Brief Description
In 1609 Galileo first used his telescope to kick-start the science of observational astronomy. This book covers his life and achievements and shows how astronomy has developed since. It includes practical projects in which amateur astronomers can participate.
Learn More about the Book
In 1609 Galileo first used his telescope to kick start the science of observational astronomy - an event that proved to be of enormous historic, scientific, and cultural importance. Galileo and 400 Years of Telescopic Astronomy will feature the life and achievements of Galileo, around which has pivoted the story of four centuries of telescopic astronomy. The book will detail how astronomy has progressed through four centuries and contain glimpses of future space research and astronomy goals. Uniquely, interwoven with the text will be a range of practical projects for backyard astronomers in which to participate, projects that serve to illustrate many of Galileo's scientific discoveries.
On the Back Cover
Imagine yourself living 400 years ago, right before the telescope was first used by Galileo to look up into the skies and find unforeseen wonders. You probably believed, with most of the known world, that Earth was at the center of the magnificent parade of planets and stars above you, and the Sun s purpose in journeying across the sky was to give Earth daylight and warmth. Suddenly, though, your world is turned upside down. The Church, all powerful in its doctrines and teachings of the times, continues to support theories that don t fit the facts presented by scientists. Scientists in their quest for truth must hide their findings or risk the harsh penalties imposed by the Church. We have gone from a comforting Earth-centered universe to a tiny floating spec in a gigantic cosmos, barely a comma in a lengthy treatise. And we have gone there in a blink of an eye. We may have lost our central position in the universe, but Grego and Mannion show us how much we have gained in understanding the universe around us. And we are only at the beginning of our journey. Their words help us to discover our place again and how we got there and what we might expect to learn in the centuries to come."
Review Quotes
1.
From the reviews: The organization is clear and easy to follow with excellent illustrations. In addition to providing history lessons and details of discoveries throughout the ages include several easy-to-do exercises such as assembling and using a cross-staff or making a telescope from common optics (e.g., discarded binocular parts). Several tables of interesting events including close conjunctions or brighter Messier objects offer an incentive for the reader to become an observer. Summing Up: Recommended. General audiences. (M. K. Hemenway, Choice, Vol. 48 (7), March, 2011)
2. From the reviews: The organization is clear and easy to follow with excellent illustrations. In addition to providing history lessons and details of discoveries throughout the ages include several easy-to-do exercises such as assembling and using a cross-staff or making a telescope from common optics (e.g., discarded binocular parts). Several tables of interesting events including close conjunctions or brighter Messier objects offer an incentive for the reader to become an observer. Summing Up: Recommended. General audiences. (M. K. Hemenway, Choice, Vol. 48 (7), March, 2011) This is an extraordinary book . It s really three books rolled into one; a sound historical overview, a practical explanation of the historical observations, and a useful reference . skillfully combines aspects of telescopic astronomy in a way that is both very readable and stimulating. refreshingly new way to present observational astronomy in its historical context and would be a great introduction to anyone starting out in practical amateur astronomy. It is definitely a must have for school libraries and astronomical societies. (Kevin Kilburn, Popular Astronomy, March-April, 2011) This charming book is an easily accessible romp through the history of astronomy, concentrating on what is observable. Galileo Galilei is clearly the book s hero. His technical ability to make and improve his own instruments is much admired. Grego and Mannion are clearly great fans of the Italian father of modern science . Their delightful book strongly encourages us all to try and follow in his footsteps. (Carole Stott, The Observatory, Vol. 131 (1222), June, 2011) Galileo and 400 Years of Telescopic Astronomy is the story of science and civilisation, retold for a twenty-first century audience. What makes this book unique is its accessibility. the authors warmly encourage you to perform your own experiments. Grego and Mannion paint an insightful picture that wholeheartedly deserves a read. This is a great book and
3.
From the reviews:
The organization is clear and easy to follow with excellent illustrations. In addition to providing history lessons and details of discoveries throughout the ages include several easy-to-do exercises such as assembling and using a cross-staff or making a telescope from common optics (e.g., discarded binocular parts). Several tables of interesting events including close conjunctions or brighter Messier objects offer an incentive for the reader to become an observer. Summing Up: Recommended. General audiences. (M. K. Hemenway, Choice, Vol. 48 (7), March, 2011)
This is an extraordinary book . It s really three books rolled into one; a sound historical overview, a practical explanation of the historical observations, and a useful reference . skillfully combines aspects of telescopic astronomy in a way that is both very readable and stimulating. refreshingly new way to present observational astronomy in its historical context and would be a great introduction to anyone starting out in practical amateur astronomy. It is definitely a must have for school libraries and astronomical societies. (Kevin Kilburn, Popular Astronomy, March-April, 2011)
This charming book is an easily accessible romp through the history of astronomy, concentrating on what is observable. Galileo Galilei is clearly the book s hero. His technical ability to make and improve his own instruments is much admired. Grego and Mannion are clearly great fans of the Italian father of modern science . Their delightful book strongly encourages us all to try and follow in his footsteps. (Carole Stott, The Observatory, Vol. 131 (1222), June, 2011)
Galileo and 400 Years of Telescopic Astronomy is the story of science and civilisation, retold for a twenty-first century audience. What makes this book unique is its accessibility. the authors warmly encourage you to perform your own experiments. Grego and Mannion paint an insightful picture that wholeheartedly deserves a read. This is a great book and well worth the modest price tag! (Neil English, Astronomy Now, January, 2012)"
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