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18th century drawing showing the sizes of comets
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18th century drawing showing the sizes of comets
Illustration comparing the size of five comets to that of the Earth (A), from Thomas Wrights book An Original Theory of the Universe, published in London in 1750. The original caption is; " an exact scheme of the known comets, in just proportion, to the Globe of the Earth represented at A, with the Nuclus (sic), and part of the Tail of the Comet of 1665, B". C is the comet of 1682, D of 1665, E of 1742 and F of 1744. In this book Wright (1711-86) gave the first correct explanation of the appearance of the Milky Way as being due to our immersion in a layer of stars
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Comet History Of Science Thomas Wright
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This 18th-century drawing takes us back in time to explore the vastness of the universe. The print, extracted from Thomas Wright's groundbreaking book "An Original Theory of the Universe" showcases an intricate illustration comparing the sizes of five comets to that of our Earth. Published in London in 1750, this work by Wright revolutionized our understanding of celestial bodies. At first glance, we are drawn to a perfectly scaled representation of our planet at point A, serving as a reference for comprehending the immense proportions of these cosmic wanderers. The meticulous detail allows us to discern each comet with clarity and precision. Notably, we observe Comet B from 1665, its nucleus and part of its tail elegantly depicted alongside Earth. Moving clockwise around this awe-inspiring visual composition, we encounter Comets C (1682), D (1665), E (1742), and F (1744). Each comet is distinctively portrayed with remarkable accuracy considering the limited technology available during that era. Beyond showcasing cometary dimensions, Wright's book also introduced a groundbreaking theory explaining the enigmatic appearance of our Milky Way galaxy. By postulating that it was due to our immersion within a layer composed entirely of stars, he challenged prevailing beliefs about cosmology. This historic artwork not only serves as a testament to humanity's relentless pursuit of knowledge but also reminds us how far we have come in unraveling the mysteries hidden within our universe.
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