Chapter 415 The double strategy shocked the audience! The debate of the century! One word can determine the future of astronomy!
The venue of the Metropolis Hotel was now overcrowded.
Nearly 300 astronomers from more than 30 countries will establish the International Astronomical Union here.
This is a milestone event in the entire field of astronomy, marking that astronomy will enter a new stage of development.
Big names and rookies in the field of astronomy were all present.
When Ridgway entered the venue, Dyson, President of the Royal Astronomical Society and Director of the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, had been waiting for a long time.
He stepped forward, his face flushed, and he said happily:
"Professor Bruce, everyone is waiting for you."
"If you don't show up again, they'll think I'm lying."
Everyone around laughed.
Li Qiwei smiled and said: "Oh, I was just communicating with our Chinese astronomers."
Dyson had met Gao Lu before and said to him:
"Oh, Director Gao, we meet again."
"I have benefited a lot from your achievements in the field of astronomy."
Gao Lu's face turned red as he carried people on a sedan chair.
He knew very well that his level of astronomy was completely inadequate compared to the big guys present.
Not to mention Dyson, an authority in the field of astronomy.
But because of Professor Li's presence, others would not ridicule him, but treat him with courtesy.
At this moment, Gao Lu intuitively felt Li Qiwei's influence in Europe.
After the greetings, Dyson continued:
"Professor Bruce, let me introduce you to some more friends."
"This is Professor Hale, one of the founders of the American Astronomical Society and director of the Mount Wilson Observatory."
Hale is considered a powerful figure in the field of American astronomy.
He is known as the "Father of Modern Solar Observation Astronomy".
Haile devoted his life to studying the sun, and discovered for the first time the existence of a magnetic field around sunspots.
While he was a professor of astronomy at the University of Chicago from 1893 to 1905, he presided over the construction of two large observatories.
They are also the most advanced observatories in the United States and the world.
Yerkes Observatory and Mount Wilson Observatory.
The former is the observatory where Hubble worked during his Ph.D., and is affiliated with the University of Chicago.
The latter is located in California.
Haer successively served as the director of two major observatories.
After Hubble graduated, he was personally recruited by Hale and transferred to Mount Wilson Observatory.
The observatory currently houses the world's largest reflecting telescope, with an astonishing diameter of 2.5 meters.
You know, at the same time in China, astronomy was still at the level of "I watch the sky at night".
Even the Sakura Country, which has the strongest astronomy in Asia, has a diameter of only 50 centimeters.
The huge gap is evident.
Hubble was the first user of this telescope.
It is enough to show that Hale attaches great importance to Hubble.
It’s no wonder that such a big boss would dissatisfy Dyson and form a federation.
But for Li Qiwei, Haer was extremely enthusiastic.
"Professor Bruce, it is better to see than to hear, and I finally have the honor to meet you today."
The 51-year-old Haer is a bit thin in stature, but he is no less powerful and full of energy.
Li Qiwei stretched out his hand and said with a smile:
"Hello, Professor Haer."
"Hubble once wrote to me about you. He learned a lot from you at the Mount Wilson Observatory."
Haer was very happy after hearing this.
Hubble is the most amazing and talented young man he has ever taught.
Moreover, the other party also studied under Professor Bruce.
This resume is the guarantee of an academic career.
Hale is very confident about Hubble. He believes that Hubble will definitely create brilliance in the field of astronomy.
At this moment, Hubble, who was behind Haer, looked extremely excited after seeing Li Qiwei again.
"Professor Bruce, it's great to meet you."
Li Qiwei patted him on the shoulder and encouraged him:
"You now have the best telescope in the world."
"I hope you can use it to make great breakthroughs in the field of astronomy."
Hubble's blood boiled with excitement.
His current research directions are twofold.
One is about the structure of the universe, that is, whether the Milky Way is the only galaxy in the universe.
The second is the fifth prediction of general relativity: the expansion of the universe.
These two topics are also extremely hot and cutting-edge directions in current astronomy.
Only the top observatories have the ability to conduct this kind of research.
Because it requires detailed and accurate measurement of information on a large number of celestial bodies.
Ultra-high-end telescopes are especially important.
