image: This is the cover of the book "Atlas of Astronomical Discoveries" by Govert Schilling. view more
Credit: Springer Verlag GmbH
Four hundred years ago in Middelburg, the Netherlands, the telescope was invented and unleashed a revolution of universe exploration and discoveries. A new book Atlas of Astronomical Discoveries by Govert Schilling examines the 100 most important astronomical discoveries since the invention of the telescope. Schilling details the highlights of four centuries of astronomy in a book filled with spectacular photographs taken with the largest telescopes on Earth and in space.
The telescope has driven numerous astronomical discoveries, including:
- Galileo Galilei's discovery of mountains on the Moon, spots on the Sun, and moons around Jupiter.
- Christiaan Huygens's sighting of details on Mars and rings around Saturn.
- William Herschel's discovery of a new planet and mapping of binary stars and nebulae.
- Other astronomers' accomplishments such as determining the distances to stars, unraveling the structure of the Milky Way, and discovering the expansion of the universe.
Early reviews of the Atlas of Astronomical Discoveries have enthusiastically endorsed Schilling's exploration and explanation of the 100 most important astronomical discoveries.
"Selecting and describing the hundred most impressive and important astronomical discoveries is no easy task, but no one can master this feat as well as Govert Schilling, a veritable master of science communication. With captivating words and breathtaking images, the Atlas of Astronomical Discoveries is a tour-de-force of humankind's almost unbelievable progress in understanding the cosmos over the past 400 years."
Lars Lindberg Christensen, Head of ESO's Education and Public Outreach Department
"A hyper-modern concept, aimed at the multimedia generation."
Sjaak Priester, de Volkskrant
"A non plus ultra of astronomical history with breathtaking photography."
Peter Reinhard, Die Sternenrundschau
Govert Schilling, a Dutch science journalist, writes about astronomy and space exploration for newspapers and magazines including de Volkskrant, Science, and New Scientist, and is the author of numerous books. He published The Hunt for Planet X with Springer in 2009. He was awarded the 2002 Eureka! Prize for his work popularizing science and technology.
Govert Schilling
Atlas of Astronomical Discoveries
1st Edition., 2011, IX, 234 p. 200 illus. in color.
Hardcover $39.95, £27.99, €39.95
ISBN 978-1-4419-7810-3