Star-Craving Mad

Tales From a Travelling Astronomer

Fred Watson

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Paperback

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English

Allen & Unwin
01 February 2013

Ethnic studies; Mathematics & Sciences

ABBEY'S CHOICE FEBRUARY 2013 ----- It's surprising how many people outside the science world still harbour the romantic notion that astronomers spend every night with their eyes clapped to giant telescopes, looking for things. The most frequent question astronomer Fred Watson is asked by members of the public is 'Have you found anything - recently?' Sadly, the answer is usually 'no'. That's because finding new things is only a small part of what astronomers do, compared with investigating things they already know about. People sense that in this, the biggest of big sciences, there might be answers to some of the most profound questions we can ask: questions about the nature of space and time, about our ultimate origins, the meaning of life, and perhaps even spirituality. Nevertheless, astronomy does provide a broader framework than most sciences for deliberations about issues big and small. And in Fred Watson, we have the most witty, funny and knowledgeable companion to take you on this ride through space, ruminating on Pluto's demotion from planetary status, Peru's ancient sky-watchers, sustainable space science, microbes, the sheer pleasure of an eternal quest for knowledge and maybe, just maybe, the meaning of life...

By: Fred Watson
Imprint: Allen & Unwin
Country of Publication: Australia
Dimensions: Height: 198mm, Width: 129mm, Spine: 26mm
Weight: 321g
ISBN: 9781742373768
ISBN 10: 1742373763
Pages: 320
Publication Date: 01 February 2013
Recommended Age: From
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Reviews for Star-Craving Mad: Tales From a Travelling Astronomer

A lighthearted romp through the cosmos, guided by a man whose knowledge and wisdom are vast and whose enthusiasm is infectious. He tackles the big questions about our place in the universe without ever being pompous, condescending, boring or baffling. * Sun Herald * Fred Watson is Australia's go-to man on matters relating to space and time, stars and planets, and all things astronomical. His skill is to breathe life and fire into this biggest of the big sciences. * Australian Woman's Weekly * An entertaining journey around the universe. * Australian Geographic * For the interested layman, budding student, and many others, this book will be an inspiration; I found it fun and a wonderful read. * The Observatory * Watson enlists the aid of some of the planet's coolest gadgets, with the results as illuminating as those endlessly rotating twinkles above us. * Wanderlust *