Thomas Edison's Tasimeter: Advancing understanding of infrared radiation during eclipse in 19th century.

Thomas Edison, known for his prolific inventiveness, developed the tasimeter to measure infrared radiation during a total solar eclipse observed in the late 19th century. In anticipation of the eclipse, Edison joined astronomers and other scientists in Wyoming to witness and study the event. The tasimeter, short for "thermo-electric tasimeter," was designed to detect minute changes in temperature by measuring the resistance of a carbon button. Edison believed this device would help in understanding solar phenomena by measuring the heat from stars and other celestial events, especially during the obscuration of the sun by the moon. During the eclipse, the tasimeter was put to test. Edison's invention aimed to improve the accuracy with which scientists could measure infrared radiation, a realm of the electromagnetic spectrum that was still relatively unexplored. This instrument provided evidence suggesting variations in infrared radiation that were not detectable with existing equipment. It highlighted the previously hidden potential of infrared astronomy. While the tasimeter itself did not become a widely adopted tool in astronomy, the concept of measuring infrared radiation became increasingly significant. This pioneering attempt paved the way for future advancements in infrared technology, leading to more sophisticated instruments and a greater understanding of the universe. Contributions like these illustrate the interconnectedness of scientific progress and technological innovation, emphasizing the continual path of discovery. #MoofLife #ThomasEdison #ScientificInnovation #InfraredAstronomy #SolarEclipseResearch