Johann Georg Tralles facts for kids
Johann Georg Tralles (born October 15, 1763 – died November 19, 1822) was a smart German scientist. He was both a mathematician (someone who studies numbers and shapes) and a physicist (someone who studies how the world works, like energy and forces).
Contents
Early Life and Education
Johann Georg Tralles was born in Hamburg, Germany. When he was about 20 years old, in 1783, he started studying at the University of Göttingen. This was a famous university where he learned a lot about math and science.
A Professor's Journey
Just two years after starting university, in 1785, Tralles became a professor at the University of Bern in Switzerland. This was a big achievement for someone so young. Later, in 1810, he moved to Berlin and became a professor of mathematics at the University of Berlin.
Helping with Measurements
In 1798, Tralles played an important role in a big international meeting. He represented Switzerland at the French metric convocation. This meeting was about creating a standard way to measure things, like length and weight, for everyone to use. He was part of a special committee that worked on these new weights and measures.
As a gift, an iron "committee" meter was given to another scientist named Ferdinand Rudolph Hassler. This meter was an exact copy of the main meter used as a standard. From 1803 to 1805, Tralles and Hassler worked together. They surveyed the land in the Canton of Bern in Switzerland. This means they carefully measured and mapped the area.
Discovering a Comet
Johann Georg Tralles was also interested in space. In 1819, he made an exciting discovery. He found a new comet! This comet was later named Comet Tralles in his honor. Comets are like icy space rocks that orbit the Sun.
The Alcoholometer
Tralles also invented a useful tool called the alcoholometer. This device helps measure how much alcohol is in a liquid. It was a very practical invention for its time.
Later Life and Legacy
Johann Georg Tralles passed away in London, England, in 1822. Even after his death, his name lives on. A crater on the Moon is named Tralles after him. Also, the alcoholometer he invented still carries his name.
See also
In Spanish: Johann Georg Tralles para niños
