Product Description
Backyard Astronomer's Guide, 2nd Edition. With more than 500 color photographs and illustrations, The Backyard Astronomer's Guide is one of the most beautiful -- and user-friendly -- astronomy books ever produced. By Terence Dickinson and Alan Dyer. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (50)

Incredibly helpful
I can't overstate how useful this book is. It covers naked-eye stargazing, binoculars, the history of amateur astronomy, telescope designs,eyepieces, accessories, setting up your new scope, the sun, moon, planets, stars, deep-sky objects, astrophotography, and just about anything else an amateur astronomer might want to know about. The reviews of telescope and eyepiece brands and models are particularly useful. I love browsing through telescope catalogs, but I also want expert advice on what brands and models are worth seeking out and which to avoid. This book delivers. The full color photographs throughout are a nice touch. The heavy paper and solid binding ensure that the book will last forever, which is good, because you'll be using it a lot.

I wish _every_ hobby had an intro book this useful.

Excellent book
If you are considering buying only one book on amateur astronomy this should be it.It covers the basics of observing, available equipment with recommendations, and much more while presenting it in an easy to read and understandable format.Dickinson and Dyer should be commended for putting together this book which must have been a monumental effort.It is truly one of the premier books ever written on this topic.It definately belongs in the hands of every backyard astronomer.

The amateur Astronomer's BIBLE!!!!!!!
Search no longer, everything you need to know is right here in this book.

1. Different types of scopes
2. Must have accessories.
3. Waste of time accessories
4. Recommended scopes.
5. ect, ect, ect.

It's the book that keeps on giving! Yes I also own Dickinson's "Nightwatch" and like another reviewer said, there's some repetition , which made me skeptical about buying this book, but if you already have "Nightwatch", this book goes into waaaaaaaay more depth. this is definately a must have for people who haven't purchased a scope yet and are trying to make a decision. I know how hard that decision is when you know very little about telscopes and accessories and every review you see is praising every telescope you look at. Where do you start? You start here.

Good book for amateur astronomers
I highly recommend this book to the serious amateur astronomer wanting to get the most from the night sky.

Probably The Best Single Reference For Stargazers
In one volume, Dickinson and Dyer have managed to cover about 95% of what amateur astronomers want to know to get a solid start in this fascinating hobby. From naked-eye observing to binocular astronomy, through sophisticated telescopes and astrophotography, this book provides solid info in an easy-reading, photo-filled format that will be a good companion on those cloudy nights when you're restricted to armchair astronomy. Especially helpful to me were the extensive tips on how to comfortably observe using lawnchairs and tripod-mounted binoculars. Your neck will thank you, too.

Enthisiastically recommended. ... Read more

Book Description
If every effect in science has a cause, what caused the birth of the Universe? Have scientists brought themselves face to face with the possibility of God? In God and the Astronomers, Dr. Robert Jastrow, world-renowned astrophysicist, describes the astronomical discoveries of recent years and the theological implications of the new insights afforded by science into mankind's place in the cosmos. He explains the chain of events that forced astronomers, despite their initial reluctance ("Irritating," said Einstein; "Repugnant," said the great British astronomer Eddington; "I would like to reject it," said MIT physicist Philip Morrison) to accept the validity of the Big Bang and the fact that the universe began in a moment of creation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

The Big Bang for non-physicists
If you are looking for an enjoyable, accessible introduction to the science behind the Big Bang theory, then this book is for you.Non-specialists need not fear being put to sleep by complex mathematical formulae and arcane terminology.Dr. Jastrow lays out the basic evidence for the theory in a non-technical way and explains why it gained acceptance over the competition.Along the way he provides interesting glimpses of the important figures in the history of the theory.

On the negative side, there isn't a great deal of discussion of the relation of Big Bang cosmology to theism until the end of the book.Appropriately, it includes afterwords by a Catholic scientist and a Jewish professor of religion presenting their take on the implications of the theory for theology, but they hardly represent the broad spectrum of opinion on the subject.On the positive side, the sparse theological discussion makes this great primer for anyone who wants to know about the Big Bang even if they don't care about theology.

The Big Bang and Intelligent Design
"Irritating," said Einstein; "Repugnant," said the great British astronomer Eddington; "I would like to reject it," said MIT physicist Philip Morrison (On the Big Bang, and that the universe began in a moment of creation)


God and the Astronomers:
In his informing updated book, Dr. Robert Jastrow, a world class astrophysicist, renders a lucid account of the astronomical discoveries in recent years. This book focuses primarily on the Big Bang, how scientists discovered the evidence for it, and how they, reluctantly, gave up alternative theories. Jastrow focuses on several points where the two disciplines of science and religion converge, but a cyclic feedback is kept alive. He, meanwhile, discusses the various theological implications of the new scientific insights. He examines what the philosophical and theological implications might be. He ventures through this without risking any serious consequences, for mankind's place in the cosmos, arguing that; just because the Big Bang took place does not mean that God and evolution cannot coexist.
Originally published in 1978, this second edition includes an appendix presentation by Catholic and Jewish theologians.
He concludes his book with this often quoted statement: "He has scaled the mountains of ignorance; he is about to conquer the highest peak; as he pulls himself over the final rock, he is greeted by a band of theologians who have been sitting there for centuries."

New Edition Reviews:
"Robert Jastrow, a world renown astrophysicist and agnostic, takes an honest and inquisitive look at the theological implications of recent astronomical discoveries. Every effect in science has a cause, so what caused the Big Bang and the birth of the universe?" [...]

"Dr. Jastrow explains the chain of events that forced astronomers, despite their initial reluctance to accept the validity of the Big Bang and the fact that the universe began in a moment of creation." (SCIENCE/ASTRONOMY)

Author & Astrophysicist :
Dr. Robert Jastrow, is the director of Mount Wilson Observatory and was founder and director for twenty years of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies. He authored books which explore the universe; Red Giants & White Dwarfs, and Until the Sun Dies.

It is not what the title reads
I expected arguments, analysis and reasoning between the vision of God from the religious point of view constrasted with the vision of God from scientists.

Instead of this, I found the biographies of Einstein, Hubble, and other scientists. And the main subject, the reason of the book is found in the last chapter. If you want to read the book in a flash, just read last parragraph on page 138. That's it.
Deceiving.

Well written
Read this book if you have an interest in Astronomy or how astronomy relates to God. Jastrow presents a plausible view for how the universe began. What makes this book special is Jastrow's views on God and on the universe.

Robert Jastrow is certainly not a Christan, and never proclaims to be. The God Jastrow argues for is very secular and can accomadate many religions. And perhaps that is the what makes his views special.

