Explorers of the Southern Sky
Explorers of the Southern Sky
Roslynn D. Haynes, University of New South Wales, Sydney
David Malin, Anglo-Australian Observatory, Epping, Australia
Richard McGee, Radiophysics Laboratory, CSIRO, Epping, Australia
$72.99
USDThis well-illustrated volume is the most comprehensive account of Australian astronomy to date. It is both an indispensable reference book on the history of astronomy in Australia, and a highly readable study of a scientific discipline in the context of emerging nationhood. It covers not only the science, but the individuals involved and the social and economic climate in which they worked. Starting from the ancient Aboriginal beliefs about the Sky World - the earliest known astronomy, anywhere in the world - we are led through to the most exciting high-tech current and projected research being carried out at Australia's world-class national astronomy facilities, and by groups in Australian universities. All branches of astronomy are covered - optical, infrared, X-ray, gamma-ray, microwave, gravitational wave and theoretical - including the contribution of amateur astronomers. The non-technical language, many illustrations, and explanatory figures, ensure that this guide will appeal to a wide range of readers - including professional astronomers, historians of science, students, amateur astronomers and general readers.
- Comprehensive study of Australian astronomy
- Provides comprehensive discussion of Aboriginal astronomy
- Covers not only the science, but the individuals involved and the social and economic climate in which they worked
Reviews & endorsements
"Highly readable, thorough, well referenced and beautifully illustrated Explorers of the Southern Sky: a History of Australian Astronomy is a tome worth having." New Scientist
"The poignant illustrations, explanatary figures, and photographs of people not only document the course of events, but provide an excellent human perspective to this outstanding work." Science Books and Films
"A well written and thorough work." Choice
"...the book will interest a large cross section of people-students, astronomers, historians, and general readers." Isis
"...the clarity of presentation is admirable and the stories move along briskly, covering a wide range. Altogether, a great book." American Scientist
Product details
August 2010Paperback
9780521144919
542 pages
244 × 170 × 28 mm
0.85kg
Available
Table of Contents
- Preface
- Acknowledgements
- 1. Dreaming the stars
- 2. Sailing south for a new sky
- 3. Astronomy in Sydney town
- 4. The struggle for independence
- 5. A bid for fame
- 6. For love of the subject
- 7. Astronomy on a national basis
- 8. From swords to ploughshares
- 9. Radio astronomy and the big telescopes
- 10. Entrepreneurs in astronomy
- 11. The advantage of latitude
- 12. The high-energy frontier
- 13. Diversity through innovation
- 14. Optical astronomy goes high tech
- 15. A telescope as wide as a continent
- Glossary of abbreviations
- Glossary of scientific and technical words
- Bibliography
- Index of names and dates
- Subject index.
