International Journal of Astronomy, Space Sciences and  Cosmology

International Journal of Astronomy, Space Sciences and Cosmology publishes original contributions and invited reviews covering the entire range of astronomy, astrophysics, astrophysical cosmology, planetary and space science and the astrophysical aspects of astrobiology. This includes both observational and theoretical research, the techniques of astronomical instrumentation and data analysis and astronomical space instrumentation. We particularly welcome papers in the general fields of high-energy astrophysics, astrophysical and astrochemical studies of the interstellar medium including star formation, planetary astrophysics, the formation and evolution of galaxies and the evolution of large scale structure in the Universe. Papers in mathematical physics or in general relativity which do not establish clear astrophysical applications will no longer be considered. The journal also publishes topically selected special issues in research fields of particular scientific interest. These consist of both invited reviews and original research papers. All papers published in the journal are subject to thorough and strict peer-reviewing.

Sir William Crookes, undoubtedly, was a scientist and an inventor who has contributed immensely to the continuous progress of humankind via science and engineering. These achievements vary from photography (he was a pioneer in this area as well) to agriculture; and no need to mention his achievements in chemistry and physics, which must be already well-known. A summarized list of some of these achievements is shown in the next paragraph. Crookes was a visionary and a promoter of science. In fact, Crookes started the process of “popularization” of science, making knowledge more accessible to the general public, especially in the Victorian society. Within, this context, he was also a pioneer regarding the creation of scientific journals. The list of his achievements in science, for instance, is long and there are already good references in the literature which present and discuss in detail about these achievements.[1-3] Within this context, there are two contributions that Crookes has made to cosmology which seem to be forgotten or not fully recognized. One is regarding his indirect contribution to the discovery of electrons; and the other one is regarding his discovery of radiant matter (or as it is now known as plasma) (Figure 1).[4,5]
List of some of the main scientific achievements of Sir William Crookes:
 Discovery of the selenocyanides;
 Discovery of thallium (a new element in the periodic table);
 Discovery of lines of molecular pressure;
 Discovery of radiant matter;
 Inventing of the radiant matter spectroscopy;
 Discovery of new elements in gadolinite;
 Fixation of atmospheric nitrogen;
 Investigation of some possibilities of electricity (i.e., wireless telegraphy);
 Creation of the Crookes Tube (pioneering vacuum tubes); 
 Description of the spectrum of terrestrial helium;
 Creation of the spinthariscope;
 Creation of the Crookes radiometer;
 Creation of eye-preserving glass for spectacles.

The Contributions of Sir William Crookes to Cosmology

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