Much of what Jastrow says about the universe and how it had to have a beginning and a creator is very revealing. Jastrow has some famous quotes in this book that you may have read elsewhere. For this purporse alone the book is worth reading. One of the more famous views comes from his story of a philsopher trying to prove that God does not exist. The philsopher for years has come up against this unbearable mountain called God and just when it appears they are read to scale the mountain and proclaim victory, another mountain twice the orignal's size pops up. Jastrow argues that this second mountain is unaviodable and unclimbable. Because this is unacceptable for some, many chose ot ignore it or dismiss it. However, despite their efforts the mountain is still there and as Jastow points out, the mountian is there for good. Calling this mountain the Big Bang does not solve anything, rather it avoids the issue altogether.

Very well written. If you have not read books on astronomy do not worry. Nothing to complicated here, so you can dive right in.

Created Universe
With this excellent book, Robert Jastrow has written a good, easily understood overview of the Argument for Design from the perspective of cosmology. He first presents the reasons why there is a consensus among scientist for the Big Bang theory and an expanding universe (particularly convincing is Penzias/Wilson's radiation from the cosmic fireball). The universe is not only expanding, it is doing so at a controlled rate that allows for intelligent life (a bit faster start would have lead to rapid expansion, slower leading to an early collapse). He then leads the reader to the obvious questions raised by the new cosmology; who did it and why. Why did the Universe begin in an explosion? Did the Universe exist before that moment? Why does the Universe seem designed for life and for man? A nice extra is the final chapter by Steven Katz; Judaism, God and the Astronomers. He argues that Judaism permits freedom of ideas, and that interpretation of Biblical texts is a long tradition. He quotes Maimonides, saying that the writers of Genesis used metaphors, "in order that the uneducated may comprehend it according to the measure of their facilities and the feebleness of their comprehension; while the educated take it in a different (i.e., allegorical or nonliteral) sense." Other nice extras include the many historical photos as well as an index. ... Read more

Book Description
The essential guide that shows you how to get the most from your observations.

For thousands of years, observers have gazed up at the night sky and wondered at the celestial bodies that occupy the vastness of space. If you have ever wanted to learn more about such phenomena, or just how to locate the major constellations and the planets, this practical and accessible guide will provide all the information you need. Covering comets, aurorae, asteroids, and nebulae as well as the moon, stars, and planets, New Astronomer is fully illustrated with drawings and photographs. Detailed sky charts help you to navigate around the heavens and locate the major constellations, stellar objects, and the planets. For each of the planets, there is a specially prepared map to help you pinpoint the exact location of each one up to the year 2010. A planisphere is included that shows the entire sky above your head for any time of night, and for any time of the year. New Astronomer offers comprehensively detailed yet straightforward advice on choosing and using the very latest equipment, including binoculars, telescopes, and accessories. It also show you how to take photographs of celestial objects using an ordinary camera linked to your astronomical equipment. For the real enthusiast, this book features state-of-the-art technology, such as computer-linked digital imaging. Whether you are already an experienced astronomer, or just starting out, this essential guide contains all you need to know for successful skywatching. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Up, up and away!
Carole Stott's 'New Astronomer: The Practical Guide to the Skills and Techniques of Skywatching' is a wonderful and useful guide for actually getting into the experience of astronomy. Astronomy is one of the most egalitarian of sciences; true, the mathematical constructs of theoretical cosmology and particle physics etc. are beyond the ability of most to perform (who has the education, or the cyclotrons, to do such?). But each of us can walk into the back yard (or, if in a city, drive out to the countryside) and stand in awe and wonder at the sky above, and then begin our own searches, for comets, meteors, and other phenomena.

Astronomy remains one of the few sciences left where the average person with average ability can still make a wondrous contribution. Astronomy in fact depends upon the amateur ranks scouring the skies, for there aren't enough professionals and hours of darkness for it to be held in professional exclusivity.

This book can help get you started. It is a good, basic primer of what to do as a backyard astronomer and develop some respectable skills at it. But this book isn't only for beginners-I use this book as a reference for techniques and equipment, and as a guide for observation.

The first part of the book covers basic ideas about the sky, and how and what to observe, introducing the idea of star movement and sky maps, so that coordinates make sense.

Then it gets into the nitty-gritty (just 20 picture-filled pages into the book) of what you need to begin. From compass and planisphere (included with the book) to dressing appropriately for comfort and making a make-shift, star-viewing-friendly torch (flashlight), this book covers the bases. It introduces how the observational distances are discussed (finger width, hand width, angles, etc.), and gives the merits and proper of use of binoculars, telescopes, photographic equipment, and digital/computerised equipment.

Then, you're off!

Finding and viewing the planets are the first task.Scale and distance are discussed, as are motion and location. There is a handy chart for each planet that shows position relative to a starry backdrop for dates through to the year 2010. Relatively closer planets, such as Mercury, can be difficult to discern due to the sun's overpowering brilliance (the discussion of transit of Mercury and Venus is interesting). Discussion of phases (for Venus especially), satellites and moons, rings and colours all adds to the observational experience.

Next up-the Moon. Our closest neighbour in space, it is fascinating to experience anew by close observation with even low-powered binoculars. Here you will find out why the full moon is not the best time to view (contrary to what one might thing), and become acquainted with the various features of the moon, and which features are best observed during which phase of the moon. Lunar eclipses are explained. Of course, we never see from the earth more than one side of the moon, but because of the moon's wobble, we do in fact see periodically about 60% of the moon's surface.

The Sun is then discussed, with careful guidance on how one might safely observe phenomena on the sun. Galileo went blind by looking at the sun through a telescope. Don't make the same mistake! The sun is powerful enough to defeat many filters (sunglasses are insufficient), and it only takes a brief time for permanent damage to be done to the eyes. Don't cut short a promising astronomical interest! Projection techniques are shown, and these are by far the safest ways to observe the sun. You will often see sunspot activity from projections.

Aurorae are also interesting displays. These occur in the most northern and southern latitudes of earth. Charged particles from the sun interact with earth's magnetic field and atmosphere to create dazzling displays. Meteors, comets, and asteroids are also discussed among the solar system phenomena.

The final section deals with the stars, which, even with the most high-powered telescopes, rarely show up as anything other than points of light. However, some `stars' are in fact galaxies, nebulae, and other items of interest, but for the typical home-astronomer, these are too distant to resolve interesting detail. But, the patterns and movements of the stars, the subtle colourations and brightness/size differences make for interesting study. Figuring out the pattern and composition of the Milky Way is fascinating. The final third of the book consists primarily of star maps and charts, for seasons and constellations, as well as what other points of interest have come into view.

Beautiful photography, durable pages (made for outdoor use), easy-to-follow guidelines will all serve to make your observational experiences very rich indeed. Stott was a professional astronomer at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich (from which our time zone basis derives-Greenwich Mean Time is centred on the observatory); she is now a full-time science writer.

I look forward to her continuing work.

An excellent read.
This beginners book for amateurs has information in it you simply won't find in most other astronomy books (ie: a complete list of all the constellations). A great reference volume and a fine addition to most libraries. Don't miss.

