Traces the history of astronomy, looks at what we have learned about the Sun, Moon, stars & planets, & identifies key questions which face astronomers of the future. Prologue The oldest science Exploding horizons- The solar system Charting space through time Epilogue Index Picture Credits
James S. Trefil (born 9/10/1938) is an American physicist (Ph.D. in Physics at Stanford University in 1966) and author of more than thirty books. Much of his published work focuses on science for the general audience. Dr. Trefil has previously served as Professor of Physics at the University of Virginia and he now teaches as Robinson Professor of Physics at George Mason University. Among Trefil's books is Are We Unique?, an argument for human uniqueness in which he questions the comparisons between human intelligence and artificial intelligence. Trefil also regularly gives presentations to judges and public officials about the intersections between science and the law.
An excellent popular text on astronomy throughout the ages, but with a strong focus on contemporary (circa 1985) developments in research in fields as diverse as cosmology and quantum electrodynamics. Well illustrated. Very little advanced science.