5 Most Iconic Photographs From the History of Physics
The historical images that inspire scientific thinking
I have been handling a mini-blog on Twitter over the past couple of years with a motive to share the historical aspects of physics with people, in a way that even people with a non-scientific background can understand. In doing so, images play a great role. I spend hours exploring the internet and finding the most suitable and story-worthy image to share for a segment I call Physics Photo Of the Day. The everyday PPOTD tweet includes some of the most iconic images associated with physics (and sometimes mathematics) that reflect a great historical significance.
In this article, I shall share five such brilliant images from the past that will blow you away. Please be noted that I do not own the copyright to those images, the sources and respective archives shall be mentioned along with the images. With that being said, let’s get started.
Solvay Conference, 1927
Arguably this should be the most intelligent gathering ever in history. Some of the most brilliant scientists from all across the world gathered at a conference to discuss the then on-goings in physics. According to the Nobel Foundation, out of 29 total attendees of the conference, 17 were or became Nobel Prize winners. The conference was attended by some of the greatest minds in the history of physics including Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, and the pioneers of quantum physics (which was at the peak of its development and understanding during the time) Werner Heisenberg, Niels Bohr, Max Planck, Erwin Schrodinger, Paul Dirac, and many others.
Albert Einstein sticking his tongue out
Hands down this has to be the most iconic pose of any scientist ever. This photograph of the world’s most famous genius was captured by photographer Arthur Sasse in 1951 on Einstein’s 72nd birthday. Well, the story behind this is quite interesting. While Einstein was finishing up celebrating his 72nd birthday at The Princeton Club, he went to sit inside a car with the former head of the Institute for Advanced Study, Frank Aydelotte, and his wife Marie Jeanette. The vehicle, as per the reports, was surrounded by many photographers which is very obvious as Einstein was the most popular professor at the time. It was during that moment when photographer Arthur Sasse approached Einstein and asked him for one last photograph. The old professor, tired and unwilling to respond, made the funny face looking at the camera, and boom! The most iconic physics photograph was captured. [Read more]
Nikola Tesla with his ‘magnifying transmitter’
The only name that comes to my mind when I hear the word ‘invention’ is Nikola Tesla. Well, you are a physics lover you must know him and his life struggles. Before I start to explain why this image makes this list, let me make it clear that this is a double composition of two different images which was published as a publicity stunt by photographer Dickenson Alley in 1899. Now y’all must be thinking, during that time when Photoshop was not even a thing, how is it possible that two different images were merged? The thing is, Dickenson wanted an iconic image of the Serbian inventor for an article in Century Magazine titled The Problem of Increasing Human Energy. So Dickenson first captured the sparks of the magnifying high voltage transmitter which was built by Tesla himself at Colorado Springs (Tesla’s lab). This was done in a dark room and then later Tesla sitting in a chair with the machine was captured with the previous photographic plate exposed again. But nonetheless, the image is one of the most popular historical scientific images of all time.[Ref]
When Feynman met his childhood ‘hero’
“When I was a kid, Dirac was my hero.”
These are the words of physicist Richard Feynman as mentioned in his autobiography Surely You’re Joking Mr. Feynman! Feynman is considered to be one of the most influential theoretical physicists and teachers of the 20th century. The man was best known for his humorous and expressive character and his ability to explain complicated stuff in a simple way. Paul Dirac, on the other hand, is one of the pioneers of modern quantum mechanics and the founding father of quantum electrodynamics. The two met for the first time during a relativity conference in Warsaw, Poland around 1962. The reason why this picture makes this list is that it showcases the discussion between two brilliant minds in the history of physics while we are left to wonder what exactly must they be talking about.
Marie Curie in her radioactive lab
No doubt Marie Curie is one of the most inspiring personalities in the history of science. She is the first-ever person and the only woman to win two Nobel prizes in two different sciences. This image particularly makes this list because it portrays her dedication in her works, the awe, and curiosity that she has in discovering something new about nature and the world. She is seen holding a round-bottomed flask in her laboratory; the lab that was primarily built for her research on radioactivity, the physics which has groundbreaking implications in the field of modern technology. The photographer of the image is unknown but it still stands as one of the most inspiring science photographs ever.
Some honorable mentions
References:
https://www.businessinsider.com/solvay-conference-1927-2015-4
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/picture/2014/mar/14/albert-einstein-tongue-photography
https://culturacolectiva.com/history/albert-einstein-tongue-photo-true-story-behind
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nikola_Tesla,_with_his_equipment_EDIT.jpg
Thank you so much for reading. If you think there are other images that deserve this list, kindly let me know in the responses. If you like my work and want to support me then you can become a medium member by using this link or buy me a coffee ☕️. Keep following for more such stories.
