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Seeing in the Dark: How Amateur Astronomers Are Discovering the Wonders of the Universe [Paperback]

Timothy Ferris (Author)
4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
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Book Description

Release Date: July 1 2003
In Seeing in the Dark, 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.

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.

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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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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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
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
15 reviews
4.8 out of 5 stars
Most helpful customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars A match made in Heaven Dec 17 2003
By Salma
Format: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.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Birth of a Classic Oct 25 2003
By J. Jones
Format: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.
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4.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful audio book Aug 19 2003
By Eric B. Norris
Format: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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Most recent customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars ...stargazer fall from the sky
This is a very unique and enlightening book about how much amateurs can enjoy and contribute to the science of astronomy. Read more
Published on April 22 2003 by doomsdayer520
5.0 out of 5 stars Astro-nerds take note...
The publication of a new book by an author of Timothy Ferris' stature should pique the interest of most amateur astronomers. Read more
Published on Jan 11 2003 by John Rummel
5.0 out of 5 stars Another superb book from our best science writer
Timothy Ferris has an unusual gift for explaining complex subjects in a highly readable, even felicitous, style. Read more
Published on Jan 5 2003 by Rulon D. Foster
3.0 out of 5 stars So-so writing, good information
I won't belabor the contents of the book, as other reviewers have already handled that chore. Ferris says a lot about astronomy in general, the solar system in particular, and... Read more
Published on Jan 4 2003 by fullcampy
5.0 out of 5 stars a more philosophical look at the hobby
I've read dozens of astronomy books in the past year, but this one is decidely different. Ferris manages to capture the awe and the appeal of amateur star-gazing in his... Read more
Published on Jan 1 2003 by M. H. Bayliss
5.0 out of 5 stars Serious Amateurs, Serious Science, Delightful Reading
Everybody has done it: looking up at the bright night sky produces mixed feelings of awe at the beauty, and impenetrable mysteries, and the insignificance of our local tiny... Read more
Published on Nov 5 2002 by R. Hardy
5.0 out of 5 stars Seeing in the Dark
Seeing in the Dark: How Backyard Stargazers are Probing Deep Space and Guarding Earth from Interplanretary Peril written by Timothy Ferris is a wonderfully well-written personal... Read more
Published on Oct 29 2002 by Joe Zika
5.0 out of 5 stars A good read
Tim Ferris hit his first homerun with "Coming of Age in the Milky Way". "Seeing in the Dark" is a different type of book but still manages to be very readable. Read more
Published on Oct 1 2002 by Robert Busko
5.0 out of 5 stars Poignant Rock n Roll Astronomer
This is a poignant and wonderful autobiographical book. As Timothy Ferris writes, for most of its long history, astronomy has been primarily an amateur pursuit. Read more
Published on Sep 30 2002 by Stephanie Silva
5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting, well-written, and passionate
Since the earliest days of humankind people have looked to the night sky in awe and struggled to unlock its secrets. Read more
Published on Sep 20 2002 by debvh
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