The Haunted Observatory: Curiosities from the Astronomer's Cabinet

In pushing back the frontiers in any science, many phenomena may be observed that are difficult to explain in light of contemporary thought. Also, instruments that are used are often pushed beyond their specified limits such that the data obtained could be interpreted a bit too subjectively, and thus perhaps differently by different researchers. Astronomy is no exception. In this intriguing book, that spans the last few centuries, the author recounts several such instances - certain astronomical observations were made but were very difficult to correctly interpret at the time. Examples include: apparent polar ice caps on Venus, a possible ring observed around Neptune, the search for moons in orbit around our moon, occasional comet-like features of Venus, etc. The writing style is clear, authoritative, quite detailed, often technical yet frequently quite engaging. Direct quotations from the individuals involved are quite numerous throughout. The book is composed of a series of essays, earlier versions of some being published in 1973. Because of its rather technical nature (i.e., astronomical jargon, celestial coordinates, etc.), this book is likely to be appreciated the most by astronomers (armchair, amateur and professional), as well as science buffs; however, general readers can learn much from this book without dwelling too much on the nitty-gritty details. A short but useful glossary of technical terms is included.

Major astronomical discoveries have their histories in many popular books for lay readers - but what about oddities and spectral 'ghosts' that have led scientists to different conclusions over the decades? Astronomer Richard Baum provides a lively survey of these wonders and ideas in The Haunted Observatory: Curiosities from the Astronomer's Cabinet, from the legendary 'mountains of Venus' to strange objects seen near the sun. These legends, speculations and science ideas which proved faulty are as intriguing as the astronomical theories which stood the test of time, and provide both college-level students of astronomy and lay readers alike with a vivid exploration recommended both for general-interest and school collections.

This is a truly excellent book, an amazingly fascinating 'read' for anyone interested in astronomy. The book moves right along in an enjoyable way and provides an excellent insight to many areas of astonomy and astonomers that otherwise would be unknown. Well worth the modest price and highly enjoyable!