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| Paper: |
The Road to Radial Velocities: V. M. Slipher and Mastery of the Spectrograph |
| Volume: |
471, Origins of the Expanding Universe: 1912-1932 |
| Page: |
143 |
| Authors: |
Smith, R. W. |
| Abstract: |
V. M. Slipher's observations of the radial velocities of spiral nebulae were
extremely important for the disputes on the nature of the spirals that sprang up
in the 1910s and in time the debates around the theory of the expanding
universe. Such linkages, however, were far from Slipher's thoughts when he
embarked on these researches. I instead argue that the key contexts for
understanding the development of Slipher's studies were very much to do with his
position as a Lowell Observatory astronomer and the demands of Percival Lowell
(which were in turn driven by Lowell's views on extraterrestrial life), as well
as Slipher's mastery of the Brashear spectrograph Lowell had acquired in 1901. I
also examine the shifting interpretations Slipher offered of his findings as
well as their reception. |
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