An excellent astronomy beginners book
This book is fantastic for those who either just bought their first telescope or just want to learn more about the stars by looking through binoculars. I am 37 years old and it did not seem too elementary for me. This book will gently guide you through the heavens in a way that doesn't insult your intelligence. It shows you in a simple way how to find planets and teaches you how to read star charts, all while giving you a basic education in astronomy. Great book! ... Read more

Book Description

Most amateur astronomers yearn to observe more frequently. Many of them, however, live in urban and highly developed suburban areas that are heavily light polluted. Due to this light pollution, they are under the impression that deep sky objectsnebulae, galaxies, star clustersare either invisible or not worth viewing from home. This book describes the many objects that can be seen in a bright urban sky, and shows the city or suburban astronomer how to observe object after object, season after season.

Customer Reviews (6)

Informative & the Author's enthusiasm is inspiring
I live in the burbs and have a scope; I find that I only use it once or twice a year because I thought I had to take it out to the "country" for real dark skies. This book helped me break that cycle by explaining the approach & techniques for observing in the "imperfect" conditions in my own back yard.

A must have for city dewelers who are into astronomy
If you live in a city and have a telescope that you want to use in the city, then you must get this book.It has tons of suggestions on things you can do to make city observing better.If you haven't yet bought a telescope, and live in the city, you should read this book before buying one, as it has tips on the best telescopes for use in a city.

Great Book for City Dwelling Amatuer Astronomers!
Living in the South Florida Peninsula, you get used to light pollution.In 2005, I purchased my first "real" telescope and soon learned how badly light polluted South Florida really is.Although a trip to a dark sky site is only 60 miles away, I live in the suburbs outside of Miami and wanted to take advantage of my decent sized back yard.My sky's limiting magnitude is around 4, the sky towards the north is a grayish white haze where only Polaris is visible and the big dipper if high enough in the sky.The rest of the sky is a little better but after 2 years of limited success in searching for DSOs, I decided to look for help.
The Urban Astronomer's Guide may be the help I require.The book is well written and easy to follow.This book was written where beginners as well as intermediate amateur astronomers would find it interesting.
Part I of the book entitled: Telescopes and Techniques covers everything from the why one would want to observe from the city to the writers experience with types of telescopes and needed techniques to beat the light pollution blues.Mr. Mollise explains the advantages in large and short focal length telescopes and which objects benefit from either type.The author discusses in great detail the differences between the different types of Light-Pollution Reduction Filters, eyepieces, finders, computer software, print atlases, etc.
The book discuses techniques which experienced amateurs may be familiar with but beginners and intermediates may have heard have but not understand completely.Things like the use of averted vision, "jiggling" the telescope to tease out details in faint objects.Dark Adaptation is discussed and it's importance, all invaluable lessons that every amateur astronomer should learn.
Part II of the book entitled: A Walking Tour of the Cosmos is what makes this book a keeper.This section of the book goes over examples of objects that are perfect for city observation.The four chapters as you might imagine are broken up by season, Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter.Each season gives 4 lists of objects that the Author feels are viewable for the given season and time.An example of such a tour is Spring's Tour 1.Objects included in this tour are M94, M51, M106, M63, M81, M82, M101, M97, M3 and the Double Star Cor Caroli.

Each object is discussed in detail with the author's notes from his personal journal.Mr. Mollise discusses the use of filters that can enhance a particular object, magnification that should be used to view certain objects, and what you should expect to see at the eyepiece.The author also includes his personal illustrations of objects he's included in his journals, which gives you a good idea of what you should be able to see in the eyepiece.The illustrations are very good and to me are much more useful than the Hubble type images commonly seen in astronomy books.
The only thing I found a little odd about this book would be the inclusion of such difficult to see objects as M1 and M51.The author even writes: "Sadly, I have to admit that in the city it (M51) is something of a dud." He also writes: "you have to be satisfied just to say you've seen it (M1)."These are just two of several objects the author himself confesses are extremely challenging, if not impossible to view from a light-polluted location.Why not focus on objects that are less challenging?Maybe have one object at the end of each tour that might be a challenge.
This is not to say the book does not reward the reader with some surprisingly easy to see objects.I was recently treated to a "hidden treasure" in the open cluster M46.As it turns out there is a small planetary nebulae (NGC2438) within this semi-impressive cluster that makes M46 a showpiece object in my opinion.If not for this book, I may not have spent much more than 10 minutes viewing M46.I now find myself going back to it time after time just as I do with M42 and M45.
Overall the book is a good read.This book in written for beginner's with some experience and can be useful to intermediate amateurs who might not be getting the most from their telescopes due to light pollution issues within the Urban setting.Part II in particular I've found invaluable and it will definitely keep me coming back for more.

Indispenisble definitive guide for citybound deep-sky enthusiasts!
This is a work that has been long overdue. A book on urban astronomy that focuses soley on deep-sky objects, and practical recommendations for how to view them, equipment and techniques. A most comprehensive list, more than any other book of its kind. But by no means the only things that can be seen, there are more than in this book (as I have discovered). But by showing what you can see, you can try for more.

Another quality book from Rod
Rod writes with an authority about many subjects at hand, but his style is very approachable and appreciated by us amateurs. His subject matter is applicable to my Miami (Florida) skies and I am proud to display this book among the many astronomy books that I own.

Adam Stuart
Miami, Florida ... Read more

Book Description
Presenting the most relevant statistical and probabilistic technology in observational astronomy, this practical handbook covers classical parametric and non-parametric methods. There is also, however, a strong emphasis on Bayesian solutions and the importance of probability in experimental inference. The book contains many solved examples, and includes over fifty problems, with solutions available on the web via http://books.cambridge.org/0521454166.htm. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Truly practical for astronomers
I'm a professional astronomer (remaining anonymous out of shame for my lack of statistical knowledge).I have found this book immensely useful in my data analysis and very straightforward.It is geared toward astronomical research, so is likely not as useful or illuminating for those unfamiliar with our data analysis.The explanations are straightforward and written in a pleasant tone (e.g., the reassuring "That's it." concluding the algorithm for bootstrapping).

If you are involved in professional astronomical research, this is truly practical statistics for you.If you are just casually interested in astronomy or are in another discipline and just want to learn statistics, I'd suggest passing this book by.

Not happening
This book appears to be written for people who already completely understand statistics, in which case they probably don't need this book. I'm someone with a undergrad-level understanding of statistics and astronomy and this book does little to further my understanding of either. I wish the authors had taken more care in explaining the subject matter and notation. I didn't expect this to be an introductory statistics book, but IMHO the word "practical" should not be in the title. Unless you have an advanced understanding of statistics, this book is not helpful. ... Read more

Book Description

Nebulae are the places where the stars are born. For amateur astronomers, the many different kinds of nebulae vary from "easy" targets that can be seen with modest equipment under mediocre skies, to more obscure "challenging" objects that require experienced observers, more powerful telescopes and excellent observation conditions.

