Description
Describes how radio astronomers made a series of remarkable serendipitous discoveries that changed our understanding of the Universe.
About the Author
Kenneth I. Kellermann studies radio galaxies, quasars, cosmology, and the history of radio astronomy. He is the former President of the IAU Commission on Radio Astronomy, former chair of the National Academy of Sciences Astronomy Section, and former chair of the IAU Working Group on Historical Radio Astronomy. Ellen N. Bouton is the NRAO Senior Archivist, overseeing an extensive collection of historical radio astronomy materials. She manages the web page for the IAU Working Group on Historical Radio Astronomy, and is a co-author, with Kellermann, of Open Skies, on NRAO and its impact on US radio astronomy.
Reviews
'This is a wonderful book, accessible to most college undergraduates! Its photographs and biographical sketches introduce some of the world's most competent, best-informed radio astronomers, and reveal how these researchers almost always lost their way, repeatedly, before ultimately arriving at a deeper understanding of the Universe. In describing this process, Kellermann and Bouton also depict the Cosmos, as observed today, and sketch how it may have evolved over the eons.' Martin Harwit, Professor Emeritus of Astronomy, Cornell University
'This book presents a history of radio astronomy from the unique perspective of authors close to important developments in the field. It not only describes the historical developments but provides a wealth of entertaining stories. Kellermann was on the scene or one degree removed from the events described as a PhD student of John Bolton, a leading pioneers in radio astronomy after World War II. These stories, which are related in colorful detail and accompanied by copious photographs, are told with such a flourish that makes the book hard to put down. The conclusions provide an object lesson about the nature of scientific discovery and how science really works. Scientists, students, and people who influence which instruments are built and who gets to use them will enjoy and benefit from reading this book.' James M. Moran, D. H. Menzel Professor of Astrophysics Emeritus, Harvard University and Senior Scientist, SAO
Book Information
ISBN 9781316519356
Author Kenneth I. Kellermann
Format Hardback
Page Count 400
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 880g
Dimensions(mm) 251mm * 178mm * 27mm