How a Volcano Helped to Discover the Speed of Light

In 1883, the Indonesian volcano Krakatoa experienced an enormous eruption that dramatically altered global weather patterns for many years. The volcanic dust ejected during the explosion traveled high into Earth’s atmosphere, causing fiery red sunsets worldwide. These spectacular sunsets inspired physicist Albert Abraham Michelson to develop a method for calculating the speed of light.

Inspiration from Nature

Michelson realized that if he knew precisely when and where these vivid sunsets were observed, he could use differences in sunset times at various global locations to gain more daylight than usual. This extra daylight time provided essential information about how quickly sunlight travels across Earth’s surface.

Development of Methodology

Greatly inspired by this natural phenomenon, Michelson embarked on extensive research to measure the speed of light. His rigorous approach took into account Earth’s rotation and revolution around the Sun for precise calculations. He conducted multiple experiments involving mirrors set miles apart and manipulated using sophisticated techniques.

Experimental Process

By 1926, Michelson finalized his measurements through a series of trials. He discovered that light traveled approximately 186,000 miles per second—an astonishingly close estimate to modern values measured using more advanced technology.

Recognition and Legacy

This groundbreaking discovery earned Michelson the honor of being the first American scientist to win a Nobel Prize in Physics in 1907. This accolade was widely believed to be primarily due to his significant contribution to understanding our natural universe.

Conclusion

The story of Michelson’s work remains unknown mainly due to its complex scientific concepts. However, it plays an integral part in our understanding from a geological perspective—considering the Krakatoa eruption is one of history’s most notable eruptions—and how we comprehend our universe through physical phenomena such as light. This discovery affects our everyday lives without our realizing it, highlighting the profound interconnectedness between natural events and scientific advancement.