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent book
It is excellent writting, comprehensive, analytical and all subjects well presented and in the appropriate order.

A Good Guide
Having spent many years at the eyepiece of a telescope and having used more than a few observing guides it is nice to find one I can recommend.Steve Coe is a longtime visual observer well known in Southern Arizona, and his experience shows in this observing guide.Written in a friendly and approachable style, the guide seems more like conversation from a friend sitting at the next telescope than a formal guidebook.

Steve does not attempt to write a complete guide, more a 'best of' selection that covers not only well know objects, but many lesser know objects that deserve more attention and are worth a visit with your telescope.

I will be including this guide in my kit for use at the telescope, what else can you say.

Andrew ... Read more

Book Description
Heresy: The declaration of opinions contrary to prevailing doctrine; opposition to dogma; unorthodox approach to science; method employed by one's intellectual enemy; individual behaviour often attracting the label "crank". In the course of using essential theories of science in my decades-long attempt to demystify the heavens, I became increasingly frustrated by ideas that just didn't harmonise. If we were uncovering the truth, I reasoned, then the component parts devised by disparate specialists should dovetail neatly together. But they don't. Classical Newtonian mechanics doesn't see eye-to-eye with Einstein's relativity; both are sneered at by quantum mechanics. Theories highly successful in their own right seemed when compared with one another to be describing different universes. I decided that it was scientific methodology that had gone horribly wrong. I was convinced that some of the fundamental hypotheses upon which I based my enquiry were by strict analysis utterly invalid. They did not describe reality. That was a train-smash, both for me and for the progress of science, as I understood it. This book is an account of that crisis. But fear not, this is not a high-tech science report for über-geeks. It's a storybook filled with myth and adventure. It's science unplugged. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

The Virtue of Heresy - What a breath of fresh air
There are times when new scientific and clearly reasoned information is presented to you that is so mind blowing that time seems to stand still.Even as a layman, I found Hilton Ratcliffe's logical reasoning like a breath of fresh air.No more nonsense like we were fed in high school, with a little help from Hollywood and movies such as 'The Time Machine' that you can travel forward in time.He also clearly explains why redshift is light decaying and its wavelength elongating over time, so that redshift is more an indication of time rather than distance. Redshift was used by Big Bang theorists to make us believe that the universe was expanding in all directions from some supposed big bang. This is one book I am not lending to friends but one that I will keep in my bookcase as it is as important to me as the Origin of Species in that it truly opened up my mind.I now rank it as the most important book in my home library.You have to read this book.

The Joy of FightingDogmawith the Truth
Hilton Ratcliffe's is a real joy to read. With his humour and his stories.
but his book is the first science book I have read this year that makes you
think about ideas and not like some of the others written in the past few years that read like a gossip column.
Isay buy his book and enjoy the ride
Greg Murphy

I am no rocket scientist and I found it to be very readable and intellectually stimulating.
Throughout history (particularly in the religious arena) heresies have been punished by immolation, excommunication or at least banishment.Rather extreme when one considers that heresy simply means holding an `opinion contrary to accepted doctrine' (OED) and comes from the Greek meaning `choice'.Theoretical physics and religion may have something in common in that both seem to expect one to believe that which cannot be seen.Expounding their Big Bang, String and Membrane theories using complex mathematics, physicists would appear to stop just short of volunteering: "Well - maybe God did it with a magic wand."
Astrophysicist Hilton Ratcliffe takes us on a journey through the annals of physics examining these theories and how they were formulated.He proceeds to dissect them and offer alternatives in his quest for `Reality Physics'. He says:"Start with what you can see and go forward from there."The Virtue of Heresy is a fascinating read.The intricate discourse of the physicist is elegantly interspersed with some wonderfully descriptive passages, a few personal anecdotes and a conversation or two with the intriguing Mr Haquar.
I am no rocket scientist and I found it to be very readable and intellectually stimulating.

Fair, balanced, understandable, and thought provoking.
For those with inquiring natures that abhor science dictated as dogma, this book is fresh air. Hilton Radcliffe can spin out an easily read and understandable book while still hitting the heavy questions left unanswered by the 20th century's great theories. He doesn't claim to know the answers, but he does remind us that we still have much to explain, and gives us a light to the paths we need to pursue in answering these questions. Any bookshelf that has "A Brief History of Time" would be incomplete without this companion.

THE VIRTUE OF HERESY: Confessions of a dissident astronomer
Hilton is a great storyteller.

Curious minds of all ages will thrill to his telling of a journey through the real universe.

This is science unplugged, without the magical thinking and mathematical models that have mystified our heavens and isolated us from our own exciting universe.

Hilton Ratcliffe's new book, "THE VIRTUE OF HERESY: Confessions of a Dissident Astronomer", will be a delight to those who are seriously interested in the mysteries of our universe -- from the far reaches of space to the inner workings of sub-atomic particles.

This is a bombshell for the smug community of scientists who have insisted that our infinitely beautiful universe is properly described by their standard mathematical models.

With kind regards,
Oliver K. Manuel
Emeritus Professor
Nuclear Chemistry ... Read more

Book Description

Galaxies are perhaps the most popular of all visual targets that are sought after by visual observers. At present the only way to get up-to-date information, is to query various (often highly technical) speciality books or digging deeply into the Internet. This can be a time consuming and often frustrating task, as the data arent often compatible. This book satisfies the need for a modern, comprehensive review in combining the three major aspects: the physical background on the nature and data of galaxies, the relevant instrumentation and viewing techniques, and finally the targets and their individual appearance in telescopes of various apertures. To illustrate the latter, a comprehensive sample of galaxies, including quasars, groups and clusters of galaxies is presented. This combination of theoretical knowledge and practical information guarantees successful observing sessions. The book could become a standard source on galaxy observing for all kinds of amateur observers, from the beginner to the experienced.

Customer Reviews (3)

A very good book
It is excellent writting, comprehensive, analytical and all subjects well presented and in the appropriate order.

most up-to-date, clearly structured reference book on galaxy observing
Wolfgang Steinicke was the leading author of the german "Praxishandbuch Deep Sky"(Kosmos 2004), which I like very much. So I started reading his new book on Galaxies with high expectations...and I was not disappointed :
I believe this is the most up-to-date, clearly structured reference book on galaxy observing - satisfying a very broad range of interests.
In three major sections, the authors not only address the needs of the most ambitious observers, but frequently add encouraging hints for beginners as well.
I recommend it A) as a reading book to gain a broader knowledge
and B) as an excellent planning guide when you want to observe MUCH MORE than the most commonly known galaxies.
SECTION I (70 pages) provides a basic understanding of the different types of galaxies and clusters, plus all those data that are important for visually observing them.
Chapter 1 explains different galaxy classification schemes, special cases and pecularities - then chapter 2 introduces pairs, groups and clusters of galaxies and shows their place within the hierarchy of the universe.
Chapter 3 presents a well structured overview for many different types of galaxy catalogs, containing galaxy data and nomenclatures. Advantages/disadvantages of these catalogs are discussed and their data quality is critically judged.
I strongly recommend to study this chapter 3 on catalogs first, because the same presentation structure is followed in the later SECTION III on observing programs.
SECTION II (33 pages) covers the Technical Aspects on observing galaxies.
Key technical instrumentation aspects are only summarized briefly (chap.4), but the Theory of Visual Observation (chap.5), together with practical recommendations on observing, star hopping and observing logs (chap.6) demonstrate the authors very broad experience in finding, identifying faint galaxies and documenting them.
SECTION III (110 pages) on "What to Observe? - The Objects" contains the largest, most valuable part of the book.
An instructive combination of "photo/textual" descriptions presents a large number of objects in the most "objective" way :
Not counting individual galaxies inside groups or clusters (though mentioned in the tables), a total of 500 objects are listed in data tables - following that same structure introduced in SECTION I. Each data table is immediately followed by a separate table with textual descriptions. Around 600 such descriptions are given, based on the visual appearance of each object with different instruments: 1. binocular (if possible),
2. medium aperture telescope(6-10"), 3. large telescope(13-20", sometimes larger).
All these observation descriptions in chapters 7 to 10 stem from renowned observers; e.g. Steve Gottlieb, Steve Coe, beside the authors.
Chapter 7 suggests a variety of Observing Programs, based on
a) M-, NGC/IC- or UGC- CATALOGS
b) Sky Areas and constellations
Chapter 8 suggests selection criteria which are dependent on the characteristics of the individual galaxy; i.e. by sorting them by their distance or by their appearance.
Chapter 9 concentrates on Groups and Clusters; i.e. by listing a) pairs and trios, b) small groups and chains, then c) clusters.
Chapter 10 finally suggests interesting targets "off the beaten path" or in the category of "ultimate challenge".
My reason for mentioning all these details is to demonstrate that this book is quite well organized - especially for all those readers with a minimal amount of patience and learning will.

There is only one unfortunate omission : Springer printed the 1.edition of this unique reference book without a page index !!!
However, after I emailed the author, he swiftly produced an INDEX OF ALL OBJECTS (xls), which can easily be downloaded
from the (Homepage Wolfgang Steinicke).

A Wealth of Information, Poorly Organized
This book is filled with a lot of really interesting information on galaxies.However, it is extremely disorganized. My copy of this book is now full of bookmarks to help me find information later.Why?This book has no index.Let me repeat that--this book has NO INDEX.This is an unforgivable sin for any reference book!Furthermore, the subtitle is "and how to observe them."There is not a clue about how to observe galaxies.Instead, the pictures of galaxies are taken through large professional telescopes that for the most part are not even identified.There are observer's descriptions for some galaxies, but most of these are through 20" and larger telescopes.Only a few descriptions are for telescope sizes you might be likely to own.

On the plus side, there are a number of pointers to more information sources, but often these are given in large, undifferentiated lists, instead of the authors making specific recommendations.

Some of the descriptions of galactic structure and evolution are extremely sparse.You won't find a clear definition of Seyfert galaxies, for example.

If you're looking for a definitive work on galaxies, this isn't it.But if you want to learn some interesting facts, you might find this book a fun read.You'll probably come away with some observing ideas as well, but stock up on bookmarks! ... Read more

Book Description

Walt Whitman's "When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer" is an enduring celebration of the imagination. Here, Whitman's wise words are beautifully recast by New York Times #1 best-selling illustrator Loren Long to tell the story of a boy's fascination with the heavens. Toy rocket in hand, the boy finds himself in a crowded, stuffy lecture hall. At first he is amazed by the charts and the figures. But when he finds himself overwhelmed by the pontifications of an academic, he retreats to the great outdoors and does something as universal as the stars themselves...

he dreams.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A book with staying power
My twin daughters were riveted by this book when they were just over three-years-old. They returned to it again and again.It had a quiet, solemn quality that I thought might go over their heads, but it seemed like the opposite was true.There was a lovely synthesis of poetry and image that gave this staying power.It's time to get a copy again to see how they respond.But I'd avoid hypothetical statements of "most children won't understand...(blah, blah, blah).Try 'em, and maybe they'll show you something unexpected.

Uncle Walt rules
I wish I had this book when I was teaching 19th-century American literature to college freshmen. I bought a few weeks ago and have been reading it to my daughters--the oldest is 5. She loves the art, and so do I. Tonight, out of the blue, she recited most of the poem to me over dinner--we had never before worked on memorizing this or any other poem, but I had mentioned to her that this would be a good poem to memorize. Looks like she agreed. I'm forever grateful to Loren Long for giving Walt to my daughter at such an early age.

I can't seem to understand the negativity expressed by some of the other reviewers. To call this poem anti-intellectual doesn't make much sense to me. It does, however, make sense to balance intellectual inquiry with the wonder and appreciation afforded by observation. The reviewer who mentions sharing his telescope ought to agree, since the children who peer through it clearly are excited by wonder--otherwise, why not just Google "Saturn" and find even better images? Gazing up at the sky--whether with the eye or through a telescope--excited the imagination, and there's something to be said for contemplating the stars in silence. What astronomer hasn't?

Interesting book
I respectfully disagree with the other reviews.I have seen a lot of children dragged to lectures and other broccoli-like occasions depicted in this book.I don't feel this book or this poem is anti-intellectual or out-of-date, in fact, I think it is very timely in view of the current competitive ethos of advancing/preparing children, where we push children to absorb information and to excel academically, but don't always give children the chance to experience and appreciate things on their own terms.What I do think is anti-intellectual is discouraging an illustrator from interpreting a poem in her own way.I'm glad Walt Whitman is being presented and celebrated for a new age.This book is nice presented to young audiences in combination with Walt Whitman:Words for America by Barbara Kerley.

Perfect example
The other poster here is an example of what Walt Whitman talked of so long ago in his poem, about the loss of beauty stripped by blurred reason. His poem still carries with it the truth that was imbued into it when it was written back in his day, yet misunderstood by the Gordon's of today's world. It's a simple truth that cannot be realized by them, the difference between the pursuit of arts or sciences, the difference between the stroke of a brush and the straight line

Not for a 21st Century Child
The reason why the little boy finds the lecture so unbearable is never made clear. Was the subject matter too advanced for him or was the learned astronomer an exceptionally poor speaker? We'll never know. However we should remember that Walt Whitman wrote this poem half a century before the Wright Brothers first flight. To people of his day space flight would have been the wildest of fantasies. Perhaps in those days it was enough to simply look at the stars and enjoy their beauty. But to a 21st century child space represents very real adventure, wonder and danger. Such a child is unlikely to understand this story which seems dated and perhaps even anti-intellectual.

