Fact Checking this Story
Let’s examine the facts and clarify the historical events surrounding Thomas Jefferson’s views on meteorites.
Jefferson’s Skepticism and the Weston Meteorite
Thomas Jefferson was indeed skeptical about the phenomenon of meteorites, but the often-quoted statement attributed to him is likely apocryphal. In reality, Jefferson expressed his skepticism more diplomatically in a letter written in 1808 regarding the Weston meteorite fall of 1807[1][4].
Jefferson wrote: “A thousand phenomena present themselves daily which we cannot explain, but where facts are suggested, bearing no analogy with the laws of nature as yet known to us, their verity needs proofs proportioned to their difficulty“[1]. This statement reflects his scientific skepticism rather than outright dismissal.
The Weston Meteorite Event
The event that challenged Jefferson’s skepticism was not in France, but in Connecticut. On December 14, 1807, a meteorite fell near Weston, Connecticut[2][3]. This event was witnessed by many people, including Judge Nathan Wheeler, who saw a fireball in the sky followed by loud explosions[2].
Scientific Investigation
Two Yale professors, Benjamin Silliman and James Kingsley, investigated the Weston meteorite fall. They collected samples and eyewitness accounts, publishing their findings in 1808[3]. Their work was crucial in providing scientific evidence for the reality of meteorites.
Jefferson’s Response
Contrary to the query’s suggestion, there is no reliable record of Jefferson admitting he was wrong or “eating his words.” However, the Weston meteorite fall and subsequent scientific investigations likely contributed to the growing acceptance of meteorites as a real phenomenon.
Age and Historical Context
Jefferson was 64 years old in 1807 when the Weston meteorite fell. The scientific community’s acceptance of meteorites as extraterrestrial objects was a gradual process throughout the early 19th century, rather than a sudden decision[6].
L’Aigle Meteorite Fall
The query incorrectly places the L’Aigle meteorite fall in 1803. In fact, this event occurred on April 26, 1803, in L’Aigle, France[6]. While it was indeed significant in the history of meteoritics, it was not directly connected to Jefferson’s skepticism about the Weston fall.
Conclusion
The story of Jefferson and meteorites is indeed a fascinating tale which borrows some real facts from the early days of American science. It illustrates the importance of scientific skepticism and the need for extraordinary evidence to support extraordinary claims. However, it’s crucial to separate fact from fiction and avoid embellishing historical events for dramatic effect.
Read More
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extraordinary_claims_require_extraordinary_evidence
[2] https://www.ctinsider.com/connecticutmagazine/news-people/article/In-December-1807-a-meteorite-fell-from-the-sky-17045729.php
[3] https://meteorites.asu.edu/meteorites/weston
[4] http://www.booksandculture.com/articles/2000/mayjun/14.44.html
[5] https://meteoritegallery.com/weston-h4/
[6] https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/planetary-sciences/meteorites/EEDDAD4106FFFC2025E8317327A5271F
[7] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/meteorites
[8] https://hk-now.com/the-famous-connecticut-meteorite-strike-of-december-1807/
