"We should welcome this handsome book as a valuable history of Australian radioastronomy; it is well researched, easy to read and generously illustrated." R. Hanbury Brown, Nature
"This well-written and accurate book is recommended highly to all professional and amateur astronomers and anyone interested in the history of science." Jonathan C. Gradie, Science Books & Films
"As a historical account of a major scientific instrument and its supporting team of scientists, Beyond Southern Skies has been held to high standards of readability and accuracy.... a most worthy tribute to two of the most important figures, Taffy Bowen and John Bolton." R.D. Davies, Science
"...an engaging and well-written account of an important instrument and its place in both the history of radio astronomy and the development of Australian science after 1945." Robert W. Smith, ISIS
Product Description
Beyond Southern Skies tells the story of the planning and construction of the Parkes Telescope in rural New South Wales, Australia and surveys its achievements over the past thirty years. Around this central theme Peter Robertson presents a broader history of radio astronomy, describing its rapid rise to become the respected partner of traditional optical astronomy. The opening up of the radio window on the universe has been one of the most exciting developments in modern science. The technical achievements of the telescope outlined in Peter Robertson's very readable book will be accessible to a general audience. Readers will be fascinated by the lively account of the personalities, politics and controversy that lay behind the decision to build the Parkes Telescope. Since its completion in 1961, the telescope has contributed much to our knowledge of quasars, pulsars, masers, supernova remnants and molecular clouds, as well as the other unusual objects discovered in recent years. During the 1990s the telescope will continue to play a part in our quest to understand the origin and nature of the universe, and our place in it.
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