The Lost Constellations

A History of Obsolete, Extinct, or Forgotten Star Lore

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Physics, Astronomy, Other Sciences, History, Nature
Cover of the book The Lost Constellations by John C. Barentine, Springer International Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: John C. Barentine ISBN: 9783319227955
Publisher: Springer International Publishing Publication: October 23, 2015
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author: John C. Barentine
ISBN: 9783319227955
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Publication: October 23, 2015
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

Casual stargazers are familiar with many classical figures and asterisms composed of bright stars (e.g., Orion and the Plough), but this book reveals not just the constellations of today but those of yesteryear. The history of the human identification of constellations among the stars is explored through the stories of some influential celestial cartographers whose works determined whether new inventions survived. The history of how the modern set of 88 constellations was defined by the professional astronomy community is recounted, explaining how the constellations described in the book became permanently “extinct.”  Dr. Barentine addresses why some figures were tried and discarded, and also directs observers to how those figures can still be picked out on a clear night if one knows where to look. These lost constellations are described in great detail using historical references, enabling observers to rediscover them on their own surveys of the sky. Treatment of the obsolete constellations as extant features of the night sky adds a new dimension to stargazing that merges history with the accessibility and immediacy of the night sky.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Casual stargazers are familiar with many classical figures and asterisms composed of bright stars (e.g., Orion and the Plough), but this book reveals not just the constellations of today but those of yesteryear. The history of the human identification of constellations among the stars is explored through the stories of some influential celestial cartographers whose works determined whether new inventions survived. The history of how the modern set of 88 constellations was defined by the professional astronomy community is recounted, explaining how the constellations described in the book became permanently “extinct.”  Dr. Barentine addresses why some figures were tried and discarded, and also directs observers to how those figures can still be picked out on a clear night if one knows where to look. These lost constellations are described in great detail using historical references, enabling observers to rediscover them on their own surveys of the sky. Treatment of the obsolete constellations as extant features of the night sky adds a new dimension to stargazing that merges history with the accessibility and immediacy of the night sky.

More books from Springer International Publishing

Cover of the book Avant-garde Orientalism by John C. Barentine
Cover of the book Electronic Components and Systems for Automotive Applications by John C. Barentine
Cover of the book New Frontiers in Quantitative Methods in Informatics by John C. Barentine
Cover of the book Comparative Effectiveness in Surgical Oncology by John C. Barentine
Cover of the book International Commercial Arbitration and the Commercial Agency Directive by John C. Barentine
Cover of the book Advances in Human Factors, Business Management and Society by John C. Barentine
Cover of the book The Politics of Militant Group Survival in the Middle East by John C. Barentine
Cover of the book Information and Software Technologies by John C. Barentine
Cover of the book Resisting Violence by John C. Barentine
Cover of the book Wood Polymer Nanocomposites by John C. Barentine
Cover of the book Point-of-Care Tests for Severe Hemorrhage by John C. Barentine
Cover of the book Mathematical Modeling and Applications in Nonlinear Dynamics by John C. Barentine
Cover of the book The Storied Nature of Human Life by John C. Barentine
Cover of the book Engineering Aspects of Geologic CO2 Storage by John C. Barentine
Cover of the book Teaching Postdramatic Theatre by John C. Barentine
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy