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Title:  Revealing The Universe The Making Of The Chandra X-Ray Observatory

Author: Wallace Tucker and Karen Tucker
Edition: NA
ISBN: 0-674-00497-3
Date: 2001
Publisher: Harvard University Press
Binding: Hard Cover
Size approximately (inches): 6-1/2 x 9-1/2
Pages: 295

Book Condition: Good. Previously owned. Former library copy in nice shape with the clear cover. Usual library pockets, stamps, etc. Some smudging on page edges.

Special Notes: NA

About the book*

Revealing the Universe: The Making of the Chandra X-ray Observatory by Wallace and Karen Tucker offers an in-depth narrative of the conception, development, and launch of NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory. Spanning nearly three decades, the book chronicles the journey from the initial proposal in the early 1970s to the successful deployment of Chandra aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1999. 

Chapter List

Introduction – The Dream of a Large X-ray Observatory

1. High-Energy Vision

2. Invisible Light

3. Light Quanta

4. The Birth of X-ray Astronomy

5. X-ray Stars

6. The Uhuru Years

7. The Einstein Observatory

A New Concept and a New Start

8. Ready for the Job

9. Blazing the Trail

10. Jockeying for Position

11. The Great Observatories

12. The Belmont Retreat

13. Progress and Setbacks

The Mirror Challenge

14. The Challenge Is Set

15. The Challenge Is Met

Restructuring

16. A Bruising Lesson

17. Conflict and Compromise

Building an Observatory

18. Grinding, Polishing, and Coating the Mirrors

19. The Mirror Assembly

20. Calibration

21. The Scientific Instruments

22. An Observatory and a Name

Looking over Galileo's Shoulder

23. Launch

24. Activation

25. First Light

26. The Exploration Begins

Supplementary Sections

• Bibliographical Notes

• Acknowledgments

• Index

The authors, both affiliated with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, provide a detailed account of the technical challenges and political hurdles encountered during the project's evolution. They delve into the complexities of designing and constructing the observatory's high-precision mirrors and instruments, highlighting the collaborative efforts of industry leaders such as TRW, Eastman Kodak, and Hughes Danbury Optical Systems. 

Beyond the technical aspects, the book sheds light on the human element of the mission, portraying the dedication and perseverance of the scientists, engineers, and administrators who brought Chandra to fruition. It also examines the broader implications of the observatory's discoveries, which have significantly advanced our understanding of high-energy phenomena in the universe, including black holes, supernova remnants, and dark matter.

Revealing the Universe serves as both a historical record and an inspiring tale of scientific ambition, illustrating the intricate interplay between innovation, determination, and the quest to explore the cosmos.

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From W5SWL

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