The Invisible Universe: The Story of Radio Astronomy
by Gerrit Verschuur
Heidelberg Science Library (20), Astronomers' Universe (2015)
44 Members (4.50)
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Description
Hidden from human view, accessible only to sensitive receivers attached to huge radio telescopes, the invisible universe beyond our senses continues to fascinate and intrigue our imaginations. Closer to home, in the Milky Way galaxy, radio astronomers listen patiently to the ticking of pulsars that tell of star death and states of matter of awesome densities. All of this happens out there in the universe hidden from our eyes, even when aided by the Hubble Space Telescope. This is the story show more of radio astronomy, of how radio waves are generated by stars, supernova, quasars, colliding galaxies and by the very beginnings of the universe itself. The author discusses what radio astronomers are doing in the New Mexico desert, in a remote valley in Puerto Rico, and in the green Pocahontas Valley in West Virginia, as well as dozens of other remote sites around the world. With each of these observatories, the scientists collect and analyze their data, "listening" to the radio signals from space in order to learn what, or perhaps who, is out there as well. The author specifically highlights enormous changes that have occurred in the field over the past 50 years, including the political reality of radio astronomy and what that could mean for the future. show lessTags
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9 Works 220 Members
Series
Common Knowledge
- Original publication date
- 1974
- First words
- As you propel yourself into the invisible universe of radio astronomy, an explanation of some possibly unfamiliar terms will help guide you on your journey. [from the third edition, 2015]
- Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)Radio quiet zones surrounding radio observatories are also legislated in South Africa, Western Australia and are being lobbied for in China. [from the third edition, 2015]
- Original language
- English
Classifications
Statistics
- Members
- 44
- Popularity
- 622,892
- Rating
- (4.50)
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 10
- UPCs
- 1
- ASINs
- 2
