The Emmett L. Hudspeth Centennial Lectureship in Physics:
James Cronin, Professor of Physics Emeritus, University of Chicago, Nobel Laureate
Thursday, February 19, 2009, The John A. Wheeler Lecture Hall RLM 4.102, 7:30pm
"Serendipity, Colorful Scientists, and the Birth of Sub-Atomic Physics"
Abstract:
The history of cosmic ray research is a remarkable one. It begins with a serendipitous discovery of radiation entering the earth's atmosphere from outer space. The nature of the radiation involved phenomena completely unknown at the time of the discovery. Some 50 years were required to unravel the nature of the radiation. The result of the research gave birth to the field of sub-atomic physics. The solution of the cosmic ray puzzle involved some of the most colorful scientists of the 20th century. It involved scientific disputes which were only resolved by creative experimentation and theoretical developments. By 1953 cosmic rays were showing the beginnings of subatomic physics. The research then divided into research in subatomic physics using accelerators and research with the objective of finding the sources and nature of the cosmic rays - a research that is very active today.
This event is free and open to the public.
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