From Powells.com
Entwining his personal reminiscences as a backyard stargazer with those
of fellow enthusiasts, Timothy Ferris introduces readers to the wonders
of amateur astronomy. "Amateur" appears as a misnomer when Ferris
examines the advances in astronomy that some backyard stargazers have
been responsible for. David Levy, Lubos Kohoutek, and Thomas Bopp all
have comets bearing their names as reward for their efforts, and Ferris
relates some wonderful stories of the enthusiasm and awe that lead to
discoveries of stars and galaxies. When Yuji Hyakutake discovered a comet
that went on to become a spectacular naked eye comet, his humble response
was, "I'm a bit perplexed by all the attention paid to me, when it
is the comet that deserves the credit." Fittingly, someone who knows
of what he speaks is former amateur turned professional astronomer George
Ellery Hale, who defined an amateur as "one who works because he
cannot help it." Remarkable for the international community it has
spawned and the democracy it embodies, the story of amateur astronomy
is fascinating. And, as Ferris lovingly details, so is the cosmos itself
from our giant neighbors, planets like Jupiter and Saturn, to the
superclusters spanning hundreds of light-years in diameter, to the quasars
whose light is older than the Earth itself. Seeing in the Dark
will encourage you to turn off the lights and open your eyes. Georgie, Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
In andlt;Iandgt;Seeing in the Darkandlt;/Iandgt;, a poetic love letter to science and to the skies, Timothy Ferris invites us all to become stargazers. He recounts his own experiences as an enthralled lifelong amateur astronomer and reports from around the globe -- from England and Italy to the Florida Keys and the Chilean Andes -- on the revolution that's putting millions in touch with the night sky. In addition, Ferris offers an authoritative and engaging report on what's out there to be seen -- what Saturn, the Ring nebula, the Silver Coin galaxy, and the Virgo supercluster really are and how to find them. The appendix includes star charts, observing lists, and a guide on how to get involved in astronomy. andlt;BRandgt; Ferris takes us inside a major revolution sweeping astronomy, as lone amateur astronomers, in global networks linked by the Internet, make important discoveries that are the envy of the professionals. His ability to describe the wonders of the universe is simply magical, and his enthusiasm for his subject is irresistible.
Review
"Do you think about the stars when the sun is out? If so, you'll find your head in the heavens when your eyes are in this book. And because Timothy Ferris writes knowledgeably and beautifully, Seeing in the Dark is also for anyone else who's the least curious about what we see when we look up at the night sky....As always, he brings the cosmic down to earth." Jim Bencivenga, The Christian Science Monitor (read the entire CSM review)
Review
"Lyrical and engrossing..." Library Journal
Review
"Ferris...takes stock of what we know today about the cosmos and writes excitedly about the discoveries yet to come. With a glossary of terms and a guide for examining the sky, this book should turn many novices on to astronomy and captivate those already fascinated by the heavens." Publishers Weekly
Review
"[E]ssential reading for kindred spirits and all would-be astronomers....Throughout, Ferris interweaves the latest scientific information and speculation in a way that further whets readers' appetites....Mysteries, menaces, and thrills for the skyward eye." Kirkus Reviews
Review
"A word tour of planets and constellations closes out Ferris' companionable testimonial cum guide, which has the power to convert a casual browser into an active observer." Gilbert Taylor, Booklist
Synopsis
America's finest science writer describes a major revolution sweeping astronomy, as amateur astronomers, in global networks linked by the Internet, make discoveries that are changing the knowledge of the universe. Illustrations.
Synopsis
Includes bibliographical references (p. 323-340) and index.
Table of Contents
Contents
Preface I:
THE SHORE
From the Observatory Log:
A Primate at Dusk
1. Beginnings
2. Spaceflight
3. The Ozone
Standing Watch:
A Visit with Mr. White Man
4. Amateurs
How Much Can You See?
A Visit with Stephen James O'Meara
5. Professionals
Picturing the Universe:
A Visit with Jack Newton
6. Rocky Hill
Farsighted:
A Visit with Barbara Wilson
II:
BLUE WATER
7. The Realm of the Sun
Rock Music of the Spheres:
A Talk with Brian May
8. The Morning and Evening Star
Founding Father:
A Visit with Patrick Moore
9. Moon Dance
The Telescope and the Tomb:
A Visit with Percival Lowell
10. Mars
Light at the Edge of Darkness:
A Visit with James Turrell
11. Stones from the Sky
Comet Trails:
A Visit with David Levy
12. Vermin of the Skies
The Camera's Eye:
A Visit with Don Parker
13. Jupiter
Storms on Saturn:
A Visit with Stuart Wilber
14. The Outer Giants
From the Observatory Log:
Chimes at Midnight
III:
THE DEPTHS
15. The Night Sky
Digital Universe:
A Virtual Visit to a Robotic Telescope
16. The Milky Way
Blues Line:
A Visit with John Henry's Ghost
17. Galaxies
Big Science:
A Visit with Edgar O. Smith
18. The Dark Ages
From the Observatory Log:
Minerva at Dawn
APPENDIXES
A. Observing Techniques
B. Notable Periodic Meteor Showers
C. Representative Bright Stars
D. Messier Objects by Season
E. Planets and Their Satellites
F. Further Reading
G. Star Maps
Notes
Glossary
Index