Annapolis in Anne Arundel County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The Markers on the Plaza

Michelson and the Speed of Light

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, June 14, 2013

1. The Markers on the Plaza Marker

Inscription. The Markers on the Plaza paving follow the line of sight for the optical experiments measuring the speed of light carried out by Ensign Albert A. Michelson, USN between 1877 and 1879 while serving as instructor of physics at the United States Naval Academy. This distinguished graduate of the Naval Academy was the first American to be awarded the Nobel Prize.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1877.

Location. 38° 58.994′ N, 76° 29.056′ W. Marker is in Annapolis, Maryland, in Anne Arundel County. Marker can be reached from Maryland Avenue. The marker is on the wall of Chauvenet Hall on the USNA grounds. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Annapolis MD 21402, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. St. Damian (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mexican War Midshipmen's Monument (about 300 feet away); El Neptuno (about 300 feet away); St. Joseph (about 300 feet away); Tecumseh (about 400 feet away); HMS Macedonian Monument (about 500 feet away); Macedonian Monument (about 500 feet away); One Hundredth Anniversary of the U.S. Naval Academy (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Annapolis.

Also see . . . Albert A. Michelson - Nobelprize.org

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. (Submitted on June 18, 2013, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.)

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, June 14, 2013

2. The Markers on the Plaza Marker

This complementary marker on the other side of the Plaza has the same wording

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, June 14, 2013

3. The Markers on the Plaza Marker

The Markers on the Plaza image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, June 14, 2013

4. The Markers on the Plaza

The markers referred to on the plaques are steel discs running across the plaza between the bronze plaques.

Michelson Hall USNA image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, June 14, 2013

5. Michelson Hall USNA

Michelson's Rotating Mirrors image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, June 15, 2013

6. Michelson's Rotating Mirrors

These mirrors in the USNA museum were part of Michelson's interferometer. Michelson's Nobel Prize Certificate is in the background.

Portrait of Michelson image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, June 15, 2013

7. Portrait of Michelson

In the USNA Museum, Preble Hall

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 16, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 560 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on June 16, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.