Louis Godin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Louis Godin
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| Born | 28 February 1704 |
| Died | 11 September 1760 (aged 56) |
| Education | College of Louis le Grand |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Astronomy |
| Patrons | Joseph-Nicolas Delisle |
Louis Godin (born February 28, 1704 – died September 11, 1760) was a famous French astronomer. He was also a member of the French Academy of Sciences. Godin traveled and worked in many countries, including Peru, Spain, Portugal, and his home country, France.
Contents
Life of an Astronomer
Early Life and Studies
Louis Godin was born in Paris, France. His parents were François Godin and Elisabeth Charron. He went to school at the College of Louis le Grand. There, he studied astronomy with a well-known teacher named Joseph-Nicolas Delisle.
In 1724, Godin created some important astronomical tables. These tables helped him become famous. Because of his work, the French Academy of Sciences chose him as a member.
Journey to Peru
The French Academy of Sciences asked Godin to help finish a history book about the academy. This book had been started by another writer, Bernard le Bovier de Fontenelle.
Godin also suggested a big idea to the government minister, Cardinal André-Hercule de Fleury. He wanted to send teams to different parts of the world to measure the exact shape of the Earth. At that time, people weren't sure if the Earth was perfectly round or slightly flattened.
The minister liked the idea and gave money for the project. The academy chose Godin, Charles Marie de La Condamine, and Pierre Bouguer to go on an expedition to Peru.
The Expedition Begins
The team left La Rochelle, France, on May 16, 1735. They stopped in Cadiz, Spain. There, two Spanish naval officers, Jorge Juan y Santacilia and Antonio de Ulloa, joined them. The King of Spain, Philip V, had asked them to go along.
Next, they sailed to Santo Domingo (now in the Dominican Republic). They stayed there for six months to make important observations. In February 1736, they finally arrived in Quito, which is now the capital of Ecuador.
Measuring the Earth
From Quito, the team immediately crossed the Andes mountains. They set up their measuring stations in the middle of the country. They worked there for two years, carefully taking measurements to help figure out the Earth's shape.
Life in Lima
After finishing their work in 1738, Godin received an invitation. The Viceroy of Peru asked him to become a professor of mathematics in Lima. Godin accepted the job. He also started teaching special classes on astronomy there.
Earthquake Observations
In 1746, a huge earthquake hit Lima. It destroyed most of the city. Godin was there and made very important observations about the earthquake. This helped scientists understand earthquakes better. He also helped the people who were suffering. He even drew plans for new buildings that would be safer from future quakes.
Return to Europe
In 1751, Godin returned to Europe. But things had changed. He found that he had been mostly forgotten by the academy. Also, he had lost his money in some bad investments.
So, in 1752, he took a new job. He became the head of a college for young sailors in Cadiz, Spain.
Another Earthquake
In 1755, a massive earthquake, known as the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, struck Lisbon, Portugal. It was strongly felt in Cadiz too. Godin again made observations and helped calm the public's fears. For his efforts, the King of Spain honored him.
In 1759, Godin was called back to Paris. He was given his old position back at the academy. However, he died on his way back to Cadiz in 1760.
Works
Louis Godin wrote many books and papers during his life. Here are some of them:
- Appendix aux tables astronomiques de Lahire (1724)
- Histoire de l'académie des sciences, 1680 à '99 (1728)
- La connaissance des temps (1730–1734)
- El temblor de tierra de Lima, sus causas, efectos y consecuencias (1748)
- Curso de matemáticas para el uso de mis discípulos (1750)
- Observations astronomiques au Perou (1752)
- Des tremblements de terre en général, de ceux de Lima et Lisbonne en particulier (1753)
- Les possessions Espagnoles dans l'Amérique du Sud; le Perou, son histoire, ses richesses, et moeurs de ses habitants (1755)
Legacy
Louis Godin's work is still remembered today.
- A crater on the Moon is named after him.
- An asteroid is also named Godin in his honor.
See also
- History of geodesy
- French Geodesic Mission
- Meridian arc
- In Spanish: Louis Godin para niños
