Minding the Heavens: The Story of our Discovery of the Milky Way

Minding the Heavens: The Story of Our Discovery of the Milky Way is a fully updated second edition that explores how we learned that we live in a galaxy, in a universe composed of galaxies and unseen, mysterious dark matter. It features short biographies of seven astronomers who contributed key insights to our present understanding of where we live in the cosmos, and weaves in the contributions of those in supportive roles. The book offers a new appreciation of our magnificent Milky Way galaxy and the beauties of the night sky, from ghostly nebulae to sparkling star clusters.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 274 pages
Publication date: 13 May 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

A captivating blend of science and history, this remarkable book has garnered widespread praise from esteemed experts in the field. Martha Haynes, Goldwin Smith Professor of Astronomy at Cornell University, New York, USA, describes it as "a terrific blend of the science and the history." She highly recommends it for both public and academic libraries, emphasizing its immense value. Peter Hepburn, currently the Head Librarian at the College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita, California, USA, echoes this sentiment, stating that the book is a "treat." He wholeheartedly recommends it for public and academic libraries, recognizing its exceptional quality.

In our modern understanding, we now recognize that we inhabit a planet that orbits the sun, that our sun is merely one among billions of stars in the vast Milky Way galaxy, and that our galaxy is just one among billions that emerged from the Big Bang. However, until the early twentieth century, the general public and even astronomers had limited and confused notions about what lay beyond the visible stars. Can we truly glimpse the edge of the universe? Do we reside in a system that resembles a spiral nebula from a distance?

This fully revised and updated second edition of "Minding the Heavens: The Story of Our Discovery of the Milky Way" delves into the fascinating journey that led us to understand that we live in a galaxy, within a universe composed of galaxies and mysterious dark matter. The story unfolds through captivating biographies of seven astronomers: Thomas Wright, William Herschel, and Wilhelm Struve of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries; the transitional figure of William Huggins; and Jacobus Kapteyn, Harlow Shapley, and Edwin Hubble of the modern, big-telescope era. Each of these astronomers made significant contributions to our current understanding of our cosmic location, drawing inspiration from the work of their predecessors and deciphering the intricate construction of the heavens.

As the narrative unfolds, it seamlessly incorporates the contributions of individuals in supportive roles, such as Caroline Herschel, the sister of William Herschel and the first woman paid to engage in astronomy. Additionally, Martha Shapley, a mathematician in her own right, plays a pivotal role by undertaking calculations that further contributed to our understanding of the cosmos.

In conclusion, "Minding the Heavens: The Story of Our Discovery of the Milky Way" is a masterpiece that captivates readers with its seamless blend of science and history. It has received widespread acclaim from experts in the field and is highly recommended for both public and academic libraries. This captivating book offers a profound insight into our place in the universe, shedding light on the remarkable journey that has brought us to where we are today.

Weight: 576g
Dimension: 178 x 254 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367415662
Edition number: 2 New edition