How Long to Read The Story of Helium and the Birth of Astrophysics

How Long Does it Take to Read The Story of Helium and the Birth of Astrophysics?

It takes the average reader 4 hours and 38 minutes to read The Story of Helium and the Birth of Astrophysics by Biman B. Nath

Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more

Description

What if one of the most thrilling stories in the history of science turned out to be wrong? Can urban legends creep into the hallowed grounds of scientific history? As incredible as it may sound, the story of one of the most important elements in modern times – helium - has been often misrepresented in books, encyclopedias, and online sources, despite the fact that archival materials tell a different story. Open the entry for Helium in any encyclopaedia and you will read a false story that has been repeated over the years. ‘Encyclopaedia Britannica’, for example, says that helium was discovered by the French astronomer Pierre Janssen while observing a total solar eclipse from India in 1868. Apparently he noticed something new in the spectrum of the sun, which he thought was the signature of an undiscovered element. The truth is that Janssen never saw any sign of a new element during his observations in India. His reports and letters do not mention any such claim. Other sources would have you believe that helium was jointly discovered by Janssen and Norman Lockyer, a British scientist, and that their discovery letters reached Paris the same day, one sent from India, and the other from England. Again, the truth is completely different. Two letters from Lockyer and Janssen did reach Paris the same day in 1868, but their letters did not mention any new element. What they had discovered was a new way of observing the Sun without a solar eclipse. This would ultimately lead to the discovery of helium, in which Lockyer would play a prominent role, but not Janssen. At the same time, Norman Robert Pogson, a disgruntled British astronomer stationed in India did notice something peculiar during the eclipse. He was the first one to notice something odd about the spectrum of the Sun that day, and his observations would prove crucial to Lockyer’s own investigations of helium. But Pogson’s report was never published in any peer reviewed journal and it languished on the desk of a local British officer in colonial India. This book tells the real story behind the discovery of helium, along with biographical sketches of the scientists and descriptions of the milieu in which they worked. It will convey the excitement, confusion, and passion of nineteenth century scientists, using their own words, from their letters and reports. “The Story of Helium and the Birth of Astrophysics” chronicles one of the most exciting discoveries ever made and explains why it also marked the birth of a new branch of science called ‘astrophysics.’

How long is The Story of Helium and the Birth of Astrophysics?

The Story of Helium and the Birth of Astrophysics by Biman B. Nath is 274 pages long, and a total of 69,596 words.

This makes it 92% the length of the average book. It also has 85% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read The Story of Helium and the Birth of Astrophysics Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 6 hours and 20 minutes to read The Story of Helium and the Birth of Astrophysics aloud.

What Reading Level is The Story of Helium and the Birth of Astrophysics?

The Story of Helium and the Birth of Astrophysics is suitable for students ages 12 and up.

Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.

When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.

Where Can I Buy The Story of Helium and the Birth of Astrophysics?

The Story of Helium and the Birth of Astrophysics by Biman B. Nath is sold by several retailers and bookshops. However, Read Time works with Amazon to provide an easier way to purchase books.

To buy The Story of Helium and the Birth of Astrophysics by Biman B. Nath on Amazon click the button below.