Then, Hale took the opportunity to introduce another rookie in his observatory.
"Professor Bruce, please allow me to introduce you to an outstanding young man."
"Shapley, master's degree from Princeton University, researcher at Mount Wilson Observatory."
"It was he who proved that the solar system is not at the center of the Milky Way, but at the edge of the Milky Way."
Shapley, 34, is definitely a young talent in the field of astronomy.
Moreover, he is also a staunch supporter of "the Milky Way is the entire universe" and strongly opposes the "universe island" theory.
In real history, Shapley would soon serve as director of the Harvard University Observatory.
Li Qiwei smiled and said to him:
"Shapley, if Copernicus knew your results, he would be furious."
Everyone laughed when they heard this.
Copernicus, who proposed the heliocentric theory, did not expect that one day his theory would be overturned.
It was with this result that Shapley became famous in the astronomical world.
Even Hubble can't match him for the time being.
But at the moment, he's just as excited as Hubble.
"Thank you for the compliment, Professor Bruce."
Dyson on the side saw Haer showing off himself so arrogantly, so he deliberately made him angry.
"Professor Bruce, allow me to introduce you to a few more."
With that said, he pulled Li Qiwei to look at the other people.
Eddington behind Dyson and Hubble behind Haer looked at each other with helpless faces.
They don't dare to intervene when the big guys are fighting.
"This is Professor Curtis from Lick Observatory."
"He is a strong supporter of the island universe theory."
After Dyson's introduction, everyone instantly smelled a hint of gunpowder.
Shapley and Curtis had completely opposite views on the universe.
The former believes that the Milky Way is the entire universe.
The latter believes that the Milky Way is just an ordinary galaxy among countless galaxies in the universe.
The two are at odds with each other.
Of course, this is just an academic dispute, and the big guys are still talking and laughing together.
But Shapley and Curtis looked at each other vaguely, with meaningful eyes.
Then, Dyson introduced a special person.
"This is Ms. LeWitt of the Harvard University Observatory."
"It was she who discovered the famous [Cepheid variable star] after analyzing thousands of photos."
The so-called Cepheids refer to a type of high-luminosity pulsating variable stars.
That is, the brightness of stars will change periodically over time.
Based on this characteristic, this kind of star can be used as a ruler to measure the distance between celestial bodies and galaxies in the universe.
Therefore, Cepheid variable stars are known as "the ruler of the sky".
This reflects its huge role in astrometry.
In the early field of astronomy, measurement has always been a difficult problem in astronomy due to the lack of ultra-precise instruments.
Although there are several indirect measurement methods, the precision and accuracy are not satisfactory.
The discovery of Cepheids has greatly made up for this shortcoming.
So after being introduced to LeWitt, the big guys present all had serious expressions and admired the female elder in front of them very much.
Not only the other party's achievements, but also because she was able to achieve such achievements even though she was born deaf.
Among the many gentlemen on the court, he is particularly valuable.
Ridgway showed her plenty of respect.
"Hello, Ms. Levitt, nice to meet you."
In this era, for a woman to achieve success in any field, she must have endured unimaginable hardships.
LeWitt's results are closely related to a sensational news in the academic world.
In real history, in 1920, a century-old debate took place in the field of astronomy.
The topic of the debate was "the scale of the universe."
The two sides of the debate were Shapley and Curtis.
Shapley believed that the Milky Way was the entire universe, while Curtis believed that there were other galaxies beyond the Milky Way.
The ultimate disagreement between the two views is: How big is the Milky Way?
Shapley used globular star clusters as distance measuring tools and measured the diameter of the Milky Way to be 300,000 light-years.
He believed that this astonishing size was enough to hold the entire universe.
Curtis used yellow dwarfs as distance measurement tools and calculated that the diameter of the Milky Way is only 30,000 light-years.
This scale is far from the entire universe, because many stars discovered at that time were farther from the earth than this.
Both sides insist on their own opinions, and no one can convince the other.
But the debate brought fame and a bright future to both sides.
Shapley soon became director of the Harvard University Observatory, and Curtis moved from researcher to director.
However, the problem has not been solved and has always puzzled astronomers. It wasn't until Hubble took action three years later that he put an end to the problem.
