{"product_id":"accidental-astronomy-how-random-discoveries-shape-the-science-of-space-9781541605411","title":"Accidental Astronomy: How Random Discoveries Shape the Science of Space","description":"\u003cb\u003eA \"riveting real-life \u003ci\u003eHitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy\" \u003c\/i\u003e(\u003ci\u003eThe Telegraph\u003c\/i\u003e) and \"whirlwind tour of wondrous celestial phenomena\" (\u003ci\u003eThe Idler\u003c\/i\u003e) shows why so much of astronomy comes down to looking up and lucking out\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e If you learn about the scientific method, you learn that first we hypothesize about something we've experienced, and then we look for more of it. This works well enough--but what if you are interested in studying a heretofore unknown comet or supernova? That is the essential problem of the astronomer: the most important discoveries happen without notice!  \u003cbr\u003e   \u003cbr\u003e Indeed, as Chris Lintott argues in \u003ci\u003eAccidental Astronomy\u003c\/i\u003e, luck defines astronomy. Lintott explores the ways in which happenstance shapes how we investigate the sky. To catch a glimpse of a comet, asteroid, or even a sign of alien life, we must be in the right place at the right time. And if we can't be there, we must have a team of professionals and amateurs, across the globe, ready to spring into action at a moment's--or a night's--notice. For any astronomer, regardless of their experience or resources, the first step to discovery is the same: to stare at the sky and wait.  \u003cbr\u003e   \u003cbr\u003e A celebration of astronomy, stargazing, and cosmic discovery, \u003ci\u003eAccidental Astronomy\u003c\/i\u003e offers an irresistible window into how luck defines our knowledge of the skies. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBinding Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Hardcover\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Basic Books\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 06\/11\/2024\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN:\u003c\/b\u003e 9781541605411\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 320\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview Citations: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003ci\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/i\u003e 04\/15\/2024\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Chris Lintott","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43972190634165,"sku":"9781541605411","price":25.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0473\/0804\/6492\/files\/img_2642f667-74e6-40ce-a0b4-0260c01e87b4.jpg?v=1713282518","url":"https:\/\/pastforward.org\/products\/accidental-astronomy-how-random-discoveries-shape-the-science-of-space-9781541605411","provider":"Past Forward","version":"1.0","type":"link"}