1. Ole Roemer The Great Dane

2. Roemer’s Humble Beginnings Born September 25, 1644 in Aarhus, Denmark Born September 25, 1644 in Aarhus, Denmark Graduated from the Aarhus Cathedral school in 1662. Graduated from the Aarhus Cathedral school in 1662. Studied Mathematics and Astronomy at University of Copenhagen Studied Mathematics and Astronomy at University of Copenhagen Moved to Paris when hired by Louis XIV to tutor the prince. Moved to Paris when hired by Louis XIV to tutor the prince. Became a professor of Mathematics at the University of Copenhagen in 1681. Became a professor of Mathematics at the University of Copenhagen in 1681.

3. Romer’s Enemy: Descartes Measured the speed of light using the orbit of Jupiter’s moon, Io. Measured the speed of light using the orbit of Jupiter’s moon, Io. Roemer’s discovery of finite C caused an uproar within the scientific community. Roemer’s discovery of finite C caused an uproar within the scientific community. Descartes argued that light travels at an infinite rate. Descartes used a fancy diatribe to argue why Roemer was wrong. Descartes argued that light travels at an infinite rate. Descartes used a fancy diatribe to argue why Roemer was wrong. Descartes blunder?? Descartes blunder??

4. Other Contributions Improved thermometer accuracy. Advised Fahrenheit on his temperature scales. Improved thermometer accuracy. Advised Fahrenheit on his temperature scales. Developed the “Transit Instrument” to better determine stellar positions. Developed the “Transit Instrument” to better determine stellar positions. And… And…

5. Finally… Professor of Mathematics Professor of Mathematics Astronomer Royal Astronomer Royal Master of the Mint Master of the Mint Purveyor of the Royal Harbors Purveyor of the Royal Harbors Inspector of Naval Architecture Inspector of Naval Architecture Advisor on Pyrotechnics and Ballistics Advisor on Pyrotechnics and Ballistics Commissioner of Highways Commissioner of Highways Privy Council Member Privy Council Member First Magistrate (Chief Justice of the Supreme Court) First Magistrate (Chief Justice of the Supreme Court) Chief Tax Assessor Chief Tax Assessor Mayor of Copenhagen Mayor of Copenhagen Prefect of Police Prefect of Police Senator Senator Head of the State Council. Head of the State Council. “Roemer was too modest to demand for himself any glory or praise from his contemporaries; he was too busy to be able to devote any of his time to the spreading of his ideas…Roemer, considered by his contemporary scientists to be one of the leading figures of his age, is today known generally only because of his discovery of ‘mora luminis’ and for the first determination of the velocity of light.” -Bernard Cohen (biographer)