Geofizika, Vol. 30 No. 2, 2013.
Izvorni znanstveni članak
De Aurora Boreali (1737) – Contemporary insight to the young Bošković’s treatise
Vujnović Vladis
; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Science, Department of Geophysics, Zagreb, Croatia
Lisac Inga
; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Science, Department of Geophysics, Zagreb, Croatia
Sažetak
An analysis of Bošković’s early paper concerned with the polar light (aurora borealis) gives an insight into the validity of the mathematical method which the young Bošković applied to significant geophysical phenomena in order to comprehend their nature. Based on the given data, we have examined numerical results about the height of atmosphere and the heights of the auroras which were observed over Europe in 1726 and in 1737. In his text there is not a single mathematical formula. Following his instructions we have derived a formula which may be used to determine the distance of an aurora by observing it from one station. For the assumed aurora model, his method is applicable. We find that described ideas on the physical cause of aurora, conceived in a fluid coming from the sun, have elements of modern knowledge.
Ključne riječi
Ruđer Bošković; aurora borealis; atmosphere dimensions and density
Hrčak ID:
116072
URI
Datum izdavanja:
30.12.2013.
Posjeta: 1.212 *