On this day in space! Aug. 18, 1868: Total solar eclipse leads to discovery of helium
This article recounts the 1868 discovery of helium by French astronomer Pierre Jules César Janssen during a total solar eclipse. It explains how spectroscopy allowed scientists to identify the element in the sun before it was ever found on Earth.
Why it matters
The discovery highlights the critical role of spectroscopy in modern astronomy and demonstrates how scientific observation can identify matter in space before terrestrial confirmation.
On Aug. 18, 1868, a French astronomer named Pierre Jules C sar Janssen discovered helium while observing a total solar eclipse in India.
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Click for next article Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter On Aug. 18, 1868, a French astronomer named Pierre Jules C sar Janssen discovered helium while observing a total solar eclipse in India.
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