What do you think?
Rate this book
Starwatchers: A History of Discovery in the Night Sky
'An exhilarating exploration of how we've been touched by the cosmos across human history' LEWIS DARTNELL
'Combines scientific expertise with vivid storytelling and a childlike wonder that shines on every page' TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT
What draws us to the night sky and how can we make sense of all that lies there?
In this unique synthesis of science and culture, former astrophysicist and writer Joanne Baker charts the global history of humanity's relationship with the cosmos. Starting with the nearby Moon before venturing through the solar system to the stars and beyond, she unveils a rich mosaic of stories and research that illuminate the significance of celestial bodies in our everyday lives.
It is a history that transcends borders and cultural traditions, taking us from Mesopotamian moon worship to the science fiction of H. G. Wells and the discovery of black holes. Driven by a personal quest to understand the universe as more than just an abstract mathematical realm, Baker also includes her own sparkling first-hand experiences – from watching a total solar eclipse in Idaho to visiting an ancient observatory in Samarkand.
Starwatchers invites readers on an extraordinary journey through space that interrogates the boundaries of our earthly existence and encourages us to reflect on how we project meaning onto the skies.
'Combines scientific expertise with vivid storytelling and a childlike wonder that shines on every page' TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT
What draws us to the night sky and how can we make sense of all that lies there?
In this unique synthesis of science and culture, former astrophysicist and writer Joanne Baker charts the global history of humanity's relationship with the cosmos. Starting with the nearby Moon before venturing through the solar system to the stars and beyond, she unveils a rich mosaic of stories and research that illuminate the significance of celestial bodies in our everyday lives.
It is a history that transcends borders and cultural traditions, taking us from Mesopotamian moon worship to the science fiction of H. G. Wells and the discovery of black holes. Driven by a personal quest to understand the universe as more than just an abstract mathematical realm, Baker also includes her own sparkling first-hand experiences – from watching a total solar eclipse in Idaho to visiting an ancient observatory in Samarkand.
Starwatchers invites readers on an extraordinary journey through space that interrogates the boundaries of our earthly existence and encourages us to reflect on how we project meaning onto the skies.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 19, 2025
3 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Joanne Baker
34 books22 followersJoanne Baker is a writer and editor based in London. She has edited and written comment, books, and arts and opinion articles at the international science journal Nature for the past decade and formerly was space and earth editor at Science magazine. She has also written three books on physics, astronomy, and quantum physics. She has a background in astronomy research, where she studied quasars, black holes, galaxy evolution, and cosmology.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 4, 2025
An interesting and unsettling history that shows how we now know a little, but mostly that we know nothing. Also, what do you mean we’ve been sending out curated welcome-to-Earth packs for any extra-terrestrial passerbys to enjoy?
October 14, 2025
Interesting in parts but it did just come across as a big, overwhelming information dump at times.
2.5 stars
2.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews