1888 Ernst Mach – Brass Bullet

Ernst Mach’s 1887 photograph of a supersonic bullet confirmed physics theories and pioneered high-speed photography.

The photograph of a brass bullet slicing through the air, captured by Ernst Mach in 1887, significantly advanced the capabilities of photographic technology. This image, one of the earliest to freeze motion at speeds invisible to the naked eye, transcended traditional photography, turning it into a potent analytical tool in scientific research. Mach's use of spark photography illuminated his subject for mere microseconds, revealing shock waves and the sound barrier in unprecedented clarity. These visual revelations confirmed theoretical physics predictions, showcasing photography's capacity to extend human perception through technology.

Mach's pioneering techniques laid the groundwork for modern high-speed photography, influencing the development of electronic flash and digital imaging technologies. The impact of his work resonated across various fields, highlighting the dynamic interplay between art and science. His photograph not only provided concrete evidence of rapid phenomena but also demonstrated photography's role as a crucial scientific instrument, capturing the invisible and inspiring countless innovations.

Credit: Ernst Mach, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Author: Ernst Mach (1838–1916)
Title: Unknown
Date: 1888
Archive: Unknown
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Original file: 1,884 x 1,884 pixels, file size: 1.75 MB, MIME type: image/jpeg
Description: Scan from book (now lost)
Available information: This photo was taken by physicist Ernst Mach in 1888 in Prague, using Shadowgraph Photography on a 5 mm-diameter negative. It depicts the waves around a supersonic brass bullet.