- Hardcover: 400 pages
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster; 1 edition (Aug 27 2002)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0684865793
- ISBN-13: 978-0684865799
- Product Dimensions: 24.3 x 16.2 x 3.2 cm
- Shipping Weight: 685 g
- Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #502,462 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- See Complete Table of Contents
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Product Details |
Product Description
From Publishers Weekly
Amateur astronomers are the heroes of this latest opus from one of the country's best-known and most prolific science writers. Ferris (Coming of Age in the Milky Way) has a special place in his heart for these nonprofessionals who gaze into space out of wonderment and end up making discoveries about comets, the moon and the planets that change our understanding of the galaxy. Ferris recounts how he, as a boy growing up in working-class Florida, was first captivated by the spectacle of the night sky. He then looks at the growing field of amateur astronomy, where new technologies have allowed neophytes to see as much of the cosmos as professionals. The book introduces readers to memorable characters like Barbara Wilson, a one-time Texas housewife who turned to astronomy after her children were grown and has since helped found the George Observatory in Houston (where a number of new asteroids have been discovered) and developed a reputation as one of the most skilled amateur observers. Ferris also 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.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Science writer and stargazer Ferris (The Whole Shebang) elaborates on his 1998 New Yorker essay about the renaissance of amateur astronomy, describing how advances in telescope design, electronics, and telecommunications have made it possible for amateur observers to discover new celestial objects. Improved technology and the sheer numbers of participants have also empowered amateurs to conduct round-the-clock or long-term research projects that complement the work of professional astronomers. Yet these same advances also render human eyes, hands, and sometimes even minds increasingly irrelevant to the practice of both amateur and professional astronomy. Perhaps as a counterpoint to this dismaying trend, Ferris frequently interrupts his narrative to introduce readers to individual amateur astronomers, from the well known (David Levy and Patrick Moore) to the more obscure or even surprising (Brian May of the rock group Queen). Appendixes provide useful tips and seasonal star maps (Northern Hemisphere only) for the beginning observer, facts and figures about various celestial bodies, and recommendations for further reading. Lyrical and engrossing, this book is highly recommended for public and academic libraries. [See the interview with Ferris on p. 112. Ed.] Nancy R. Curtis, Univ. of Maine Lib., Oron.
- Nancy R. Curtis, Univ. of Maine Lib., Orono
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
- Nancy R. Curtis, Univ. of Maine Lib., Orono
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Inside This Book
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First Sentence
AT DAWN ON A DESERTED FLORIDA BEACH in 1954, the first rays of the Sun sent my father's long shadow and my shorter one rippling like kite tails across the rumpled sands. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
AT DAWN ON A DESERTED FLORIDA BEACH in 1954, the first rays of the Sun sent my father's long shadow and my shorter one rippling like kite tails across the rumpled sands. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
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Most helpful customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A match made in Heaven,
By Salma (Surrey , United Kingdom) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Seeing in the Dark: How Amateur Astronomers Are Discovering the Wonders of the Universe (Hardcover)
The match being that of science and poetry. The author writes about the achievements of amateur astronomers, giving a wealth of information about astronomy, stargazing, and amateurs, all of which is written in a language so beautifully poetic. It is a masterpiece. The love of the author for his topic is evident on every page and it is contagious. This is a book that will fill you with wonder, and probably sweep you off your feet and onto the nearest dark ground with a starmap in hand!Rich with information, written with passion, the book is fascinating, moving, and absolutely beautifully written.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Birth of a Classic,
By
This review is from: Seeing in the Dark: How Amateur Astronomers Are Discovering the Wonders of the Universe (Hardcover)
Once in a long while a book comes along that is destined to become a classic. Such a book is Timothy Ferris' "Seeing in the Dark". After reading, amateur astronomers will want to put this book on the shelf next to "Starlight Nights" and "Burnham's Celestial Handbook". Very inspiring stories of amateurs' accomplishments and successful amateur profiles spark the reader's own efforts in this hobby. The very numerous interesting and illuminating facts and factoids alone are worth the price of this book. The footnotes gathered at the back of the book containing digressions, asides, and background info are enough for a book in themselves. A must read for both those just getting into the hobby and long-time observers.
4.0 out of 5 stars
A wonderful audio book,
By
This review is from: Seeing in the Dark: How Backyard Stargazers Are Probing Deep Space and Guarding Earth from Interplanetary Peril (Audio CD)
The stories told in these audio CDs are facinating, and have been amply described elsewhere. My comments are on the audio CDs themselves. First, Timothy Ferris has a soft, gentle voice that is perfect for reading his own material. It has a kind of fundamental pervasive understatement to it which makes some of the tales, such as getting observatory building advice from Clyde Tombaugh, the discoverer of Pluto, even more touching. It also adds to the subtle wit Ferris slips in every now and again. I drive only 8 miles to work, yet I found myself finding excuses to run errands on the way home so I could hear just a bit more of "Seeing in the Dark." My only complaint is that the producers of these audio discs made each disc one entire track! This is stupid. If you want to stop the audio CD in the middle to listen to something else, you have to note the time counter, and then when you reinsert the disc you have to fast forward to where you left off. Why the producers didn't at least put track breaks where the book has chapter breaks is puzzling. But don't let this put you off from this great audio book.
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