Science and Inquiry discussion

For June 2023, we will be reading A History of the Universe in 100 Stars by Florian Freistetter.

Please use this thread to post questions, comments, and reviews, at any time.

By the way, depending on where you search for this and how picky they are, it might be worth knowing that this also goes by The Story of the Universe in 100 Stars. This is the only way I could find it on Audible, for instance, and I imagine a lot of library systems would also hang up on that distinction (mine does).

spoko wrote: "By the way, depending on where you search for this and how picky they are, it might be worth knowing that this also goes by The Story of the Universe in 100 Stars. This is the only way I could find..."

Thanks, Spoko.

I recently started reading these books with the ultra short chapters right before going to sleep. This one is perfect for that. If I read it all at once, the stories would blend and I would probably start to get frustrated with my inability to remember any one story over another. But taken a chapter or 2 at a time before going to sleep is quite pleasurable.

I like the story about HD 142 "Our Bright Astronomers Frequently Generate Killer Mnemonics" to remember the spectral classes of the stars. I also like the author's recognition that women didn't stop thinking just because they were given routine, menial tasks to do. The work of Williamina Fleming has carried over today in the way stars are named.

Just read the part about laser guide stars—really interesting. Sort of like noise cancelling technology, but for atmospheric distortion!

I am waiting for my copy to read. Looking forward to this one.

I really enjoyed this read. I agree with Jessica that the short chapters made for great reading at bedtime. I am always amazed and constantly try to wrap my head around the VAST distances and the fact of what we see is from the past due to the travel time. When I was young I lived in a very rural area and would drive to very remote locations and lay on the hood of my car and just let my mind try to grasp the beauty and distance and infinity - loved it then and this book took me back there.

Daniel wrote: "When I was young I lived in a very rural area and would drive to very remote locations and lay on the hood of my car and just let my mind try to grasp the beauty and distance and infinity - loved it then and this book took me back there."

YES, I did that too! I was lucky enough to have a telescope too so if I found a good spot or if there was a lunar eclipse, I would take my telescope and stay out half the night.

Jessica wrote: "Daniel wrote: "When I was young I lived in a very rural area and would drive to very remote locations and lay on the hood of my car and just let my mind try to grasp the beauty and distance and inf..."

Great times!!