Supplementary details of Einstein's contribution to astronomy;
An epoch-making scientist, the pioneer and founder of modern physics. His work has a great influence on astronomy and astrophysics.
1March 879 14 was born in Ulm, Germany, and spent his youth in Switzerland. 1900 graduated from Zurich University of Technology. Unemployment after graduation. After two years of hard work, I found a permanent job in the patent office in Bern. His early series of historic contributions were all completed here. 1909 began to teach in universities. 19 14 was invited to return to Germany as the director of the Royal William Institute of Physics and a professor at the University of Berlin. 1933 when Hitler came to power, Einstein was persecuted for the first time because he was a Jew and resolutely defended democracy, and was forced to move to Princeton, USA. 1940 American citizenship. 1955 April 18 died in Princeton.
/kloc-The late 20th century is a period of change in physics, and new experimental results have impacted the classical physics system established since Galileo and Newton. The older generation of theoretical physicists, represented by Lorenz, tried to solve the contradiction between the old theory and the new facts within the original theoretical framework. Einstein re-examined the most basic concepts of physics from the experimental facts, abandoned some well-known but incorrect concepts and made a fundamental breakthrough in theory. Some of his major achievements greatly promoted the development of astronomy.
One of Einstein's pioneering contributions is the development of quantum theory. Quantum theory is a hypothesis put forward by Planck in 1900 to solve the black body radiation spectrum. He believes that the energy released by an object when it emits radiation is not continuous but quantized. However, most people, including Planck himself, dare not take the concept of energy discontinuity one step further, and even try to bring it into the classical physical system again and again. Einstein's attitude was quite different. He foresaw that quantum theory would not bring a small correction, but a fundamental change in the whole physics. He pushed the quantum theory forward, analyzed the propagation and absorption of radiation with quantum concept, and put forward the concept of light quantum, which completely explained the empirical law of photoelectric effect that classical physics could not explain, thus shaking the orthodox position of light wave theory. The concept of light quantum reveals for the first time in the history of human understanding of nature that light has both fluctuation and particle properties (now commonly known as duality), which directly opens the way for the establishment of De Broglie's theory of matter wave and the subsequent establishment of quantum mechanics. This work won the 192 1 Nobel Prize in Physics. 1906, Einstein extended the quantum theory to the internal vibration of objects, and successfully explained the relationship between the specific heat of solids and the temperature change at low temperature. 19 16 years, he continued to develop quantum theory and deduced blackbody radiation from Bohr's concept of quantum transition. In this study, he combined the concepts of statistical physics with quantum theory and put forward the concepts of spontaneous emission and stimulated emission. From the basis of quantum theory to the concept of stimulated emission, it has great influence on astrophysics, especially theoretical astrophysics. The first mature aspect of theoretical astrophysics-stellar atmosphere theory is based on quantum theory and radiation theory.
Einstein's theory of relativity is a symbol of his lifelong career. In his paper entitled "On Electrodynamics of Moving Objects" published in 1905, he put forward the special theory of relativity completely. He transformed the basic concepts of time, space and motion in classical physics according to the relativity of inertial reference system and the invariance of light speed. It denies the existence of absolute static space and the absoluteness of the concept of simultaneity. In this system, the moving scale should be shortened and the moving clock should be slowed down. One of the most outstanding achievements of special relativity is to reveal the relationship between energy and mass. The famous relation E = MC 2 has become the golden key to the theory of nuclear energy. The discovery of nuclear energy finally solved the long-standing problem of stellar energy. In recent years, more and more high-energy astrophysical phenomena have been discovered, and special relativity has become the basic theoretical tool to explain this phenomenon.
After the establishment of special relativity, Einstein began to devote himself to the study of gravity theory. Like his work of establishing special relativity, he grasped a well-known basic fact that the ratio of inertial mass to gravitational mass is a universal constant that has nothing to do with physical properties. Accordingly, he put forward the principle of reciprocity. After years of hard work, we finally established a gravity theory-general relativity-which is completely different from Newton's gravity theory at 19 15. General relativity has a close relationship with astronomical phenomena from the beginning. A series of key tests of general relativity are completed in the "laboratory" of the universe. Einstein calculated the (abnormal) precession of Mercury's perihelion according to the general theory of relativity, and solved the unsolved mystery of astronomy for many years. At the same time, he concluded that light should bend in the gravitational field. Eddington and others confirmed this prediction through the solar eclipse observation in 19 19. 62 years later, on 1978, the periodic changes of radio pulsar binary star PSR1913+16 were measured. Many people think that it completely conforms to the prediction made by gravitational wave damping theory, which may be another powerful proof of general relativity. In the case of strong gravitational field, general relativity has many unique conclusions. For example, according to the general theory of relativity, Oppenheimer predicted that after the nuclear energy is exhausted, if the mass is large enough, the star will inevitably evolve into a black hole. 1967 After the pulsar was discovered and confirmed as a neutron star, people realized that there was indeed a strong field object in the sky. Now, Cygnus X- 1 is considered as a black hole. All these constitute the basic content of relativistic astrophysics, and it is one of the most active branches of astrophysics at present.