P.S. Over the last five years I have shared my telescope with more than 50,000 people, most of them school children. In the October 2004 addition of Sky & Telescope magazine you will find an article I wrote about a starparty I conducted for a group of children living in a homeless shelter.

Show a child Saturn, or some other astronomical object, and he will pepper you with questions about its size, distance, age and composition. Most importantly he will ask how we were able to figure those things out. Answering his questions will not stifle his creativity or bore him. In fact it will do just the opposite.

Science has a beauty all its own and that beauty is often best recognized by children. To say otherwise is patronizing. ... Read more

Book Description

ASTRONOMERS OBSERVING GUIDES provide up-to-date information for amateur astronomers who want to know all about what it is they are observing. This is the basis of the first part of the book. The second part details observing techniques for practical astronomers, working with a range of different instruments.

Customer Reviews (5)

A Rare Breed!
Books specifically about Star Clusters are a rare breed (there are 2, Archinal & Hayes book AND this one!) So I ordered this book with bated breath.
I am glad to report that it did not dissapoint. The scientific data is fresh, non-technical and bang up-to-date and covers all types of clusters including remnants, extragalactic clusters and asterisms. The observing guide and object list is thorough and accessible, and unlike most general deep sky books, the content is geared specifically towards star clusters. Would I recommend this book to cluster enthusiasts and beginners? You bet!

Fascinating and Informative Book
I am an amateur living in suburban conditions, so star clusters are ideal targets for my small scope. I found this book invaluable. It gives not only up-to-date information on all aspects of clusters - but in an easy to read format, and no maths in sight. I also found the observing guide and 'hit list' very useful. In my humble opinion, this book is worth every cent.

A great observing guide!
This book is easy to read yet goes quite deep into star cluster science and physics - but with a down to earth approach. As a newcomer to astronomy, I found the observing guide very helpful. Even the sections on equipment and techniques were useful as they are geared to star cluster observation. The list of objects is thorough and well thought out - but It could have been larger!
The author states he is an amateur astronomer himself - and his passion for the subject certainly shows. Highly recommended!

An enjoyable and inspiring read
I found this book both interesting and factual. It does not contain any history of observing, or mythology but the author mentions that this was intentional. The book covers the science of star clusters very well and most of the latest discoveries are documented.

I did find a few small errors in the text but they don't distract the from the content too much, and I must admit that Springer books in general appear to have more typos than usual.
The sections on observing will appeal to beginners - though advanced amateurs may find these sections too simplistic - I guess the author is trying to appeal to all types of observer?
The list of objects is comprehensive and covers the range from very easy, to pretty hard - some are a little obscure - but at least this presents a challenge. The star charts are very clear - but some of the CCD images are a little ropey - but they are produced by amateur astronomers.

Archinal & Hynes book 'Star Clusters' is a much larger book and covers the history of star clusters and many pages are dedicated to its star cluster catalogues. But if you require a smaller book that concentrates on star cluster science and observing, then Allison's book will suit you better.

I would recommend this book to any star cluster enthusiast.

Star Clusters: The Missed Opportunity
I’m an optimist:I believe Man will wake up to Global Warming before we turn our planet into Venus, that there are some honest politicians, and that proofreading will return to the forefront of book publishing.

Alas, today is not that day.Allison’s book so badly needed a proofreader that a fifth-grade teacher, armed with a red pen, would have run out of ink before getting out of the first couple chapters.I think good writing should not only be engaging, but should be free from obvious grammar and spelling errors—it makes it easier to read for the inexperienced reader, and considerably less distracting for the experienced reader.
Allison’s book has so many errors in grammar, including punctuation and tense, that the book is quite distracting to read.

I admire the intent, though, and I would have grudgingly given a nod to the book were it not for the Fatal Flaw that seems to inhabit so many astronomy-oriented books these days: the inclusion of basic information unnecessary to the text or content of the book.

On point:does a book about the structure, history, and observing of star clusters really need basic information about finders, telescope types, Barlows, diagonals, and filters?If you think it does, because the book might be read by a novice stargazer who is not so familiar with the basics of observing, then why include information on cluster classification systems, stellar spectra, and hard-to-observe faint clusters that are test objects for large dobs?Does the reader who understands the science of stars and their classifications, or to whom the difficult clusters would be interesting challenges, really need a primer on finders and Barlows?

I think not.Perhaps the author didn’t either, but was asked to include this information by the publisher.Whichever is the case, it’s there, but it surely didn’t need to be.

Lastly, there is the “meat” of the book; its catalogue of 109 star clusters, replete with finder charts, photographs, basic data, and observation reports.This is the part of the book that might have, despite the other problems aforementioned, redeemed the book in the eyes of this 43 year veteran of star cluster observing.

It was not to be.I could not believe some of the sky’s most spectacular clusters, such as NGC 7789 in Cassiopeia, were left out, while truly difficult (and somewhat mundane) clusters, such as G1 in the Andromeda Galaxy, were included.If the intent is to inspire people to look at star clusters of all types and sizes, with all levels of difficulty, then a more comprehensive approach is necessary.If you compare this to “Star Clusters” by Archinal and Hynes (pub.Willmann-Bell), or “The Night-Sky Observer’s Guide” by Kepple and Sanner (pub.Willmann-Bell), or “Observing Handbook and Catalogue of Deep-Sky Objects” by Luginbuhl and Skiff (pub.Cambridge Univ.Press), the truly poor nature of this book’s contents becomes glaringly apparent.

I do not recommend this book without a major rewriting and the inclusion of a lot more star clusters.Save your money and get one of the books mentioned—your interest will be far better served.

Don Pensack, Los Angeles, May, 2006.
... Read more

Book Description
A complete guide for the amateur astronomer living in an urban or suburban center… The Urban Astronomer If you think a trip to the country is necessary to observe celestial objects, take a second look. Viewing the sky from an urban location can be just as fun and educational — if you know how to go about it. The Urban Astronomer shows amateur and more advanced astronomers the best ways and times to observe celestial objects from a city or suburban environment. Complete with detailed illustrations, The Urban Astronomer:

• Shows readers how to overcome the special problems of viewing the sky from cities and suburbs, such as light pollution
• Describes in detail those objects most easily viewed from a city location
• Includes many sky activities that can be enjoyed by novice and experienced urban astronomers
• Provides helpful tips and checklists for preparing your own stargazing outing
• Covers objects for naked-eye observation as well as those that need binoculars or telescopes and describes the best equipment for the urban stargazer

Customer Reviews (2)

Tailored for City Observing
Written by a professional astronomer who headed the NYC Parks dept metro astronomy program, this book details the types of objects and techniques for viewing them not found in any general amateur astronomy text.

A text for the beginning city observer,Matloff's book concentrates on subjects such as how to find your way around the sky when there are only a few dozen or less stars visible; what objects are are visible under such conditions; and deals with the Moon Sun and bright planets at leagth as these objects are the meat on the urban observer's plate.

