A history of optical telescopes in astronomy
Wilson Wall (Author)
This book is uniquely about the relationship between the optical telescope and astronomy as they developed together. It covers the time between the telescope's pivotal invention in the 1600's up to the modern era of space-based telescopes. Over the intervening centuries, there were huge improvements in the optical resolution of telescopes, along with changes in their positioning and nature of application that forever altered the course of astronomy. For a long time, the field was an exclusive club for self-motivated stargazers who could afford to build their own telescopes. Many of these leisure-time scholars left their mark by virtue of their meticulous observations and record keeping. Although they would now be considered amateurs, these figures and their contributions were pivotal and are covered in this book alongside professionals, for the first time giving a complete picture of the history of telescopic science
History
1 online resource
9783319990880, 9783319990897, 3319990888, 3319990896
1060593202
Print version:
Preface
Table of Contents
Book Summary
Chapter 1: Astronomy as a Science in Need of a Tool
Chapter 2: The Invention of the Telescope
Chapter 3: Developments in Optics and the Newly Invented Telescope
Chapter 4: Aerial Refractor Telescopes and the Development of Reflectors
Chapter 5: The Ascent of the Mirror Lens and Reflecting Telescopes
Chapter 6: Industrial Life Creating Fine Instruments and Polluting the Skies
Chapter 7: Moving Observations off the Planet
Chapter 8: The Hubble Space Telescope
Chapter 9: The Future: James Webb and Beyond
Chapter 10: Timeline of the Optical Telescope
Chapter 11: People in the Text
Index