It turned out that both Shapley and Curtis were wrong because they used the wrong measuring tools.
Hubble used Cepheid variables as a distance measuring tool and measured that the Andromeda Nebula is at least 1 million light-years away from the Milky Way.
This distance far exceeds the diameter of the Milky Way itself.
This shows that the Andromeda Nebula must be located outside the Milky Way.
This conclusion caused a huge stir in the field of astronomy.
After Hubble sent a letter to Shapley about his discovery, he lamented: "This letter destroyed my world."
Later, more and more astronomers found more Cepheids.
After a large number of repeated measurements, Hubble's theory was proved.
At this point, the astronomical community has reached a consensus: the Milky Way is just an ordinary galaxy in the universe.
Soon, Dyson finished his introduction.
It can be seen from his introduction that the United States at this time was very strong in the field of astronomy, which was completely different from its weakness in physics.
Because astronomy relies so much on tools.
If a worker wants to do his job well, he must first sharpen his tools, which is perfectly reflected in astronomy.
The three Gaolu people had been following Li Qiwei. When they heard that the United States already had a 2.5-meter telescope, their jaws dropped.
If they do not attend such international meetings, they will never be able to experience this gap firsthand.
"You're right, you're right."
Li Qiwei, surrounded by Dyson, Haer and others, slowly walked onto the podium.
At this time, there was still a man standing there with an extremely confused expression.
"Hello? Hello? Hello?"
"Have you forgotten me? Aren't you going to introduce me?"
"I am the current president of the American Astronomical Society and director of the Yale University Observatory."
"Is there just no cards?"
Schlesinger's face was filled with distress, but he did not dare to press loudly.
Because Haer not only supported him, but was also his leader in astronomy.
Not a teacher, better than a teacher.
Therefore, in front of the powerful Professor Haier, he could only keep a low profile.
At this moment, Li Qiwei had already stepped onto the podium under Dyson's enthusiastic introduction.
Thunderous applause immediately erupted in the venue.
"I am very happy to have the trust of everyone here to serve as President of the International Astronomical Union."
"Science is inherently free of national boundaries and races, and astronomy well confirms this idea."
"The vastness of the universe forces us to join forces to explore its mysteries."
"Before the European War, the German Astronomical Society published the first volume of the star catalogue."
"This chart, which only records the positions of 140,000 stars, took more than 50 years of observational data from 13 observatories in 7 countries."
"And there are more than tens of millions of stars in the Milky Way!"
"No country has the ability to fully describe the boundless starry sky above our heads."
"So the establishment of the International Astronomical Union is a historical necessity and a scientific necessity."
Li Qiwei expounded the necessity of establishing an Astronomical Union from a high position and won the recognition and applause of everyone present.
Off the field, Kobayashi Masaru, president of the Sakura Country Astronomical Society and director of the Tokyo Observatory, chatted with Gao Lu with a look full of envy and fawning.
"Your Excellency Gaolu, I hope that in the future, China and Sakura Country can work together in the Federation and participate in the great cause of international astronomy."
Gao Lu snorted, still feeling resentful towards Sakura Country.
You used to be indifferent to me, but you can't reach me now.
It's so refreshing. It's so refreshing.
Everyone present knew that once observatories around the world unite and share huge data, a lot of results will be produced.
And whoever can have the right to speak in the federation will have self-evident benefits for the development of his own astronomy.
Because of Li Qiwei's existence, the Huaxia Literary Society is definitely one of the core members of the association.
Gaolu's status in the field of Asian astronomy will also rise accordingly.
Chinese literature will also usher in explosive development.
Gao Lu said coldly:
"Your Excellency Xiaolin, from now on your country can no longer be as arrogant as before."
Xiao Lin Zhengzhao smiled flatteringly: "Hi!"
Soon, the two were attracted by Li Qiwei's next words on the stage.
At this time, Li Qiwei smiled again and said:
"I believe you must have heard of the Bruce Conference in Physics."
"This is the supreme meeting of physics."
"It represents the most cutting-edge direction of physics."
"Guiding physicists to conduct in-depth discussions on the most critical issues."
"I think astronomy could also learn from this approach."
"So, here, as president, I propose that the International Astronomical Union hold a plenary meeting every three years."
