Tag: History of Science
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Journeying to the Centre of the Earth: The Scientific Accuracy of Jules Verne’s Writing
French novelist Jules Verne has been celebrated for over a century as a pioneer of the science fiction genre. Kat Jivkova examines the scientific accuracy of his work to determine whether this appellation obscures his legacy.
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Is There Anybody Out There? The Golden Record in the Twentieth-Century Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence
On 5 September 1977, the Voyager 1 space probe was launched into space by NASA, containing the Golden Record. Kat Jivkova traces the history and context of the Golden Record and the criticisms it has incurred since then.
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The Galaxy’s Greatest Mystery: Dark Matter and its Development
Within the twentieth-century rise in theoretical cosmology, the study of dark matter gained traction as scientists worked to explain its existence. Kat Jivkova explores the collaborative studies which led to the development of dark matter theory and a means to perceive the invisible.
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The Identity Crisis of a Planet: Pluto’s Discovery and Reclassification
Written by Kat Jivkova. Writing the history behind Pluto’s “demotion” to a dwarf planet. Kat Jivkova examines the history of the discovery and classification of Pluto, an accident that provoked remarkable emotional reaction.
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The International Geophysical Year: The Greatest Science Fair of All Time
Written by Sam Marks. The International Geophysical Year changed the course of scientific development – not least for the technological advancements it oversaw but the collaborative efforts between the nations involved. Sam Marks explores the legacy of this important, albeit largely forgotten, moment in human history.
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The Voice of Stephen Hawking: Dennis Klatt’s Developments in Speech Synthesis
Written by Kat Jivkova. While a fundamental part of the legacy of the late physicist Stephen Hawking was the speech synthesis that allowed him to partly triumph over his disability, the creator and background the Computer Speech Synthesis has been neglected. Kat Jivkova aims to rectify this by shedding much delayed light on the work…
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The Osteological Paradox and Biomolecular Analysis – A Solution, At Last?
Written by Etta Coleman. The discipline of Osteoarchaeology is paradoxical by nature – those diseases which sweep populations are often too quick to leave a permanent mark on the bones. Etta Coleman discusses whether this is something that can be overcome with Polymerase Chain Reaction testing.
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Leonhard Euler and the Russian Connection
Written by Kat Jivkova. Leonhard Euler was in his own time recognised as the most distinguished mathematician of the eighteenth century, though certain circumstances of his life have brushed aside. Kat Jivkova discusses his deep connection to St. Petersburg, a site of his scientific achievements and eventual home.
Retrospect Journal 