of the cultural heritage of humanity. In this context, the roles played by the Catholic Church and the philosophers of the Middle Ages are scrutinized. Later contributions by such luminaries as Richer, Newton, Clairaut, Maupertuis, and Delambre are thoroughly reviewed, with exploration of the importance of mathematics in their geodetic enterprises. The culmination of progress in scientific research is the recognition that the reference figure is not a sphere but rather a geoid and that the earth’s shape is oblate. Today, satellite geodesy permits the solution of geodetic problems by means of precise measurements. Narrating this fascinating story from the very beginning not only casts light on our emerging understanding of the figure of the Earth but also offers profound insights into the broader evolution of human thought.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book describes in detail the various theories on the shape of the Earth from classical antiquity to the present day and examines how measurements of its form and dimensions have evolved throughout this period. The origins of the notion of the sphericity of the Earth are explained, dating back to Eratosthenes and beyond, and detailed attention is paid to the struggle to establish key discoveries as part of the cultural heritage of humanity. In this context, the roles played by the Catholic Church and the philosophers of the Middle Ages are scrutinized. Later contributions by such luminaries as Richer, Newton, Clairaut, Maupertuis, and Delambre are thoroughly reviewed, with exploration of the importance of mathematics in their geodetic enterprises. The culmination of progress in scientific research is the recognition that the reference figure is not a sphere but rather a geoid and that the earth’s shape is oblate. Today, satellite geodesy permits the solution of geodetic problems by means of precise measurements. Narrating this fascinating story from the very beginning not only casts light on our emerging understanding of the figure of the Earth but also offers profound insights into the broader evolution of human thought.

More books from Springer International Publishing

Cover of the book Remote Observatories for Amateur Astronomers by Dino Boccaletti
Cover of the book Advances in Computational Intelligence by Dino Boccaletti
Cover of the book The Heterogeneity Link of the Welfare State and Redistribution by Dino Boccaletti
Cover of the book New Feminist Perspectives on Embodiment by Dino Boccaletti
Cover of the book Biomechanics of Cycling by Dino Boccaletti
Cover of the book Mitochondrial Mechanisms of Degeneration and Repair in Parkinson's Disease by Dino Boccaletti
Cover of the book Sustainable Development in Energy Systems by Dino Boccaletti
Cover of the book High Performance Computing by Dino Boccaletti
Cover of the book Companion Technology by Dino Boccaletti
Cover of the book The Sustainability of Renewable Energy in Europe by Dino Boccaletti
Cover of the book Cross-Cultural Responsiveness & Systemic Therapy by Dino Boccaletti
Cover of the book Korea-China Relations in History and Contemporary Implications by Dino Boccaletti
Cover of the book Algorithmic Aspects in Information and Management by Dino Boccaletti
Cover of the book Physiological Computing Systems by Dino Boccaletti
Cover of the book Nile Waters, Saharan Sands by Dino Boccaletti
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy