Week 2 – Astronomers

Books for Adults DB 57262 Seeing in the Dark: How Backyard Stargazers are Probing Deep Space and Guarding Earth Interplanetary Peril by Timothy Ferris Science writer, inspired by a lifetime of stargazing, chronicles the professional-level contributions of amateur astronomers. Emphasizes their vital role in watching the skies for Near Earth Objects, and explains how advances in technology have made astronomy an accessible hobby. Includes charts, observation guides, and tips for the novice. 2002.

DB 83453 Stargazer’s Sister by Carrie Brown Caroline Herschel's brother William, a composer and astronomer, rescues her from a life of poverty in Germany to serve as his assistant and manager of his household in England. She also helps in his scientific research, but William's plan to marry alters her world. Descriptions of sex. Commercial audiobook. 2015.

DB 85681 Galileo: A Very Short Introduction by Stillman Drake Science professor argues that the Catholic Church, in condemning Galileo by its Roman Inquisition in 1633, turned its back on him, but he never rejected the Church. Galileo strove for scientific inquiry's freedom from subservience to philosophy and theology. Drake uses Galileo's writings to elucidate conflicts with contemporaries. 1980.

Week 2 – Astronomers

Books for Kids and Teens

DB 55175 Copernicus: Founder of Modern Astronomy by Catherine M. Andronik Biography of Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543), born in Poland during the Renaissance. As a scientist who studied the skies, he developed the theory, since proved, that the Earth revolves around the Sun. Includes four science activities. For grades 4-7. 2002.

DB 85059 Maria Mitchell by Anna Butzer Explores the life of Maria Mitchell (1818-1889), the first female astronomer in the United States and discoverer of a comet. For preschool-grade 2. 2015.

DB 45666 American Astronomer: Searchers and Wonderers by Carole Ann Camp Profiles the lives of ten Americans who observed the heavens and made major contributions to the science of astronomy. Includes pioneer comet-discoverer Maria Mitchell, telescope designer George Hale, and Carl Sagan, who popularized science for many Americans. For grades 5-8.

DB 60727 Benjamin Banneker: Astronomer and Mathematician by Laura Baskes Litwin Biography of eighteenth-century African American freeman who at age fifty-seven taught himself the complex mathematics and astronomy used to survey land. Relates his experiences surveying Washington, D.C., publishing almanacs, and corresponding with Thomas Jefferson. Describes his role as an early African American intellectual. For grades 6-9. 1999.