New Delhi, May 19: Severe heat and heatwaves continue to plague most parts of the country. Temperatures are rising steadily in several states, prompting the Indian government to issue ongoing advisories. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the temperature in New Delhi today reached 42 degrees Celsius.
Interestingly, this scorching day also marks a significant historical event. On May 19, 1743, French scientist Jean-Pierre Christin developed the Celsius temperature scale, which we still use today.
The scale was first introduced by Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius in 1742. Initially, he set the boiling point of water at 0 degrees Celsius and the freezing point at 100 degrees Celsius, but this was later reversed. Under standard atmospheric pressure, the melting point of pure ice is now defined as 0 degrees Celsius, while the boiling point of pure water is set at 100 degrees Celsius.
The term ‘Celsius’ means divided into 100 parts. This name was given due to the 100-degree difference between the freezing and boiling points of water. In 1948, it was officially named ‘Celsius.’
According to scientists, the simplicity and accuracy of the Celsius scale have made it the most popular temperature scale worldwide. As the country grapples with heatwaves, this temperature scale becomes even more relevant. The Meteorological Department, Ministry of Health, and AYUSH Ministry all utilize the Celsius scale to alert the public. This scale is widely used not only in weather reporting but also in science, industry, medicine, food safety, and engineering.
Key applications of the Celsius scale include weather forecasting and heatwave warnings, control of industrial processes, cooking and food safety, scientific experiments and research, as well as engineering design.
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