Other Scientific and Technical Work
Father Secchi was active in oceanography, meteorology, and physics, as well as astronomy.
He invented the Secchi disk, which is used to measure water transparency in oceans and lakes.
He studied the climate of Rome and invented a "Meteorograph" for the convenient recording of several categories of weather data. He also studied the aurora borealis and the effects of lightning, and investigated the cause of hail.
He organized the systematic monitoring of the Earth's magnetic field, and in 1858 established a Magnetic Observatory in Rome.
Fr. Secchi also performed related technical works for the Papal government, such as overseeing placement of sundials and repair or installation of municipal water systems.
In 1854-1855, he supervised an exact survey of the Via Appia in Rome. This survey was later used in the topographic mapping of Italy.
He supervised construction of lighthouses for the ports of the Papal States. In 1858, he traveled to France and Germany to procure the necessary projection lenses.
Read more about this topic: Angelo Secchi
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