Great Observatories of the World

Great Observatories of the World
by Anne-Marie Lagrange, Serge Brunier

Great Observatories of the World
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Book Summary Information

Author: Anne-Marie Lagrange, Serge Brunier
Foreword: Catherine Cesarsky
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); French (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2005-09-03
ISBN: 1554070554
Number of pages: 240
Publisher: Firefly Books

Book Reviews of Great Observatories of the World

Book Review: A "coffee table" book for lovers of big telescopes
Summary: 4 Stars

This book is an indulgence for those of us fascinated by big telescopes. It includes short discussions of each of the world's most important observatories, with brief technical interludes on topics like spectroscopy and adaptive optics. But this is not a book to read, it is a book to browse through, look at the pictures, and sample the text. The text certainly has its errors, such as substituting "millions" for "billions" in comparing the cost of space telescopes, and placing the date of the 3m Shane telescope as 1979 (it was competed in 1959 and renamed after Shane in 1977.) But we can overlook errors like this in a book designed for voyeurs. If big telescopes turn you on and you have a few extra dollars available, you'll probably like this book!

Summary of Great Observatories of the World

Comprehensive profiles of the 57 most important observatories in the world, including 10 space-based telescopes.

Great Observatories of the World is a comprehensive tour of the 57 leading observatories located in the United States, Europe, Chile, Australia, India, Japan and the vast reaches of space.

The book begins with a brief and engaging history of the telescope and observatories. It covers 36 Earth-based observatories and their history, mission, type of telescope and other observatory equipment, and significant discoveries.

It then features 10 space-based observatories, including the Hubble Space Telescope and the Chandra X-Ray Telescope, which have been mounted on space probes to monitor some of the universe's most mysterious events.

The final section covers 11 observatories of the future, including both Earth-based and space-based telescopes, and how partnerships between nations and private institutions fund ambitious projects of unprecedented size and responsiveness.

The book also provides fascinating information on:

  • Spectroscopy and radio astronomy
  • The effects of atmosphere on astronomy
  • Coronagraphy and solar observation
  • Astronomy careers and training
  • Locations and websites of the world's 100 largest observatories.

Great Observatories of the World is profusely illustrated with photographs of the observatories as well as dramatic images of the universe they explore.

(20051127)

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