First published 2002
Timothy Ferris celebrates the night sky and documents how amateur astronomers around the world now contribute to scientific discovery. He travels from England and Italy to the Florida Keys and Chilean Andes, reporting on how the Internet connects backyard stargazers who explore deep space alongside professionals. Ferris shares his own experiences as a lifelong observer and explains what awaits anyone who looks up, from Saturn's rings to ancient quasar light older than Earth itself. He demonstrates that astronomy welcomes everyone since it requires only stepping outside with a star chart on a dark night. Binoculars reveal galaxies millions of light-years distant, while small telescopes probe what he calls the blue waters of deep space. The book includes star charts, observing guides, and practical advice for getting started. Ferris argues that the universe belongs to all people and can fill lives with beauty, reason, and wonder equal to any found in music, art, or poetry.
Genres: science, non-fiction, astronomy, science-nature
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family
Setting: Chile, England, Florida Keys, Italy
379 pages · Hardcover · Simon & Schuster