Rare Astronomical Sights and Sounds

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-v

   PDF

2. Introduction: From the Past, into the Present, and onto the Future

   • Jonathan Powell

   Pages 1-5

3. The Many Wonders of the Cosmos

   • Jonathan Powell

   Pages 7-20

4. Archaeoastronomy Part I

   • Jonathan Powell

   Pages 21-40

5. Archaeoastronomy Part II

   • Jonathan Powell

   Pages 41-60

6. Observation and Equipment

   • Jonathan Powell

   Pages 61-76

7. The More Obscure Sights

   • Jonathan Powell

   Pages 77-90

8. The Time, the Place

   • Jonathan Powell

   Pages 91-104

9. Atmospheric Factors and Features

   • Jonathan Powell

   Pages 105-130

10. The Noisy Universe

    • Jonathan Powell

    Pages 131-151

11. Theoretical Part I

    • Jonathan Powell

    Pages 153-170

12. Theoretical Part II

    • Jonathan Powell

    Pages 171-193

13. Back Matter

    Pages 195-219

    PDF

​The universe contains many unusual sights and sounds, most of which are either very difficult to witness or simply go unnoticed. With the right tools, time, and location, some of the often talked about but seldom seen and heard gems in our skies can finally be observed.

This book introduces readers to the rare and ephemeral happenings above our heads. It offers a crash course in astronomical history, detailing the observations, assumptions, and inventions of different cultures over time as they turned their studies to the stars. Using this as a baseline to redefine truly "rare" occurrences, Jonathan Powell then provides modern-day astronomers at all levels with pointers for what they can witness and when. 


From phenomena as old and far-off as a supernova witnessed a thousand years ago, and as recent and nearby as Sputnik's famous beeping, this book covers everything that one must know to see, hear, and appreciate the astronomical events happening around us.

• Astronomy of the universe
• Cosmos in practical astronomy
• Observational astronomy
• Telescope astronomy
• Archaeoastronomy
• Astronomical diversions
• Unusual daytime phenomena
• See astronomical phenomena
• Hear astronomical phenomena

Selected by Choice magazine as an Outstanding Academic Title for 2019

“This is an excellent book for those interested in what is going on in the universe without delving into too much detail. Interestingly enough, Powell concludes by reiterating what Haldane said nearly a century before. … Summing Up: Highly recommended. All libraries.” (C. G. Wood, Choice, Vol. 526 (8), April, 2019)

• Ebbw Vale, UK

  Jonathan Powell

Jonathan Powell is a native of South Wales. With an interest in astronomy and related subjects since the late 1970’s, Jonathan has written for UK national astronomical magazines, and broadcast on the topic at both the regional and national level for BBC Radio, dating back to 1985. Jonathan also took part in a BBC Radio 4 documentary series on meteorites. He has been secretary of his local astronomical society for the past 20 years and is the British Astronomical Association’s "Campaign for Dark Skies" county officer. A former member of the Association for Astronomy Education – which encouraged and promoted astronomy among the young – he also headed up "SpaceQuest," an educational lecture tool, which toured schools with a two hour presentation on astronomy. His publications include three articles in Astronomy Now magazine. He has written a book about castles in South and West Wales, Fortress Wales, and articles on observational astronomy publishedin astronomical society newsletters. 

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