Unveiling Galaxies
The Role of Images in Astronomical Discovery

A thought provoking study of the powerful impact of images in guiding astronomers' understanding of galaxies through time.

Jean-René Roy (Author)

9781108417013, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 12 October 2017

292 pages, 92 b/w illus. 16 colour illus. 1 table
25.3 x 17.7 x 1.9 cm, 0.79 kg

'Noted Canadian astronomer Jean-René Roy assumes a dual role of science writer and historian to create Unveiling Galaxies. He chronicles the history and study of galaxy images, from the hand-drawn sketches of early telescopic observers to modern-day digital images obtained using the Hubble Space Telescope and the latest generation of ground-based giant reflectors. … Roy is most concerned with atlases of galaxies and how they are used, especially in classifying galaxy types. In this area, the work of 20th-century astronomers - notably Edwin Hubble and Allan Sandage - is discussed in depth. A second central theme of the text is how galaxy types may inform the ways in which galaxies evolve. … Roy consulted a vast array of published sources, extending well beyond the astrophysics literature and quotes from personal correspondence with many consulting experts. The book comes equipped with an excellent bibliography and a fine index.' S. P. Maran, Choice

Galaxies are known as the building blocks of the universe, but arriving at this understanding has been a thousand-year odyssey. This journey is told through the lens of the evolving use of images as investigative tools. Initial chapters explore how early insights developed in line with new methods of scientific imaging, particularly photography. The volume then explores the impact of optical, radio and x-ray imaging techniques. The final part of the story discusses the importance of atlases of galaxies; how astronomers organised images in ways that educated, promoted ideas and pushed for new knowledge. Images that created confusion as well as advanced knowledge are included to demonstrate the challenges faced by astronomers and the long road to understanding galaxies. By examining developments in imaging, this text places the study of galaxies in its broader historical context, contributing to both astronomy and the history of science.

Introduction
Part I. Images and the Cosmos: 1. Viewing heavenly mist
2. Portraying cosmic whirlpools
3. Taking celestial snapshots to photographing the realm of Galaxies
4. Picturing 'nebulae' for the mind
Part II. Images as Galaxy Discovery Engines: 5. The one-thousand years journey
6. Galaxies in focus
7. A symphony of waves
8. Imaging the invisible
Part III. Organizing the World of Galaxies: 9. The Galaxy classification play-off
10. Atlases of Galaxies, picturing island-universes
11. Galaxy Atlases viewed by their users
Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Popular astronomy & space [WNX], Astronomy, space & time [PG], History of science [PDX]