Exploring the evolution of planetary research, this book traces the journey from ancient astronomers who first gazed at the stars to the cutting-edge spacecraft missions of today. It highlights key discoveries, technological advancements, and the shifting understanding of our solar system, showcasing the relentless human curiosity that drives exploration and scientific inquiry. Through historical context and scientific milestones, readers gain insight into how our perception of planets has transformed over the centuries.
Covering a vast timeline from ancient Babylonian astronomy to modern space exploration, this book details the evolution of planetary research. It highlights key discoveries and theoretical advancements, while also addressing notable failures throughout history. The narrative emphasizes the remarkable progress made in understanding celestial bodies, culminating in the groundbreaking discoveries of the space age and exoplanets. This comprehensive account is designed for both amateur and professional astronomers, as well as anyone interested in the history of science.
The book provides an extensive overview of the evolution of astronomy and astrophysics, tracing developments from ancient civilizations through to modern advancements. It covers significant discoveries, influential figures, and the progression of scientific thought in the field, making it an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the history and impact of astronomical studies.
The book offers a richly illustrated exploration of the advancements and milestones in astronomical observations conducted from space since World War II. It highlights key developments in technology and methodology, showcasing how these innovations have transformed our understanding of the universe. Through detailed imagery and insights, readers can appreciate the evolution of space-based astronomy and its significant contributions to science.
The history of astronomy is, like most history, a multidimensional story, and when writing about a specific period, the author has to decide how to handle all the developments of earlier times in order to set the scene. I have done this by starting most chapters of the book with a summary of astronomical knowledge at the beginning of our chosen period, together with a brief review of how such knowledge had been gained. This story is not only interesting in itself, but it will also assist those readers that would appreciate a brief reminder of some of the basic elements of astronomy. It is also necessary to decide when to start our history. Should it be the year 1900 or 1890, or should it be linked to some key development or investigation, e. g. the discovery of the electron by J. J. Thomson in 1897, or the discovery of spectroscopic binary stars by Pickering and Vogel (independently) in 1889, or maybe the year 1890 in which Thomas Edison tried unsuccessfully to detect radio waves from the Sun and Johannes Rydberg published his formula for atomic spectra? I have, in fact, decided to start this history at about 1890, as it was the year of publication of the Draper Memorial Catalogue of stellar spectra which, together with its updates, provided essential data for the understanding of stellar spectra until well into the twentieth century. This date also gives a clear hundred years up to the present.
