(Encyclopedia) EndymionEndymionĕndĭmˈēən [key], in Greek mythology, young shepherd, loved by Selene (the moon). In one version of his legend, he asked Zeus for immortality and perpetual youth. Zeus…
(Encyclopedia) week, period of time shorter than the month, commonly seven days. The ancient Egyptians used a 10-day period, as did the French under the short-lived French Revolutionary calendar. In…
(Encyclopedia) inclination, in astronomy, the angle of intersection between two planes, one of which is an orbital plane. The inclination of the plane of the moon's orbit is 5°9′ with respect to the…
(Encyclopedia) weight, measure of the force of gravity on a body (see gravitation). Since the weights of different bodies at the same location are proportional to their masses, weight is often used…
(To). To take a nautical observation. “Unless a man understood how to handle his vessel, it would be very little use his being able to `shoot the sun,' as sailors call it.” —Notes and…
(Encyclopedia) Mercury, in astronomy, nearest planet to the sun, at a mean distance of 36 million mi (58 million km); its period of revolution is 88 days. Mercury passes through phases similar to…
(Encyclopedia) Bouguer, PierreBouguer, Pierrepyĕr b&oomacr;gĕrˈ [key], 1698–1758, French mathematician and hydrographer. He made some of the first photometric measurements, calculating the…
(Encyclopedia) Grimaldi, Francesco MariaGrimaldi, Francesco Mariafränchāsˈkō märēˈä grēmälˈdē [key], 1618?–1663, Italian physicist and mathematician. A Jesuit and professor at Bologna, he studied in…
Trending
Here are the facts and trivia that people are buzzing about.
World's Most Corrupt Leaders & Politicians
Western Christian Holidays, 2010-2030
The Best Movie Quotes of All Time!
Top 10 Biggest Waterfalls in the World (Tallest, Widest, & Most Volume!)
