@kennykravitz @DaWoDerPfeffer @libroraptor @gregsbrain @conradhackett

"Wasn't Mercator's popularity due to it making all the key trading ports more easily visible?"

No, not at all. Rather, the #Mercator map was just the simplest mathematical #mapprojection that allowed any sailor to use the easiest form of #navigation possible, in pre-modern times.

Most folks weren't shown how this map was supposed to be used, so it often gets misinterpreted by moderns

https://kaiserscience.wordpress.com/earth-science/maps/mercator-maps-use-and-criticism/

@conradhackett

This is a great image. It helps debunk the baseless conspiracy theory, i.e. Mercator map was meant to support racism and make Europe look bigger. In fact the biggest area distortions of the #Mercator map are #Siberia, #BaffinIsland, and #Antarctica, all of which are almost entirely unpopulated. The actual reason for this particular map projection is merely ease of early, pre modern science, ocean #navigation:

https://kaiserscience.wordpress.com/earth-science/maps/mercator-maps-use-and-criticism/

@edutooters
@scienceteachers

@DaWoDerPfeffer @libroraptor @gregsbrain @conradhackett
writes "Mercator's Projection belongs in a museum, NOT news- and classrooms indoctrinating the world's people with racist, imperialist and colonial socialisation!"

Um, that's hysterical pseudohistory. There is zero racial or social problems with the wonderful Mercator map. Only problem is with misunderstand it.
It is a simple projection designed only for navigation, the easiest map for navigators

https://kaiserscience.wordpress.com/earth-science/maps/mercator-maps-use-and-criticism/

#Mercator #maps

Update on the campaign to observe the #transit of #HIP41378 f on Nov. 12. We are one day before !!!

Main observatory statuts:
- #Wendelstein obs. 🟢
- #SOPHIE / #HauteProvence 🟢
- #CARMENES / #CalarAlto 🟢
- #MERCATOR / #LaPalma 🟢
- #HARPS-N / #LaPalma 🟢
- #ESPRESSO / #ESO Paranal 🟢
- #EXPRES / #Lowell 🟢
- #NEID / #KittPeak 🟠
- #MINERVA / #FWLO 🟢
- #HIRES / #MaunaKea 🟢
- #MAROON-X / #MaunaKea 🔴
- #SPIRou / #CFHT 🟢
- #PARAS / #MountAbu 🟢

#AstronomerLife #Astronomy #exoplanet