History of Planetary Physics

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Professor Brush is continuing his long-term project examining theories of the origin and structure of the Earth and other members of the solar system in modern times. This study spans a number of disciplines ranging from astronomy and physics to geology. Topics range over issues of celestial mechanics, properties of planets and the sun, meteoritics, the age of the Earth, and the physical/chemical state of its core. During the course of this grant, Professor Brush will concentrate on issues surrounding astronomy and cosmogony since 1940. This is a period of radical changes in theories of cosmogony and will include specific questions about which theories were most successful in gaining acceptance and why? What criteria were used to evaluate hypotheses of origin, and how have these criteria changed over time? How have developments in nuclear astrophysics, cosmochemstry, and the space program affected the theories concerning the origins and development of our solar system? Professor Brush's work has proved to be extraordinarily useful for both historians and philosophers of science. A trained physicist, he fully understands the technical aspects of his subject. Such a background is essential in studying contemporary science. Further, he is an award winning historian--his study of the development of thermodynamics won the major book award in the field. These combined scientific and historical credentials with his proven productivity virtually guarantee that this grant will result in significant results in our understanding of the processes of development of contemporary theoretical and experimental science.