A top astronomer reveals why his field depends on luck.
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.
Chapter 1 Living in our accidental Universe Chapter 2 Is it aliens? Chapter 3 The fountains of Enceladus Chapter 4 The Scout from really, really far away Chapter 5 Celestial Vermin Chapter 6 Penguins over Venus Chapter 7 Staring into Space Chapter 8 Listening to the Universe Chapter 9 The Oldest Light of All Chapter 10 The Changing Sky
Chris Lintott, British astrophysicist and host of the BBC's "Sky at Night," delivers an engaging performance. He takes listeners through serendipitous discoveries by professional and amateur astronomers. The author's affable hosting style and ease with sharing scientific concepts lend themselves well to a production meant to induce wonder and curiosity. The array of perspectives includes those of
