I think this could be quite the interesting subject. Some quick and interesting reading on the subject:
In ancient China, the solar and lunar eclipses were regarded as heavenly signs that foretell the future of the Emperor; predicting eclipses were of high importance for the state. Over four millenniums ago, two Chinese astrologers were murdered as they failed to predict a solar eclipse.
The ancient Chinese believed that solar eclipses occur when a legendary celestial dragon devours the Sun. They also believed that this dragon attacks the Moon during lunar eclipses. In the Chinese language, the term for eclipse was “chih” which also means “to eat”. One ancient Chinese solar eclipse record describes a solar eclipse as “the Sun has been eaten”.
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Well, while this is an interesting subject it’s not in line with the assignment. You need to find either a person or a project so that you can discuss his/her/its scientific significance.
If you really are interested in this perhaps you can look at studies of the solar corona, verification of Einstein’s general theory of relativity, or other specific projects related to solar eclipses. Then, within the context of that you could certainly expand a little on ancient mythologies surrounding eclipses.
Aw… totally missed that part. Bummer.
I think we should talk about the Solar Corona….. looking at other info I have found on it, I think we could come up with a good presentation in regards to it.
Sounds good to me, yet it sounds like we have to choose one specific study on the solar corona. Does one stick out to you in particular?
If we were to chose a specific person, how about Sir Arthur Eddington (1882-1944):
-He studied the properties of a solar eclipse on various expeditions around the world. This research eventually confirmed Albert Einstein’s theory that as light passes a very massive star, its path is bent due to gravity.
-Eddington spent a great amount of time researching the internal makeup of stars. One of his findings in this field was that the scattering of electrons is the primary source of the opacity of stars. Along with this finding, he also determined that a star’s luminosity if finite for a supplied mass.
He knows that we are going to report on Sir Arthur Eddington, right? Did he have any objections??
No objections were made. He said he had not seen a report on him for a little while, so it will be nice to have one again. So time to research!