pbsthisdayinhistory:November 8, 1895: German Scientist Discovers X-Rays
On this day in 1895, German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Rontgen became the first person to observe X-rays. The discovery occurred accidentally in Rontgen’s lab, where he was testing whether cathode rays could pass through glass. Rontgen noticed a glow coming from a nearby chemically coated screen, and he termed the rays causing the glow “X-rays” due to their unknown nature.
Scientists quickly realized the benefits of X-rays, but later also comprehended the harmful effects of radiation. Today, X-ray technology is used in a variety of fields, most notably medicine, material analysis and security devices.
Take NOVA’s interactive tour of the electromagnetic spectrum to learn more about X-rays, microwaves, gamma rays and more.