Altogether, this book is recommended to those city dwellers who have a hesitant interest in astronomy, wondering just what can be seen under severely light polluted skies. Turns out there is a great deal after all and Matloff makes for a good beginning guide.

If looking for a guide to urban observing, SKIP THIS ONE.
This book mostly consists of introductory general information about astronomy. The gimmick of this book that gives it its title is the automatic insertion of the word "urban" in front of the word "astronomer", "astronomy", or "observer". The star charts included in the book are among the worst ever printed and depict all the stars as the same brightness. Don't waste your money on this one (I bought mine used). ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Disagree with Mladen K. Vranjican's review
I totally disagree with Mladen K. Vranjican's review "- Page 127, line3. The book incorrectly relates R. J. Lurie's work with that of J. L. Houghton."
I don't have a copy of Lurie's paper (Journal of the Optical Society of America, March 1975, p. 261), but I have an article named "Gleanings for ATM's--Making an Aplanatic 4-inch Telescope" on Sky & Telescope Nov. 1979 issue. It mentioned Lurie's great thought in his paper:
"In Example IV [of U.S. Patent No.2350,112, May 30, 1944] J.L.Houghton presents a design for an aplanatic system that consists of a two-element afocal corrector at the optical focus of a spherical mirror. The corrector...is shown made of glasses that have different refractive indices. However, such a corrector can be designed using the same glass type for both elements. This aplanat has interesting properties. Like the Wright telescope...its tube length is equal to its focal length. However, its astigmatism is only half that of the Wright telescope, and its surfaces are all spherical. The image surface of best focus has the same curvature as the mirror."

So, Mr. Lurie not only invented the aspheric (conic-section) mirror type as Mladen K. Vranjican said in the review, but also footnoted the telescope with all spherical and same glass, just what we called 'Lurie-Houghton' now a days. Mr. Lurie ofcouse should own the honor for the name together with Houghton. What Houghton invented is using different glass and it is the source of Lurie-Houghton telescope.

Manual is more comprehensive than accessible
There was a time once when amateur astronomers had exposure to only a few different kinds of telescopes--mostly simple achromatic refractors, which comprise just two lenses cemented together (plus an eyepiece), and Newtonian reflectors, which include a mirror plus the eyepiece.Many, possibly most, of these amateurs also made their own optics, and as a result, they knew most of what there was to know about these designs.

Nowadays, it's quite different.Not only are there vastly more types of telescopes, but most amateurs now buy telescopes; telescope building is a diminishing part of amateur astronomy, and people make their own telescopes out of desire, not necessity.It's harder than ever now for amateurs to really know about optical designs in breadth and depth.

Into this breach step Rutten and van Venrooij, two Dutch astronomers who wanted to know more about optics but found that resources were generally unavailable to amateurs.So, they wrote their own.Telescope Optics is a compendium of optical information, geared to the intermediate to advanced amateur.Like Gaul, it can be divided into three parts: Chapters 1 through 4 discuss optical principles; Chapters 5 through 16 apply those principles to various telescope and accessory designs; and Chapters 17 through 22 cover evaluation and design.

The manner of the text is generally scholarly but informal.Although optical principles are explained from the fundamentals, the authors still assume a certain level of comfort with high school mathematics and analytical exposition.In particular, it helps if the reader can easily digest information in two-dimensional graphs.This can make the book somewhat imposing for those readers who really just want to know, at a high level, what makes their own telescope tick.

For those readers capable of making their way through the analysis, however, the authors clearly and comprehensively explain the workings of several telescope and camera designs, and discuss in brief the quirks of at least half a dozen more.The compromises of each design are detailed to the level of so-called "third-order aberrations"; these include coma, astigmatism, field curvature, spherical aberration, and distortion.

The authors also make available their own design software.Being 15 years down the line, the software is somewhat out of date, and it does not come free with the book; it must be purchased separately.The book does explain how to use the software, though.

Overall, the book should find its way onto the shelf of anyone who wants to learn, seriously, about their optics.For those who simply want a taste of how optics work, or who need a gentle introduction to the field, it probably ought to wait until later.

Excellent manual for beginners and advanced amateurs
Telescope Optics is a comprehensive, educational and practical manual for beginners and advanced amateur opticians and astronomers. It is probably one of the best overall sources of information on basic optics, optical instruments and their prformance. The book comes with a DOS-based computer program that allows users to design their own systems and evaluate theoretical or existing optical configurations.Telescope Optics fills the gap between simple amateur telescope and optics manuals and professional literature. The book is due for a second edition, as well as an upgraded optical design and analysis program suitable for Windows-driven computer environment.Although Telescope Optics came with some errata sheets, the book has notable omissions and errors, summarized below.- Page 5, line 19. No mention is made of either F. B. Wright (1935) or Y. Väisälä (1936), whose modifications to the original Schmidt camera design resulted in more compact, flat-field instruments suitable for visual as well as photographic work.- Page 88, line 5. Credit is given to K. Slevogt (October, 1942) for developing a modification to the famous Baker camera. His work was preceeded, however, by C. R. Burch (April, 1942) in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (Vol. 102, No. 3, "Design of Approximately Flat-fielded System, with Two Spherical Mirrors and One Plate").- Page 127, line3. The book incorrectly relates R. J. Lurie's work with that of J. L. Houghton. Houghton (U.S. Patent No 2,350,112, May 30, 1944) proposed a two-element all-spherical corrector used in conjunction with a spherical mirror for a Newtonian-like configuration. The system is aplanatic (free of coma and spherical aberration). Lurie (Journal of the Optical Society of America, March 1975, p. 261) proposes two-element all-spherical correctors in conjunction with aspheric (conic-section) mirrors resulting in a fully systems that are fully anastigmatic - free of coma, spherical aberration and astigmatism. The two systems are not interchangable and only bear superficial resemblence. The value of Lurie's configurations is in superior optical performance, which in all aspects except distortion rival that of a true Schmidt camera, and in the applicability of converting smaller Newtonian configurations into first-class astrographs.- Page 145, Section 14.4, the book omits to mention that Ross-type correctors can be used in conjunction with hyperboloidal primary mirrors, resulting in anastigmatic flat-field astrographs (offered by Takahashi of Japan). Since full-aperture correctors are not practical for large Newtonian-like configurations, vast number of amateurs with telescopes larger than 10-inches in diameter could convert their instruments to high quality astrocameras. Suitable correctors, other than the Ross, have also been investigated and implemented on existing observatory Newtonian systems. Availability of their design and analysis would be of paramount importance to serious amateur observers and astrophotographers.Mladen K. Vranjican ... Read more

Book Description
How much do you know about women astronomers?Besides Sally Ride, the first woman astronaut in space, probably not much. Women Astronomers: Reaching for the Stars by Mabel Armstrong, features short biographies of the key female scientists in this area. Women Astronomers: Reaching for the Stars is one of the few books on women in astronomy specifically targeted to young women in high school---but it's a great read for any age!

