1927 in science details significant events and developments across various scientific fields during the year 1927. This period was particularly momentous for the nascent field of quantum mechanics, witnessing the formulation of a foundational principle and experimental confirmation of wave-particle duality. Significant advancements were also made in cosmology and genetics.
Physics
- Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle: Werner Heisenberg published his groundbreaking paper "Über den anschaulichen Inhalt der quantentheoretischen Kinematik und Mechanik" (On the perceptual content of quantum-theoretical kinematics and mechanics) in March 1927. This paper introduced the uncertainty principle, a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics stating that certain pairs of physical properties, like position and momentum, cannot both be precisely known simultaneously.
- Davisson-Germer Experiment: Clinton Davisson and Lester Germer published their experimental findings, "Diffraction of Electrons by a Crystal of Nickel," in Physical Review. Their work demonstrated that electrons exhibit wave-like properties, confirming Louis de Broglie's hypothesis of wave-particle duality and providing crucial experimental evidence for quantum mechanics. George Paget Thomson also independently published similar results in 1927.
- Expanding Universe Hypothesis (Lemaître): Georges Lemaître published his paper "Un Univers homogène de masse constante et de rayon croissant rendant compte de la vitesse radiale des nébuleuses extra-galactiques" (A homogeneous Universe of constant mass and increasing radius accounting for the radial velocity of extra-galactic nebulae) in the Annales de la Société Scientifique de Bruxelles. In this paper, Lemaître independently derived the Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker equations, proposed an expanding universe from a "primeval atom" (later known as the Big Bang), and inferred a linear relationship between distance and recession velocity for galaxies, preceding Edwin Hubble's more widely known work.
- Quantum Theory of Radiation (Dirac): Paul Dirac published "The Quantum Theory of the Emission and Absorption of Radiation" in the Proceedings of the Royal Society A. This work laid the foundation for quantum electrodynamics, describing the interaction between light and matter in a quantum mechanical framework.
Biology and Medicine
- Artificial Transmutation of the Gene (Muller): Hermann J. Muller published "Artificial Transmutation of the Gene" in Science, demonstrating that X-rays can induce mutations in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. This discovery had profound implications for understanding genetics, evolution, and the mutagenic effects of radiation.
- Structure of Insulin: John Jacob Abel succeeded in crystallizing insulin, paving the way for further understanding its structure and mechanism.
Chemistry
- Synthesis of Vitamin D: Adolf Windaus and his team successfully synthesized vitamin D from ergosterol, a crucial step in understanding and combating rickets.
Awards
- Nobel Prize in Physics: Awarded jointly to Arthur Compton "for his discovery of the effect named after him" (Compton effect) and Charles Thomson Rees Wilson "for his method of making the paths of electrically charged particles visible by condensation of vapor" (cloud chamber).
- Nobel Prize in Chemistry: Awarded to Heinrich Wieland "for his investigations into the constitution of the bile acids and related substances." (Adolf Windaus was awarded the 1928 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, for his work done in 1927 on sterols and their connection with vitamins).
- Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine: Awarded to Julius Wagner-Jauregg "for his discovery of the therapeutic value of malaria inoculation in the treatment of dementia paralytica."
Births
- January 3 – John N. Bahcall (d. 2005), American astrophysicist, known for his work on the solar neutrino problem.
- April 16 – Pope Benedict XVI (d. 2022), German theologian and philosopher, who also contributed to theological discourse on science.
- May 10 – William P. Lipscomb (d. 2011), American inorganic chemist, Nobel laureate for his work on boranes.
- August 1 – Gerard P. Kuiper (d. 1973), Dutch-American astronomer (Kuiper Belt named after him).
- October 1 – Oleg Yefremov (d. 2000), Russian cosmonaut.
Deaths
- February 17 – Alfred William Alcock (b. 1859), British naturalist and carcinologist.
- March 11 – William Le Baron Jenney (b. 1832), American architect and engineer, "father of the American skyscraper."
- June 23 – Walter Ritz (b. 1878), Swiss theoretical physicist.
- July 23 – Arthur C. D. Crommelin (b. 1865), British astronomer.
- December 31 – Henry G. J. Moseley (b. 1887), English physicist.