The History of Astronomy

Packed with color photographs, this comprehensive reference chronicles the history of astronomy.

This extraordinary book traces humans' interaction with the endless wonders of the night sky. The authors, both expert astronomers, researched 29 locations worldwide, from Beijing's ancient observatory to the observatory in Puerto Rico that searches for alien radio signals. They also interviewed 26 of the world's most esteemed astronomers, including Stephen Hawking.

Comprehensive in scope, The History of Astronomy covers such topics as:

• Early navigators and astronomers, the Star of Bethlehem
• Early concepts of the Earth's shape and orbit
• Galileo and Copernicus
• The solar system and the movements of the planets
• Newton and Halley
• The discovery of Uranus and Neptune, plus the discovery and demotion of Pluto
• What stars are made of and why they shine
• Hubble, the cosmos, new galaxies, the Big Bang
• Pulsars, quasars and black holes
• Are we alone?

Through its engaging narrative and stunning full-color photography, The History of Astronomy tells the remarkable story of a discipline that continues to test the limits of imagination and exploration.

Packed with color photographs, this comprehensive reference chronicles the history of astronomy.

Heather Couper is an astrophysicist. She ran the Greenwich Planetarium, was president of the British Astronomical Association, is a professor of astronomy and produced the TV programs Universe and Electric Skies.

Nigel Henbest is a consultant to the Royal Greenwich Observatory and New Scientist magazine.

Arthur C. Clarke was the world's most famous science fiction author. He died in 2008.