12.15pm: Monday 24 September
Newton and the Longitude
Dr Rebekah Higgitt
Curator of History of Science and Technology
Royal Observatory Greenwich
Venue: Angel and Royal Hotel
Tickets: £4.00 talk only
Tickets: £9.00 with a sandwich lunch
Duration: 1 hour plus optional lunch
Book now
About this Event |
Why should sailors be grateful to Newton? His contribution to astronomy is often thought of as abstract knowledge but it had direct relevance to a very practical problem. His theory of the motions of heavenly bodies was of fundamental importance to finding longitude at sea, although he failed to develop the necessary lunar theory.
Not Accessible for Wheelchair Users
Royal Observatory Greenwich Website
The Angel and Royal Hotel, Grantham
Directions
|
Reflections |
The story of longitude links directly into Newton’s life and work. He focused on lunar theory late in life specifically to help find a longitude solution. But as President of the Royal Society, Newton also took centre stage in the wider search for possible solutions, whether astronomical or mechanical. |
