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Nature 457, 33 (1 January 2009) | doi:10.1038/457033a; Published online 31 December 2008
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Postdoctoral Opportunity in Cancer Research - Molecular Biologist / Molecular Pathologist, at the IARC / WHO in Lyons, France : Lyons, France
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Year of astronomy: Hidden treasures: the Paris Observatory
Alison Abbott1
Abstract
Giovanni Domenico Cassini helped to create an institution that pinpointed Neptune, showed that light had a finite speed — and even mapped France, explains Alison Abbott.
Giovanni Domenico Cassini was a mathematical genius with finely tuned social skills, a quick wit and a habit of enthralling powerful political figures. In 1650, when Cassini was just 25, the Pope appointed him professor of astronomy at his university in Bologna, Italy.
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