Scientist. Born in Estagel, Roussillon, France, he was a physicist and astronomer. He made major contributions to the early study of electromagnetism including the phenomenon of magnetic rotation and the fact that a wire coil could be magnetized by passing electrical current through it. He made measurements of arc length on the Earth which led to the standardisation of the metric system of lengths. His studies in astronomy included investigations of the solar corona and chromosphere, measurements of the diameters of the planets, a theory that light interference is responsible for the twinkling of stars. He was also active politically in France's government and in addition to his scientific duties, was Director of the Paris Observatory. Arago was awarded the Royal Society Copley Medal in 1825 and both Earth's Moon and Mars have craters named in his honor.
Scientist. Born in Estagel, Roussillon, France, he was a physicist and astronomer. He made major contributions to the early study of electromagnetism including the phenomenon of magnetic rotation and the fact that a wire coil could be magnetized by passing electrical current through it. He made measurements of arc length on the Earth which led to the standardisation of the metric system of lengths. His studies in astronomy included investigations of the solar corona and chromosphere, measurements of the diameters of the planets, a theory that light interference is responsible for the twinkling of stars. He was also active politically in France's government and in addition to his scientific duties, was Director of the Paris Observatory. Arago was awarded the Royal Society Copley Medal in 1825 and both Earth's Moon and Mars have craters named in his honor.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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