Tuesday, September 30, 2014

[ccgtjmub] What are stars?

Examine the historical progress by which stars transformed in the cultural consciousness from something small, pinpricks of light in the sky, to something large, analogues of the huge and powerful sun.

Who first correctly guessed that stars are not small?  Who first proved it?  (1838 - stellar parallax?)

The transformation is still in progress, as the idea that the sun is in fact minuscule compared to many of the lights in the sky has probably not pervaded culture, yet.

"Twinkle twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are." (1806)

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