Joseph von Fraunhofer (1787–1826) was a German physicist and optical lens manufacturer. He invented the spectroscope and was the first to use a diffraction grating to obtain line spectra and measure the wavelengths of spectral lines.
Fraunhofer's knowledge and techniques were closely guarded secrets. As a result, the British were unable to replicate his lenses. In this exciting lecture, Professor Myles Jackson might uncover some of Fraunhofer's secrets.
Myles Jackson is Albers-Schönberg Professor in History of Science at the Institute for Advance Study, Princeton University.
The talk will be conducted in English and will last about 45 minutes. It is free of charge, but please register to reserve your spot. Following the lecture, parts of the Observatory will be open for visits.
About the University Observatory
The Observatory is a former astronomical observatory that is now used for educational purposes by the University of Oslo.
Constructed in 1833, it was not only the first building erected as the University of Oslo's own structure but also the first designed specifically for research purposes. The observatory and the community that developed around it became a hub for the advancement of Norwegian natural sciences.
The observatory building was designed by the renowned architect Christian Heinrich Grosch, who was also responsible for several other significant buildings, such as the Oslo Stock Exchange and the University building on Karl Johans gate in Oslo.