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Accidental astronomy : how random discoveries shape the science of space / Chris Lintott.

By: Material type: TextTextPublisher: New York, NY : Basic Books, 2024Copyright date: ©2024Edition: First US editionDescription: 308 pages ; 24 cmContent type:
  • text
Media type:
  • unmediated
Carrier type:
  • volume
ISBN:
  • 9781541605411
  • 1541605411
Subject(s):
Contents:
Is it aliens? -- The fountains of Enceladus -- The scout from really, really far away -- Celestial vermin -- Penguins over Venus -- Staring into space -- Listening to the universe -- The oldest light of all -- The changing sky.
Summary: "If you learn about the scientific method, you learn that first we hypothesize about something we've experienced, and then we look for more of it. This works well enough--but what if you were interested in studying a heretofore unknown comet or supernova? That is the essential problem of the astronomer: the most important discoveries happen without notice! Indeed, as Chris Lintott argues in Accidental Astronomy, luck defines astronomy. Lintott explores the ways in which happenstance shapes how we investigate the sky. To catch a glimpse of a comet, asteroid, or even a sign of alien life, we must be in the right place at the right time. And if we can't be there, we must have a team of professionals and amateurs, across the globe, ready to spring in to action at a moment's--or night's--notice. For any astronomer, regardless of their experience or resources, the first step to discovery is the same: to stare at the sky and wait. A celebration of astronomy, stargazing, and cosmic discovery, Accidental Astronomy offers an irresistible window into how luck defines our knowledge of the skies"-- Provided by publisher.
Holdings
Item type Home library Collection Shelving location Call number Materials specified Status Date due Barcode Item holds
Adult Book Adult Book Main Library NonFiction New 520 L761 On hold 33111011369481 1
Total holds: 1

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

A "riveting real-life Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" ( The Telegraph ) and "whirlwind tour of wondrous celestial phenomena" ( The Idler ) shows why so much of astronomy comes down to looking up and lucking out



If you learn about the scientific method, you learn that first we hypothesize about something we've experienced, and then we look for more of it. This works well enough--but what if you are interested in studying a heretofore unknown comet or supernova? That is the essential problem of the astronomer: the most important discoveries happen without notice! 

 

Indeed, as Chris Lintott argues in Accidental Astronomy , luck defines astronomy. Lintott explores the ways in which happenstance shapes how we investigate the sky. To catch a glimpse of a comet, asteroid, or even a sign of alien life, we must be in the right place at the right time. And if we can't be there, we must have a team of professionals and amateurs, across the globe, ready to spring into action at a moment's--or a night's--notice. For any astronomer, regardless of their experience or resources, the first step to discovery is the same: to stare at the sky and wait. 

 

A celebration of astronomy, stargazing, and cosmic discovery, Accidental Astronomy offers an irresistible window into how luck defines our knowledge of the skies. 

"Originally published in 2024 by Torva in the United Kingdom."

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Is it aliens? -- The fountains of Enceladus -- The scout from really, really far away -- Celestial vermin -- Penguins over Venus -- Staring into space -- Listening to the universe -- The oldest light of all -- The changing sky.

"If you learn about the scientific method, you learn that first we hypothesize about something we've experienced, and then we look for more of it. This works well enough--but what if you were interested in studying a heretofore unknown comet or supernova? That is the essential problem of the astronomer: the most important discoveries happen without notice! Indeed, as Chris Lintott argues in Accidental Astronomy, luck defines astronomy. Lintott explores the ways in which happenstance shapes how we investigate the sky. To catch a glimpse of a comet, asteroid, or even a sign of alien life, we must be in the right place at the right time. And if we can't be there, we must have a team of professionals and amateurs, across the globe, ready to spring in to action at a moment's--or night's--notice. For any astronomer, regardless of their experience or resources, the first step to discovery is the same: to stare at the sky and wait. A celebration of astronomy, stargazing, and cosmic discovery, Accidental Astronomy offers an irresistible window into how luck defines our knowledge of the skies"-- Provided by publisher.

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