Customer Reviews

Recollections of "Tucson Operations": The Millimeter-Wave Observatory of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (Astrophysics and Space Science Library)

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Covers by anecdote the events, decisions made during the formation of NRAO's Tucson operation - just like the title says. Nontechnical, but does use jargon that might not make sense to those not already familiar with electronics and astronomy. Informal writing style. There are photographs, clear enough though not spectacular, in grayscale only. There are few facts (budgets, technical specs, etc) but does tell names of participants of meetings and events.

Each chapter covers some aspect of running the operation - getting reliable electricity, creating software to run the dish, etc. Things are not told strictly chronologically, as each topic is followed through time before picking up another topic in the next chapter. This could lead to a bit of confusion if you read this book in an on-and-off manner. Some chapters are very short, just a few pages.

It's all a juicy read for anyone already interested in radio astronomy, histor of the NRAO and NSF, and the administration of scientific facilities. It isn't the most enlightening book on the culture of scientists. Good pleasure read for professional and those exploring careers. I'm starting a job soon at NRAO at another location, so have a close interest in stories in this book. If you're interested in learning the physics of radio astronomy, or the engineering of the dishes, there are other books of more utility.