- Publisher: Amberley
- Year: 2019
- Format: Hardback
- Pages: 288pp
- Illustrated: Yes
- Dimensions: 239x164mm
- Condition: New
- Weight: 0.6kg
- ISBN: 9781445684130
- Product code: 542350
The Discovery of the Universe
A History of Astronomy and Observatories
Carolyn Collins Petersen New Hardback Illustrated
Postscript summary
Watching the skies was the first science but it wasn’t until the development of optical devices that formal observatories were established. From early pioneers of the telescope, such as Galileo, and the building of the first large facilities at places like Greenwich to space telescopes such as Hubble, this scientific history outlines how discoveries in the development of astronomy have been facilitated by technological advancements at the world’s great observatories.
Product information
Full publisher description
Like time machines, observatories reveal distant objects as they once existed, almost too far away to imagine. They are our portals to the universe, to let us understand how it began and how it works.
This book charts the progress of astronomy through the observatories used throughout history, from the earliest such as Stonehenge to places like Birr Castle with its Leviathan telescope used by Herschel, places where the secrets of the universe were first unlocked by science. Carolyn Collins Petersen then describes instruments now in use around the planet. These technological marvels range from the Mauna Kea Observatories in Hawaii to the South Pole Telescope in Antarctica that hunts for the faint emission of the cosmic microwave background (CMB). In addition, astronomers today use an array of orbiting observatories - the most famous being Hubble of course - and launching in the near future will be the James Webb Space Telescope. Ground-based observatories can now attain near 'Hubble' standards of accuracy, despite peering into space through our atmosphere.
Astronomers can now routinely look across the cosmos at objects that existed at nearly the beginning of time. They have studied distant Earth-type planets, delved into stellar birthplaces, examined the minutiae of stellar explosions and galaxy collisions, and searched out the signatures of chemical elements that form the basis of the planets and ourselves. The Discovery of the Universe looks at the amazing science that has been done using the world's suite of observatories. It presents examples of astronomical discoveries made across the widest spectrum as observatories extend humanity's vision across the depths of space and time.
This book charts the progress of astronomy through the observatories used throughout history, from the earliest such as Stonehenge to places like Birr Castle with its Leviathan telescope used by Herschel, places where the secrets of the universe were first unlocked by science. Carolyn Collins Petersen then describes instruments now in use around the planet. These technological marvels range from the Mauna Kea Observatories in Hawaii to the South Pole Telescope in Antarctica that hunts for the faint emission of the cosmic microwave background (CMB). In addition, astronomers today use an array of orbiting observatories - the most famous being Hubble of course - and launching in the near future will be the James Webb Space Telescope. Ground-based observatories can now attain near 'Hubble' standards of accuracy, despite peering into space through our atmosphere.
Astronomers can now routinely look across the cosmos at objects that existed at nearly the beginning of time. They have studied distant Earth-type planets, delved into stellar birthplaces, examined the minutiae of stellar explosions and galaxy collisions, and searched out the signatures of chemical elements that form the basis of the planets and ourselves. The Discovery of the Universe looks at the amazing science that has been done using the world's suite of observatories. It presents examples of astronomical discoveries made across the widest spectrum as observatories extend humanity's vision across the depths of space and time.
Reasons to shop at Postscript
Independent bookseller
Established in 1987, we’ve been sharing reading recommendations for decades.
Books you won’t find elsewhere
Discover new authors among our frequently changing bookshelves, along with almost-forgotten gems and a wealth of unusual titles you won’t find elsewhere.
Eco-friendly packaging
Orders are carefully packed in recyclable cardboard boxes, eco-friendly bubble wrap and solvent-free labels, paper and tape.
Condition and price
All our books are new, unused and unread, and they’re all up to 75% off RRP.
FREE monthly catalogue
Featuring over 400 handpicked titles, our unique catalogue is carefully curated and includes new and unusual titles, special features and exclusive collections.
Email newsletters
Our tailored newsletters are written by our booksellers, and we always highlight the books that we have talked about most in the Postscript office.
Footnotes blog
Some books spark ideas and conversations that our catalogue can’t contain – our Footnotes blog offers a deeper dive into a wealth of topics to inspire further reading.
Aftercare
We are all serious book people and we understand the value of reading. This is why we package our books so carefully and employ a helpful in-house customer services team to promptly resolve any queries you may have.
Delivery information
UK
Free UK standard delivery on all online orders over £25
Unlimited books in one delivery charge:
- • Standard: £3.20 (3-5 working days)
- • Click & Collect: £3.20 (3-5 working days)
- • Next Day (orders must be placed before 1pm, Monday–Friday): £4.50
- • Royal Mail Tracked48: £5.50 (2-4 working days)
Highlands and Islands delivery: standard delivery only (5-7 working days)
Overseas
All orders: delivery costs for orders outside the UK are based on country of destination and product weight.
You can view your overseas delivery cost using the Summary section within the Basket.
For more information on delivery/overseas orders please refer to our Delivery Information.
product
https://www.psbooks.co.uk/the-discovery-of-the-universe
542350
The Discovery of the Universe
https://www.psbooks.co.uk/media/catalog/product/5/4/542350_media-0.jpg
3.99
10.99
GBP
InStock
/Campaigns/Amberley
/Non-Fiction/Categories/Science & Nature
/Non-Fiction/Categories/Science & Nature/Astronomy
/Campaigns/Catalogue Favourites
/Campaigns/Our Favourite Books of 2025
/Sale
/Sale/History Sale
/Sale/Non-Fiction Sale
<p>Watching the skies was the first science but it wasn’t until the development of optical devices that formal observatories were established. From early pioneers of the telescope, such as Galileo, and the building of the first large facilities at places like Greenwich to space telescopes such as Hubble, this scientific history outlines how discoveries in the development of astronomy have been facilitated by technological advancements at the world’s great observatories.</p>
Hardback
0
0
https://www.psbooks.co.uk/media/catalog/product/5/4/542350_media-1.jpg
https://www.psbooks.co.uk/media/catalog/product/5/4/542350_media-2.jpg
add-to-cart
rrp_info:£20.00
productId:176308
bic_code:HB, PG
HB, PG
£20.00
Carolyn Collins Petersen
General
239x164mm
Amberley
No
Hardback
History
