Customer Reviews

Hubble: A New Window to the Universe

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Probably the first thing I would point out is the book was first published in 1996. Accordingly many of the photographs may have been superceded by more recent shots from Hubble, and recent developments with the telescope are not covered. That aside, I found this book an interesting read. Of particular interest is the coverage of the early days of the telescope and the scandal over the faulty optics. The comparative before and after photographs of the faulty and corrected optics are also fascinating. There are a large number of photographs in the book which really lends itself well to sitting on the coffee table and occassional viewing. The book is plain black hardcover with a glossy dustjacket. It is set in landscape view and I'm not quite sure what it is but the layout of the book doesn't really gel together that well. I would recommend prospective purchasers check out the book in a library before purchasing to see if it meets their requirements. This book would have received a higher rating in 1996, but it is showing its age now. Check it out first.

I am fortunate enough to have supported the Hubble Space Telescope (helping with testing the ground system at the Goddard Space Flight Center), so I bring an extra level of interest to this book.

Which book provides a detailed background on HST, from the first notions of a telescope in space through the problems with the mirror and its resolution. It then goes into the astronomy that has been and is being done with the spacecraft, providing copious and interesting detail along with the breathtaking photographs that HST has become famous for.

The result is both a great coffee-table book (for the photographs) and a worthwhile overview of current astronomy and what's being investigated. Recommended.