George G Stokes British physicist/presidential Royal Society, dies at age 83.

On February 1, 1903, the world lost a brilliant British physicist and the former President of the Royal Society, George G Stokes. At the age of 83, Stokes passed away, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and shape the field of physics today.

Stokes was born on August 13, 1819, in Ireland. He attended Cambridge University, where he excelled in his studies and eventually became a professor of mathematics. Throughout his career, Stokes made numerous contributions to various branches of physics, including fluid dynamics, optics, and mathematical analysis.

One of Stokes’ most significant achievements was his research in fluid dynamics, particularly his formulation of the Navier-Stokes equations. These equations describe the motion of fluid substances and have had profound implications in fields such as engineering, meteorology, and oceanography. Stokes’ work in this area revolutionized our understanding of fluid behavior and paved the way for further developments in these disciplines.

In the field of optics, Stokes conducted groundbreaking research on the polarization of light. He formulated what is now known as Stokes’ law of light scattering, which explains how light interacts with small particles in a medium. This research was crucial in the study of atmospheric phenomena, such as the blue color of the sky and the formation of rainbows.

Stokes also made significant contributions to mathematical analysis, particularly in the field of partial differential equations. His work on calculus of variations and the theory of elasticity continues to be widely studied and utilized by physicists and mathematicians worldwide.

Besides his exceptional scientific contributions, Stokes also played a prominent role in the scientific community. He served as the President of the Royal Society from 1885 to 1890, during which time he furthered the Society’s mission to promote excellence in science and foster collaboration among scientists. Stokes’ leadership and dedication to the advancement of scientific knowledge left a lasting impact on both the Royal Society and the scientific community as a whole.

The passing of George G Stokes in 1903 marked the end of an era for the field of physics. His contributions in fluid dynamics, optics, and mathematical analysis continue to shape our understanding of the physical world. Stokes’ work remains highly influential, and his theories and equations are taught in physics classrooms across the globe.

While the world mourned the loss of this exceptional physicist, his legacy lives on through his contributions and the researchers he inspired. Stokes’ work continues to inspire scientists to push the boundaries of knowledge and explore new frontiers in physics.

George G Stokes was a remarkable British physicist who left an indelible mark on the field of physics. His research in fluid dynamics, optics, and mathematical analysis revolutionized our understanding of the physical world. As the former President of the Royal Society, Stokes played a vital role in fostering scientific collaboration and promoting excellence in the scientific community. Although he passed away on February 1, 1903, Stokes’ contributions continue to shape the world of physics and inspire future generations of scientists.