What Else Did V. M. Slipher Do?
Joseph S. Tenn

TL;DR
V. M. Slipher's diverse spectroscopic work significantly advanced planetary, stellar, and interstellar astronomy, with key discoveries on planetary rotation, interstellar dust, and the search for Planet X, despite limited later scientific activity.
Contribution
This paper highlights the breadth of V. M. Slipher's contributions to astronomy beyond galaxies, emphasizing his discoveries and leadership at Lowell Observatory.
Findings
First spectroscopic measurement of Uranus's rotation
Evidence of interstellar dust through reflection nebulae
Confirmation of interstellar calcium and sodium lines
Abstract
When V. M. Slipher gave the 1933 George Darwin lecture to the Royal Astronomical Society, it was natural that he spoke on spectrographic studies of planets. Less than one-sixth of his published work deals with globular clusters and the objects we now call galaxies. In his most productive years, when he had Percival Lowell to give him direction, Slipher made major discoveries regarding stars, galactic nebulae, and solar system objects. These included the first spectroscopic measurement of the rotation period of Uranus, evidence that Venus's rotation is very slow, the existence of reflection nebulae and hence interstellar dust, and the stationary lines that prove the existence of interstellar calcium and sodium. After Lowell's death in 1916 Slipher continued making spectroscopic observations of planets, comets, and the aurora and night sky. He directed the Lowell Observatory from 1916 to…
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Taxonomy
TopicsHistory and Developments in Astronomy
