The Department of Physics and Astronomy is pleased to announce a colloquium talk featuring Dr. Guy Worthey, WSU Associate Professor, Physics and Astronomy and Monique Slipher. Dr. Worthey and Ms. Slipher will present their talk “V.M. Slipher, Pioneer of Astrophysical Spectroscopy” on Tuesday, April 28, at 4:10 p.m. in Webster B17.
Please meet our guest speakers and share in refreshments, 3:45-4:10 p.m. in the foyer on floor G above the lecture hall.
Abstract: We review the life and science V. M. Slipher (1875-1969). Slipher spent his career at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, starting in 1909, and eventually becoming director. He discovered galaxy redshifts, the rotation of spiral galaxies, and measured the rotation periods and compositions of planets. He discovered the terrestrial sodium layer in 1929, and hired and supervised Clyde Tombaugh in the survey that led to the discovery of Pluto in 1930. We make mention of a misconception that Edwin Hubble discovered galaxy redshifts. We plunder V. M.’s personal accounts and records left at Lowell Observatory to attempt to give a biographical sketch of him while at the same time putting his career achievements in perspective.
