ESHS/HSS Annual Meeting

Gian Domenico Cassini at the Observatoire Royal in Paris

• In Event: Scientific Disputes, Cosmological Theories from Scheiner to Cassini: Archival Sources in the 17th Century 1

English Abstract

Gian Domenico Cassini (1625-1712), whose 400th birth anniversary was recently celebrated with various initiatives and international conferences in Bologna and Paris, certainly stands out as one of the most brilliant and productive astronomers of the 17th century. He originated from Perinaldo, a small, picturesque village in Liguria. He pursued his initial studies at the Jesuit College in Genoa and continued his education in Bologna, where he worked closely with the leading Jesuit astronomers of the time. In 1669, he moved to Paris, at Colbert’s invitation to join the nearly completed Observatoire Royal. There, he devoted himself to various scientific activities, including the study of the rotation of the planets, comets, zodiacal light, sunspots, the division of Saturn's ring, and the discovery of four of its satellites, etc. He also extended his studies to geodesy and cartography. A skilled organiser of scientific expeditions, Cassini corresponded with the leading astronomers of his time, and embraced a collective approach to research. He recognised the importance of developing a “network” with other researchers, and he also addressed controversial scientific and technical issues, while prudently refraining from expressing his opinion on the major cosmological controversy of his century. By analysing archival documents from the Observatoire Royal, this presentation will illustrate some of the highly sophisticated observational techniques he developed and will focus on elements that may shed light on his views on cosmological models.

Author

• Ivana Gambaro, University of Genoa, SISFA, Cassini 400 Committee