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Birth
Born in Leighlinbridge, Ireland -
Earned a Ph.D.
Studied at the University of Marburg in Germany -
Royal Institution, London
Appointed professor of natural philosophy and pursued his research. -
Radiative Properties of Various Gases
Tyndall began studying the radiative properties of various gases. Parts of his experimentation included the construction of the first ratio spectrophotometer, which he used to measure the absorptive powers of gases such as water vapor, "carbonic acid" (now known as carbon dioxide), ozone, and hydrocarbons. -
Tyndall's Experiments
Noted that oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen are almost transparent to radiant heat and other gases are quite opaque. Also showed that molecules of water vapor, carbon dioxide, and ozone are the best absorbers of heat radiation. Even small quantities, these gases absorb much more than the atmosphere itself. Concluded that among the constituents of the atmosphere, water vapor is the strongest absorber of radiant heat and therefore the most important gas controlling Earth's surface temperature. -
Impacts
His experiments resulted in the naming of the "Tyndall Effect," or the scattering of light and how it effects things like why the sky is blue.
His experiments made a lasting impact on the study of climate change to this day.
Tyndall said, without water vapor, the Earth's surface would be "held fast in the iron grip of frost." He later speculated on how fluctuations in water vapor and carbon dioxide could be related to climate change. -
1874 Presidential Address
Accused of materialism and atheism at the 1874 meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science. He claimed that cosmological theory belonged to science not theology, and that matter had the power itself to produce life. Tyndall’s beliefs of the limitations of science and mysteries beyond human understanding were overlooked due to the ensuing notoriety. -
Death
Tyndall published numerous papers and essays on his scientific discoveries, as well as literature, religion, mountaineering, and travel. His accomplishments led him to receive five honorary doctorates and being a respected member of thirty-five scientific societies. He died in Hindhead, England. -
References
Baldwin, Melinda. “What It Was like to Be Peer Reviewed in the 1860s.” Physics Today, American Institute of Physics, 28 Feb. 2017, physicstoday.scitation.org/do/10.1063/PT.5.9098/full/. Barton, Ruth. “John Tyndall.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 14 July 1999, www.britannica.com/biography/John-Tyndall. Graham, Steve. “John Tyndall.” NASA, NASA, 8 Oct. 1999, earthobservatory.nasa.gov/features/Tyndall. -
Video of Tyndall Effect
