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Title:  Glimpsing An Invisible Universe - The Emergence of X-Ray Astronomy

Author: Richard F. Hirsh
Edition: 1st paperback printing
ISBN: 0-521-31232-9
Date: 1983/1985
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Binding: Soft Cover
Size approximately (inches): 6 x 9
Pages: 186

Book Condition: Good. Previously owned. 

Special Notes: NA

About the book*

Glimpsing an Invisible Universe: The Emergence of X-Ray Astronomy by Richard F. Hirsh offers a comprehensive historical account of the early development of X-ray astronomy, tracing its evolution from the late 1950s through the early 1970s. The book begins with the groundbreaking discovery of high-energy X-ray emissions from beyond our solar system, marking the inception of a new astronomical field.

Chapter list for Glimpsing an Invisible Universe: The Emergence of X-ray Astronomy by Richard F. Hirsh:

📖 Table of Contents

• Acknowledgements

• Introduction

Part I: The Scientific, Technological, and Political Environments

1. The Heritage of X-ray Astronomy

2. The Political Environment

3. First Fruit

Part II: The X-ray Astronomy Community

4. Competition and Confirmation

5. 'A Major Area Within Astronomy'

6. Migrants and Money

Part III: Resolving the Central Problem

7. Of Mechanisms and a Model

8. Research Programs

9. More Problems, New Lines of Research

10. Uhuru

Part IV: Epilogue

11. Success and Frustration

• Appendices

  1. Statistics on Scientists

  2. Experimental Groups in Nonsolar X-ray Astronomy

  3. Technical Discussion

• Bibliographic Note on Unpublished Sources

• Notes

• Index

This structured layout provides a comprehensive overview of the book's content, detailing the evolution of X-ray astronomy and the various factors influencing its development.

Hirsh delves into the scientific, technological, and political landscapes that facilitated the rise of X-ray astronomy. He examines how advancements in technology and shifts in public policy played pivotal roles in advancing the discipline. The narrative highlights three significant transformations within astronomy during this period:

1. The expansion beyond traditional optical observations to include X-ray data.

2. The increasing reliance on federal funding as the primary source of financial support for astronomical research.

3. The substantial growth and restructuring of the research community involved in astronomical studies.

The book also provides insights into the challenges and debates among scientists as they sought to understand the mechanisms behind celestial X-ray emissions. A notable milestone discussed is the launch of the Uhuru satellite in 1970, which significantly advanced the field by providing comprehensive X-ray data from space.

Structured into four parts, the book covers the scientific and political environments, the formation of the X-ray astronomy community, efforts to resolve central scientific questions, and an epilogue reflecting on the successes and ongoing challenges in the field. Supplementary materials include appendices with statistics on scientists, details of experimental groups, technical discussions, and notes on unpublished sources.

This revised paperback edition, published by Cambridge University Press in 1985, spans 196 pages and is tailored for readers interested in the intersection of science, technology, and policy in the evolution of modern astronomy.

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*AI is used to present some modern description content. Subject to review and possible inaccuracy.