Master of Galactic Astronomy: A Biography of Jan Hendrik Oort

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 356 pages
Publication date: 12 May 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This captivating and informative biography delves into the remarkable life and achievements of astronomer Jan Hendrik Oort, who played a pivotal role in shaping modern astronomy during the 20th century. The book provides a comprehensive account of Oort's significant contributions, including his groundbreaking discovery that the Milky Way rotates and his renowned hypothesis suggesting the existence of a vast reservoir of comets, now commonly referred to as the Oort Cloud. Authored by Oort's former student, this captivating narrative also explores Oort's pivotal role in establishing prominent astronomical facilities such as radio telescopes in the Netherlands and the European Southern Observatory (ESO), which currently operates the world's most successful astronomical observatories.

To enrich the portrayal of Oort's life, the book draws extensively from new archival research conducted through the Oort Archives, complemented by personal recollections shared by Oort's son and astronomer-grandson. This approach offers a more nuanced and detailed account of Oort's life, encompassing not only his professional accomplishments but also his roles as a husband, father, and citizen.

The timing of this book is particularly significant, given the growing public interest in comets sparked by the Rosetta mission's remarkable exploration of comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko and the recent discovery of an interstellar comet within our Solar System. The book serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to delve deeper into the captivating world of comets and the profound impact they have had on our understanding of the universe.

Weight: 575g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030555504
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021