The Moon
Bill LeatherbarrowMoon provides an illuminating insight into the history and evolution of this enthralling astronomical body. Bill Leatherbarrow describes how and why the study of the Moon has evolved, particularly in the age of the telescope, and offers an overview of lunar science since the advent of the space age. Leatherbarrow also provides practical advice on how to make your own observations of the Moon.
Our nearest celestial neighbour, the Moon, has always been the most conspicuous feature in our night sky. It has compelled observers since the dawn of humankind, and all have tried to make sense in their own ways of the puzzles it poses and the questions it raises. It provided our ancient ancestors with one of the earliest means of keeping and measuring time, and many early religions had cults that worshipped the Moon. It regulates the tides and has been held accountable for numerous human conditions, most notably madness and psychological disorders.
Drawing on many years of practical observation, Bill Leatherbarrow provides an illuminating insight into the history and evolution of this enthralling astronomical body. He describes how and why the study of the Moon has evolved, particularly in the age of the telescope, and offers an overview of developments in lunar science since the advent of the space age. Leatherbarrow also provides practical advice on how to make your own observations of the Moon. Extensively illustrated with images of the lunar surface, The Moon is an accessible introduction that will appeal to both amateur and professional astronomers and all those fascinated by Earth's natural satellite.
Moon provides an illuminating insight into the history and evolution of this enthralling astronomical body. Bill Leatherbarrow describes how and why the study of the Moon has evolved, particularly in the age of the telescope, and offers an overview of lunar science since the advent of the space age. Leatherbarrow also provides practical advice on how to make your own observations of the Moon.
Our nearest celestial neighbour, the Moon, has always been the most conspicuous feature in our night sky. It has compelled observers since the dawn of humankind, and all have tried to make sense in their own ways of the puzzles it poses and the questions it raises. It provided our ancient ancestors with one of the earliest means of keeping and measuring time, and many early religions had cults that worshipped the Moon. It regulates the tides and has been held accountable for numerous human conditions, most notably madness and psychological disorders.
Drawing on many years of practical observation, Bill Leatherbarrow provides an illuminating insight into the history and evolution of this enthralling astronomical body. He describes how and why the study of the Moon has evolved, particularly in the age of the telescope, and offers an overview of developments in lunar science since the advent of the space age. Leatherbarrow also provides practical advice on how to make your own observations of the Moon. Extensively illustrated with images of the lunar surface, The Moon is an accessible introduction that will appeal to both amateur and professional astronomers and all those fascinated by Earth's natural satellite.
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2018 Outstanding Academic Title
'Choice
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Bill Leatherbarrow, a former President of the British Astronomical Association, has written a highly readable account of the Moon and humanity’s relationship with it.
'BBC Sky at Night Magazine
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A remarkably engaging and lucid narrative. . . . The Moon is an excellent example of science writing at its finest. Highly recommended.
'Choice
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The Moon has fascinated humans since ancient times. In this brief history of lunar science, amateur astronomer Leatherbarrow discusses how human understanding and knowledge of the Moon has progressed from the earliest observations with the naked eye to an increasingly more sophisticated understanding with the invention of the telescope and the advent of space travel. Nicely illustrated with drawings, maps, and photographs, the book ends with a chapter extolling the virtues of backyard astronomy and detailing the necessary equipment, the lunar features to look for, and the benefits of citizen science.
'Physics Today
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As Leatherbarrow’s beautifully illustrated new book makes clear, the moon still holds surprises. Wonderfully produced by Reaktion Books, The Moon takes readers through the various stages of humanity’s curiosity about the moon.
'Christian Science Monitor
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A respected planetary observer since the 1960s, Bill Leatherbarrow’s concise account reflects his deep understanding of the development of lunar science. This book is a “must-have” for all observers and students of the Moon.
'Martin Mobberley, President of the British Astronomical Association from 1997 to 1999
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Bill Leatherbarrow has provided a fascinating look at the history of both the Moon and how it has been observed, following up that information with numerous tips on how to observe the Moon and understand the complexities of the features that you will be looking at yourself. I highly recommend this book to anyone of any level of lunar observing skill.
'Robert A. Garfinkle, FRAS
Professor Bill Leatherbarrow is a life-long amateur astronomer and observer of the Moon. A former President of the British Astronomical Association (2011–13), he is currently Director of the association’s Lunar Section. He is the author and editor of over a dozen books and in 2016 minor planet 95852 was named after him by the International Astronomical Union.