Talk:William Herschel
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Would it perhaps make sense to say that he inferred the existence of an invisible form of light, rather than of energy? Michael Hardy 00:36 Apr 13, 2003 (UTC)
- I agree. "Invisible light" is better, or "calorific rays" as I believe Herschel called the phenomenon. --HSag 20:06, 9 Dec 2004 (UTC)
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Georgian planet
Although HM Nautical Almanac Office continued to use the "Georgian" name in its tables until 1850, most astronomers had long since adopted the name Uranus. And non-British astronomers had never accepted "Georgian" in the first place. French astronomers called it "Herschel". German-speaking astronomers adopted the name Uranus soon after its discovery, and French astronomers gradually did so too.
The discovery and naming of Neptune a few years before 1850 finally prompted the Nautical Almanac to "get with the program". If more detail about "Georgian" naming issues is needed, it should probably go on the Uranus page rather than here. Curps 00:11, 3 Jun 2004 (UTC)
Sun theory
Somebody added the following: He was known for eccentric theory that the Sun was inhabited. Is this true? The Singing Badger 21:36, 8 Dec 2004 (UTC)
- I added that, and I believe it is true. Google "Herschel Sun inhabited" for various references. -- Curps 07:21, 9 Dec 2004 (UTC)
- It is undoubtedly true that he believed it. It is not, however, true that it was an eccentric theory at that time, in the then prevailing state of astronomical knowledge.RachelBrown 22:46, 22 Apr 2005 (UTC)
Herschel region?
Does anyone know who coined the term "Herschel region", meaning parts of the near infrared spectrum between 700nm and 2500nm? I have seen it used in some near infrared spectroscopy papers.
Categ Astronomy People
I've reverted the category Astronomy People since it describes people 'associated with astronomy who were not themselves astronomers'. Clearly, William Herschel was in the first ranks of astronomers. Hence removing the category. Ian Cairns 12:39, 14 Feb 2005 (UTC)