Oppervlakte van de zon Possibly 1885 - 1887

This image, ‘Oppervlakte van de zon,’ or 'Surface of the Sun,' was made in 1885 by Jules Cesar Janssen. The photograph offers us a glimpse into the scientific endeavors of the late 19th century, and it was produced at the Observatoire de Meudon. Janssen was a pioneer in astronomical photography, using the medium to capture solar phenomena with unprecedented detail. This was a time when photography was still a relatively new technology, and its application to scientific research opened up exciting possibilities. The image itself is not just a representation of the sun's surface but also a product of a specific institutional context. The Observatoire de Meudon, like other observatories of the time, played a crucial role in advancing scientific knowledge and shaping public understanding of the natural world. Understanding this image requires us to consider the social and intellectual milieu in which it was created. By consulting archival materials, scientific publications, and other historical sources, we can gain a deeper appreciation.