11 March 2014, 5:30pm
The Mathematics of Astronomy, Dr Andrew Fletcher (University of Newcastle)
Abstract
For many centuries, developments in mathematics were driven by astronomer’s attempts to understand the heavens. This led to the early creation of a sophisticated approach to spherical trigonometry. As well as providing the basis for tracking stars and planets in the night sky, spherical trigonometry was essential for navigation and cartography in the pre-GPS age. Until quite recently the discipline was an essential part of the mathematics curriculum, but it has now all but disappeared, even though there are as many requirements as ever to use non-Euclidian geometries. In this talk I will discuss some of the elegant results of spherical trigonometry, sketch the historical development of the subject and demonstrate some of the tools that allow one to do “hands-on” geometry on a sphere.
Venue: Room 515, Mathematics Building, University Gardens, University of Glasgow
No charge is made to attend meetings and non-members are welcome.
