Escaped Thoughts

For Isaac Newton's Birthday Party

Isaac Newton was born today, January 4, in 1643. He was an English physicist, mathematician, astronomer, and natural philosopher.  He was also an alchemist and theologian.

Newton is considered by many scholars and members of the general public to be one of the most influential people in human history.

His Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica (Latin for "Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy" and usually called the Principia), published in 1687, is probably the most important scientific book ever written.

The book  lays the groundwork for most of classical mechanics.

Newton described universal gravitation and the three laws of motion, which dominated the scientific view of the physical universe for the next three centuries. Newton showed that the motions of objects on Earth and of celestial bodies are governed by the same set of natural laws, by demonstrating the consistency between Kepler's laws of planetary motion and his theory of gravitation.

I have always found it very interesting that Newton was also highly religious. He was an unorthodox Christian, and during his lifetime actually wrote more on Biblical hermeneutics and occult studies than on science and mathematics.

For some free and easy schooling,  take a look at him in video program 6 in The Mechanical Universe...and Beyond, "Newton's Laws" http://www.learner.org/resources/series42.html

In  "Physics for the 21st Century,"  Newton is discussed in the video and online text in unit 3, "Gravity."   http://www.learner.org/courses/physics/unit/text.html?unit=3&secNum=0

And look at Mathematics Illuminated where Newton is discussed in the context of "Concepts of Chaos," program 13.    http://www.learner.org/courses/mathilluminated/units/13/

Another Eclipse for the New Year

Eclipse travel in pairs.

Just two weeks after the Full Moon/Solstice/Lunar Eclipse, we have a Solar (New Moon) eclipse that Europe and India will witness on January 4th.

In Western Europe, the Sun will be eclipsed as the day begins and will last about 80 minutes more. Even at its maximum, the eclipse will be only partial, with some of the everyday Sun still visible.

Unlike the gentle lunar eclipse, you need special solar filters or projection methods to protect the eyes while viewing the eclipse. Whenever the ordinary Sun is visible, even only part of it, you should not stare at it. Special solar filters are available cheaply, or dense [shade 12 or higher] welders' glass will do.

On the same day, Jupiter and Uranus make an exact conjunction at 27 degrees of Pisces. If you are astrologically-inclined, then this is another powerful eclipse and another turning point. Take some time between these two eclipses to get in touch with what you want to manifest in the coming year.