Milton Humason
Early Life and Education
Milton Lasell Humason was born on August 19, 1891, in Dodge Center, Minnesota, United States. His early life was marked by a lack of formal education, a factor that makes his later contributions to astronomy all the more remarkable. Humason's family moved to California when he was a child, and he grew up in the vicinity of Mount Wilson, where he would later make his most significant contributions to science. Despite not having a college degree, Humason's passion for the stars and his natural aptitude for mechanical work and observation led him to a career in astronomy.
Career Beginnings
Humason's entry into the field of astronomy was unconventional. He initially worked as a mule driver, helping to transport materials up Mount Wilson for the construction of the Mount Wilson Observatory. His dedication and interest in the observatory's work caught the attention of the astronomers there, and he was eventually offered a position as a janitor. From this humble beginning, Humason worked his way up to become a night assistant, operating telescopes and assisting with observations.
Contributions to Astronomy
Humason's most notable contributions to astronomy came through his work with Edwin Hubble, with whom he collaborated extensively. Humason's expertise in spectroscopy and his meticulous observational skills were instrumental in the measurement of redshifts in distant galaxies. These measurements provided critical evidence for the expansion of the universe, a cornerstone of the Big Bang theory. Humason's work helped to establish the relationship between a galaxy's redshift and its distance from Earth, known as Hubble's Law.
Spectroscopy and Redshift Measurements
Humason's proficiency in spectroscopy was unparalleled at the time. He developed techniques to capture the faint spectra of distant galaxies, often working under challenging conditions. His ability to record these spectra allowed for precise measurements of redshifts, which indicated that galaxies were moving away from Earth. This work was crucial in supporting the idea of an expanding universe, a concept that was revolutionary in the early 20th century.
Collaboration with Edwin Hubble
The partnership between Humason and Hubble was one of mutual respect and collaboration. Humason's observational skills complemented Hubble's theoretical insights, and together they produced groundbreaking work. Their joint efforts led to the publication of several influential papers that laid the foundation for modern cosmology. Humason's meticulous data collection and Hubble's interpretation of that data were pivotal in the formulation of Hubble's Law.
Later Life and Legacy
In the latter part of his career, Humason continued to work at Mount Wilson Observatory, contributing to various projects and mentoring younger astronomers. His legacy is one of perseverance and dedication to the pursuit of knowledge. Despite his lack of formal education, Humason's contributions to astronomy were significant, and his work continues to influence the field today. He passed away on June 18, 1972, leaving behind a legacy of scientific discovery and inspiration for future generations of astronomers.