We can learn a lot by noticing rare events.
This is especially true in physics and astronomy. Examples include the following.
- Solar Eclipses
- Lunar Eclipses
- Planetary Conjunctions
- Supernovas
- Rare particle interactions
Eclipses and conjunctions eventually improved our understanding of gravity, from Kepler’s Laws to Einstein’s general theory of relativity. Supernovas provided insights into the life cycle of stars.
Victor Hess won a Nobel Prize in 1912 for learning about cosmic rays using experiments with manned balloons. The history of particle physics is filled with many other examples that led to the development of the Standard Model.
A physics theory must explain common and rare events to stand the test of time.
Rare events are also significant in our personal lives.
Most of us don’t get married every other day. For me, even attending a marriage is a somewhat rare event! Thankfully, I also don’t go to many funerals. Still, we can learn a lot about ourselves when we experience extreme emotions.
It’s worth paying attention to and reflecting on rare events.
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