“The latest research results are presented and discussed at the conference.”
"Together we will bring a new level of prosperity to astronomy."
Wow!
Li Qiwei's very bewitching and provocative speech brought the astronomers present to an instant climax.
Everyone's eyes widened with excitement.
Especially the younger generation like Hubble, Eddington, and Shapley are extremely admiring.
This supreme meeting of astronomy is the most suitable stage for them.
Classmate Eddington sighed. He felt that it was a little too early to prove the bending of starlight.
"If I could publish my results on such an occasion, what kind of sensation would it cause?"
Sure enough, showing off is also a basic desire of scientists.
As for Dyson, Haer and other astronomical tycoons, they were all filled with emotion.
"It is indeed the right thing to invite Professor Bruce to be the president of the International Astronomical Union."
Haer even said bluntly: "If Dyson is allowed to be the chairman, it will be a mess. The old guy must still be reading the manuscript."
The big guys around him smiled knowingly.
Dyson: "Idiot!"
Just when everyone thought Professor Bruce's proposal was over, another breaking news came out.
"In order to improve the social influence of astronomy and enhance the vitality of astronomy."
"At the same time, it is also a warm-up for the first plenary session."
"I once again propose a public debate on astronomy open to the general public."
“I’ve even thought about the topic for the debate.”
"It's called: How big is the universe?"
"This is not only a concern for astronomers, but also a common concern for all of us."
"Such a debate topic will definitely attract the interest of countless people."
"Of course, as for the candidates for both sides of the debate, you need to consider it, Director Dyson and Director Haier."
boom!
The news about the public debate on astronomy was even more exciting than the plenary meeting just now.
The venue was completely crazy, and everyone's emotions reached their peak.
"Oh, God, this is Professor Bruce."
"Astronomy with him and astronomy without him are simply two disciplines."
"The debate hasn't even started yet, and I can already feel the excitement."
"Sure enough, Professor Bruce's ability to make trouble is his strongest ability."
"No wonder so many people want to invite Professor Bruce, he is simply a treasure in all disciplines."
The eyes of Shapley and Curtis suddenly burst into light.
A wave of enthusiasm surged in my heart.
The atmosphere of tit-for-tat permeated the place.
This debate will definitely be the most colorful event in the history of astronomy.
It’s not even an exaggeration to call it the “debate of the century.”
It can be compared with when Copernicus shouted for heliocentric theory.
It represents the evolution of mankind from a correct understanding of the solar system to a correct understanding of the entire universe.
It is a qualitative leap!
If he could win this debate, the prestige would be unimaginable.
Everyone was excited.
Dyson looked at Li Qiwei, his heart filled with gratitude.
Originally, he thought that the other party would just come to deal with it, talk a little bit, and form a federation.
I didn't expect that the other party was so concerned about the field of astronomy.
Totally sincerely.
These two suggestions can be said to have made astronomy shine and become the center of conversation in the scientific community.
Haer said arrogantly: "How about it? Fortunately, you listened to me. You can't do it."
This time, Dyson did not refute. Asking Professor Bruce to be the chairman was definitely his smartest move.
Anyway, he certainly wouldn't have thought of these plans himself.
However, he still added silently: "Idiot!"
Facing the madness of everyone in the audience, Li Qiwei smiled softly and showed perfect control.
Gao Lu, Chang Fuyuan, and Jiang Bingran looked at the man on the stage with admiration.
That is their Chinese Professor Li Qiwei, who is regarded as the god of science.
Just a few words can even determine the future fate of an ancient discipline.
This terrifying influence made the three of them feel like they were in another world.
"China is truly lucky to have Professor Li Qiwei!"
Finally, the International Astronomical Union elected six other leaders, including Dyson and Hale, as vice presidents, responsible for the implementation of specific work.
The president, six vice-presidents, and the secretary-general form the executive committee.
After discussion by the committee, it was decided to hold the first plenary session of the International Astronomical Union in Rome, Italy, in 1922.
The Great Debate of the Century will be held in 1920, with the location to be determined.
At this point, this astronomical association has successfully concluded.
Astronomical societies in more than thirty countries have all become the first members.
(End of chapter)