Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Quote of the day

"smaismrmilmepoetaleumibunenugttauiras" - Galileo

The above is a Latin anagram written by Galileo in 1610 and meant to make sure no one would steal a yet unpublished discovery. Once decoded, it translates to: "I have observed the highest planet to be triple-bodied." Galileo was referring to Saturn, which appeared to him to have two moons on its left and right. Galileo had observed the rings of Saturn without realizing it. Their appearance as two companion bodies was a consequence of his telescopes poor resolution.

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