This Day in History August 18, 1868

By Ruth on August 18, 2013 in history, science
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Although helium is the second most abundant gas in the universe, it is not a gas that overly prevalent on this earth.  On this date in 1868, French astronomer Pierre Jules Janssen discovered helium during a solar eclipse in India.  Interestingly enough, another astronomer 5000 miles away was discovering the same thing–Joseph Norman Lockyer.  Both reports arrived at the French Academy on the same day, so science credits both with the discovery although Janssen was chronologically first.  I know that we tend to think that helium is important for dental surgery and floating balloons, but it has a lot more uses than that.  When it is supercooled, it makes an ideal refrigerant.  It is a rare gas in earth, but it is essential to MRI machines and was used in rocket fuel for the Apollo missions.

For more info:

http://www.wired.com/thisdayintech/2009/08/dayintech_0818/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helium

http://www.universetoday.com/53563/who-discovered-helium/

http://www.eoearth.org/view/article/153470/

http://famousdaily.com/history/helium-discovered-astronomer-pierre-jules-cesar-janssen.html

About the Author

RuthView all posts by Ruth
Ruth Hill is an entertainment journalist, digital media strategist, and creative professional who believes in the power of storytelling to inspire, encourage, and connect people. With years of experience interviewing actors, filmmakers, authors, and other creative professionals, Ruth has developed a passion for discovering the stories behind the people who bring entertainment to life. Her interviews and reviews reflect her appreciation for authentic storytelling, meaningful performances, and the creative individuals working both in front of and behind the camera. Through her digital media business, Media From the Heart, Ruth works with actors, filmmakers, authors, and organizations to help them connect with audiences through social media strategy, video production, YouTube optimization, website development, and digital marketing. A Washington State native, Ruth lives in the Yelm area and is the proud mother of an adult daughter. A former music educator and lifelong creative, she continues to pursue her passion for music, writing, and the arts. At the heart of everything Ruth does is her Christian faith, which inspires her commitment to seeing the best in others,

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