You'll read about:

* Hypatia of Egypt, who worked in the famed Library at Alexandria, and invented the astrolabe around 400 B.C. She created it to locate and track the movement of the stars, and also labored to produce a detailed table of her observations. Sailors used the astrolabe and Hypatia's tables for navigation for the next 1200 years.

* America's First Lady of Astronomy was Maria Mitchell, of Nantucket, Massachusetts. She found her first comet in 1847, 61 years after Caroline Herschel of Hanover Germany--the first recorded modern female astronomer.

* Women were used as "computers," doing calculations necessary for astronomy and astrophysics from the 19th to the early 20th century. Females were employed because they could be paid less than male clerks, traditionally hired for such work. Many of America's greatest women astronomers got their start in this occupation.

* Two exceptional women led to the creation of the Hubble Space Telescope: Nashville's Nancy Grace Roman--frequently called the "Mother of the Hubble Space Telescope"--and Margaret Peachy Burbidge of the U.K.

* Women Astronomers: Reaching for the Stars describes these women and many more throughout history.

* Plus an important feature about today's "Rising Stars"! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A must for school libraries, parents, young adults
I love this book and wish it had been published when I was a kid and interested in science.I wish it had been published when my kids were young.It's the perfect book to read aloud or for smart kids, maybe fourth through middle school readers.(There's enough great information and good writing and organization that even high school readers should find this book a useful introduction to women in sciences.)

The book is very nicely organized and leads the reader on a discovery of women astronomers from 2000 years back to today.There are illustrations and sidebars and photographs and it's the kind of book you can thumb through or read cover to cover (as I did).

The book is very readable and thoughtfully designed.It's indexed and organized into sections that tell the history of women in science.The table of contents lists the chapters and a subtitle and a bit about each scientist, so, for example, Chapter 7 is about "Exhilarating Discoveries, Painful decisions, and one of the women-of three-profiled in this chapter is Beatrice Tinsley: A brilliant career cut tragically short.

I recommend this book.It's a course in women's studies, never didactic, highly entertaining, and informative. ... Read more

Book Description

This revolutionary new book is written for practical amateur astronomers who not only want to observe, but want to know the details of exactly what they are looking at. The Moon is the most commonly observed of all astronomical objects. This is the first book to deal equally with the Moon itself - its formation, geology, and history - as well as the practical aspects of observation.

Book Description
[A] brilliant defense of science's place in the religious life (and vice versa).--Publisher's Weekly

Jesuit Brother Guy Consolmagno's moving and intellectually playful memoir of a life lived in the active interplay of science and religion is now available in a handsome paperback edition.

Blending memoir, science, history, and theology, Consolmagno takes us on a grand adventure. We revisit the infamous Galileo affair and see that it didn't unfold in quite the way we thought. We get a rare glimpse into the world of working scientists and see how scientific discoveries are proposed and advanced. We learn the inside story of the Mars meteorite: how can we be sure it's really from Mars, and why can't scientists agree on whether or not it contains evidence of life? Brother Astronomer memorably sets forth one scientist's conviction that the universe may be worth studying only if it is the work of a Creator God.Download Description
Ever since Galileo was forced to recant his proofs of a sun-centered solar system, the Roman Catholic Church has been considered hostile toward science. Not quite true, argues Jesuit Brother Guy Consolmagno in his moving and intellectually playful memoir of a life lived in the active interplay of science and religion.Blending memoir, science, history, and theology, Consolmagno takes us on a grand adventure. We revisit the infamous "Galileo affair" and see that it didn't unfold in quite the way we thought. We get a rare glimpse into the world of working scientists and see how scientific discoveries are proposed and advanced. We learn the inside story of the "Mars meteorite": how can we be sure it's really from Mars, and why can't scientists agree on whether or not it contains evidence of life?Brother Astronomer memorably sets forth one scientist's conviction that the universe may be worth study only if it is the work of a Creator God. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

A thoroughly entertaining author
I had the pleasure of meeting Brother Guy in the summer of 2001 during a visit to Castel Gandolfo where he was kind enough to take us on a guided tour of the observatories on the roof of the Papal residence. He is as entertaining and fascinating "in real life" as his books amply demonstrate to a reader.

"Science makes lousy religion and religion makes lousy science." What a great attitude!

Bottom line: "Brother Astronomer" is a well-crafted, entertaining book that may even teach you things about yourself.

The Desire for Truth and Understanding -- and Mars Rocks
Many of you have read - or have a copy of - Turn Left at Orion by Guy Consolmagno, an entertaining and instructive guide for amateur astronomers with small telescopes.No less entertaining is his book, Brother Astronomer:Adventures of a Vatican Scientist, in which Jesuit Brother Guy Consolmagno tells his life story in brief, and in more detail discusses Mars rocks, Antarctica adventures, and science/religion issues.

With grace and good humor he tells of his becoming curator of the Vatican's collection of meteorites, one of the oldest collections in the world, mostly amassed in the nineteenth century by French nobleman Marquis de Mauroy.Consolmagno and his associates devised a method to determine the mass, the density, and the porosity of meteorites, which lead to theories on where meteorites come from - asteroids and other planets.He calls them his outer space "aliens" at the Vatican.

His real adventures are recounted with good-natured wit in the section titled "Wide Wild Whiteness", a meteorite-hunting expedition with other scientists on the bottom of the world in Antarctica.He makes the vast, cold continent seem to come alive in its bleak expanse and extremes of cold and wind.The personal interaction among the small group of individuals forced to spend six weeks together in that harsh frigid environment is insightful, at times poignant and other times hilarious.Everyone on the team has a specialty, and he often wonders, "Why am I here?"They bring home a treasure trove of 390 meteorites.It is fascinating to learn how they go to great pains to preserve the pristine condition of the space rocks.To collect them without contaminating them is a real challenge, especially under subzero temperatures, where the cold dulls the mind and freezes the fingers.

Perhaps most enlightening and enjoyable are Consolmagno's discourses on science and religion.He reminds us that only recently, in our popular culture, has there been an apparent schism between science and religion; that indeed, the great thinkers of ages gone by were men of renown in the church, men of great religious faith.The search for truth is and always has been the goal of both good religion and good science. "God gave us brains; He expects us to use them," he says.

"To understand why" science and religion are thought to be opposed, says Consolmagno, "we need to look not at science, nor at religion, but at the popular culture."He explains that science in school is often a turn-off for kids, and many leave the church as teenagers, "before they are old enough to appreciate it."The result is a childish view of both science and religion.

The popular media - news, TV, movies - present a distorted view of both science and religion as well, he contends.If there is no action, no drama, no conflict, it doesn't make good copy or good video.Scientists are often portrayed as "mad", and preachers are stereotyped as extremists.Fear and confusion of the roles and relationships of science and faith are the result."It's a fundamental misconception of how both science and religion work."He goes on to say that Christianity does not start with faith, it s