Nothing can represent Einstein's great influence on astronomy better than his cosmology. After Einstein established general relativity, he immediately turned to the study of the universe. 19 17, Einstein published his first paper on the universe, which is a cosmological study based on general relativity. Like many times when he started a field with a paper, this paper announced the birth of relativity. Although more than 60 years have passed, many concepts introduced in this paper are still full of vitality. In exploring the universe, Einstein first pointed out that there is an insurmountable internal contradiction between the infinite universe and Newton's theory. In principle, according to Newtonian mechanics, the dynamics of the infinite universe, a physical system, cannot be established. Starting from Newton's theory and the infinite universe, it is impossible to get a self-consistent model of the universe. So, it must be: either modify Newton's theory, or modify the concept of infinite space, or both. Einstein gave up the infinity of the traditional three-dimensional Euclidean geometry of the universe. According to the general theory of relativity, he established a static, finite and self-consistent dynamic universe model. In this model, the universe is a closed continuous region in terms of its spatial extension. The volume of this continuous area is limited, but it is a curved closed body, so there is no boundary.
Einstein introduced the method of establishing the model of the universe by dynamics in the study of cosmology, and introduced new concepts such as cosmology principle and curved space. Moreover, he believes that the question of whether the volume of the universe is infinite or limited can only be solved by science rather than by faith. This attitude of advocating science inherits the spirit of scientific exploration initiated by Copernicus and others. He once said: "Scientific research can dispel superstition because it encourages people to think and observe things according to causality." His study of cosmology embodies this spirit of opposing superstition. Therefore, whether we agree or disagree with his cosmology, everyone has to admit that Einstein also wrote a very glorious page in cosmology.
Whether at home or overseas, the name Yang Zhenning is very resounding among China people. Together with Li Zhengdao, he won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1957.
This is the first time that China people have boarded the Nobel podium in Stockholm, and China people all over the world are proud of their compatriots' brilliant achievements in the world science hall.
"Since Yang Zhenning, the people of China have made immortal achievements on the international scientific stage," said Professor Ding Zhaozhong, who won the Nobel Prize in Physics with 1976 after Yang Zhenning and Li Zhengdao.
Yang Zhenning, male, 1922, from Hefei, Anhui. His father, Yang Wuzhi, studied mathematics in the United States and got a doctorate. After returning to China, he successively served as a professor of mathematics in Xiamen University and Tsinghua University. He was one of the pioneers who introduced modern western mathematics to China. Smart talent, coupled with the influence of family, made Yang Zhenning "different" from others at an early age. He not only studies well, but also has a wide range of interests. In middle school, he said to his father, "I want to win the Nobel Prize when I grow up!"
During his stay in War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, Tsinghua University, who had taught in Yang Wuzhi, was forced to move south to Changsha and merged with Peking University and Nankai University to form a temporary university. After the Japanese army captured Nanjing, the temporary university was evacuated to Kunming and renamed Southwest United University. Yang Zhenning also traveled long distances with his parents to Kunming. He finished his second year of high school and was admitted to the National The National SouthWest Associated University before he entered the third year of high school. At that time, National Southwest Associated University, the largest education center in China, gathered many famous professors from various disciplines and formed a brilliant group of teachers. Here, Yang Zhenning received careful guidance from famous teachers. He finished his bachelor thesis under the guidance of Professor Wu Dayou. After graduating from university with a bachelor of science degree, he entered the graduate school for further study, studied statistical physics under the guidance of Professor Wang Zhuxi, and obtained a master's degree.
From 65438 to 0945, Yang Zhenning went to the United States as a "public student studying in the United States", looking for Professor E Fermi, a master physicist he admired, and became a doctoral student in the postgraduate class of the University of Chicago hosted by Fermi, and met Professor E Taylor, who was later called "the father of the hydrogen bomb". Influenced by Fermi, he completed his doctoral thesis under Taylor's guidance and received his doctoral degree at 1948. After being hired by the university, he stayed as a teacher for a year. 1949 works in Princeton Institute for Advanced Studies, and 1955 to 1966 is a professor there. 1966, served as Einstein professor of physics at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, and served as the director of the newly established Institute of Theoretical Physics.
In theoretical physics, Yang Zhenning has created many glories.
His highest achievement is that in 1954, he put forward the theory of Yang-Mills gauge field with R·L· Mills * *, which opened up a new research field of non-Abelian gauge field and laid the foundation of modern gauge field. Recognized by physicists all over the world as one of the greatest theoretical structures in the 20th century, it is the most important physical theory after Maxwell's electromagnetic field theory, Einstein's gravitational field theory and Dirac's quantum theory.
Another outstanding contribution of Yang Zhenning is that in 1956, he cooperated with Li Zhengdao to put forward "parity non-conservation under weak interaction", thus overthrowing the "parity conservation law" that was originally thought to be applicable to all interactions. This "parity conservation law" was originally considered as the basic law of physics. Therefore, they won the 1957 Nobel Prize in Physics. It is the first time that a scientific achievement won the Nobel Prize in the second year after its publication.
Yang Zhenning has made extensive contributions to theoretical physics, including elementary particles, statistical mechanics and condensed matter physics. He also made many contributions to theoretical structure and phenomenological analysis. His works have a special style: independence and creativity, and far-reaching vision. His other important work in recent years-Yang-Baxter equation has been paid close attention by mathematicians and physicists, and has become the hottest research topic.
Yang-Mills gauge field, parity conservation law and Yang-Baxter equation are considered as three achievements of Yang Zhenning's work, which have reached the century level.
In addition to the Nobel Prize, Yang Zhenning also won the rumford Prize of 1980, the National Highest Science and Technology Award of 1986, the Benjamin Franklin Medal of the American Philosophy Society of 1993, and the Powell Science Achievement Award of 1994.
The American Philosophical Society, founded in 1743, is a prestigious international academic organization. Among its 700 members, the Nobel Prize winner is only 100. The Benjamin Franklin medal represents the highest honor of society. The executive of the society said that Yang Zhenning was awarded the Benjamin Franklin Medal because "Professor Yang Zhenning is an outstanding designer of physics in the 20th century after Einstein and Dirac." His cooperation with Li Zhengdao and his cooperation with Mills are "the most important events in physics" and "a far-reaching and fundamental contribution to physics".
Franklin College in Philadelphia is one of the most authoritative academic research institutions in the United States. The Powell Science Achievement Award awarded by the college to Yang Zhenning is the highest science award in the United States (US$ 250,000). Yang Zhenning was the first physicist to win this honor. The statement of the college praised Yang Zhenning's research work "which had a great influence on the vast field of basic scientific research in the second half of the 20th century" and "provided mankind with an understanding of the basic forces of the universe and the laws of nature", and said that Yang-Mills gauge field theory "has been ranked among the works of Newton, Maxwell and Einstein, and will certainly have a similar influence on future generations".
In recognition of Yang Zhenning's outstanding contribution, the relevant departments of China also reported to international organizations for approval, and named an asteroid with the number of 342 1 discovered by Purple Mountain Observatory of Chinese Academy of Sciences as "Yang Zhenning" star. The Academic Committee of China Institute of High Energy Physics invited him as a member; The Chinese University of Hong Kong hired him as a visiting professor; Peking University, Fudan University, China University of Science and Technology, Sun Yat-sen University and other well-known universities also hired him as an honorary professor.
Yang Zhenning has deep feelings for China. 197/kloc-0 visited China in the summer of, and was the first Chinese-American scholar to visit New China. This visit opened the door to science that has been closed between China and the United States for more than 20 years. In the process of establishing diplomatic relations between China and the United States, as the chairman of the All-American Chinese Association, he participated in the initiation of the All-American Chinese Committee for Promoting the Normalization of Diplomatic Relations between China and the United States, paving the way and bridging the way for enhancing the understanding and friendship between the Chinese and American peoples with a pure heart. Knowing that science, technology and education are the foundation of a strong country, he often expresses his original opinions on the strategic position of science, technology and education in China's economic development, personnel training, science and technology system and other issues. He gives lectures in China almost every year, introducing his experience in reading, teaching and scientific research. He has high hopes for the younger generation in China, hoping that they will broaden their horizons, be knowledgeable and versatile, integrate Chinese and Western cultures, cultivate their own styles, give full play to their own specialties, do valuable work and make tangible contributions to the development of the motherland. He initiated and organized CEEC (Academic Exchange Conference with China) at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, and sponsored China scholars to continue their studies. He also promoted Liu Yongling, a Hong Kong industrialist, to set up the Ilida Youth Invention Award, the Wu Jianxiong Prize in Physics and the Chen Shengshen Mathematics Award, and established many academic research institutions in his initiative. He is full of confidence in the future of China and is committed to the prosperity of China. His contribution far exceeds the achievements of a physicist.
Yang Zhenning once said: "The most important contribution in my life is to help change China people's inferiority complex." Before Yang Zhenning, a large number of China people, including intellectuals, lacked self-confidence, thinking that China people were not good at politics, economy, science and technology, and the Nobel Prize and other awards were out of reach with China people. It was Yang Zhenning who knocked out China people's inferiority complex with his own achievements, so that they overcame themselves psychologically and dared to compete with westerners for their shortcomings.
Yang Zhenning is the pride of China people and an example of China people.