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Reviews
The Last Stargazers: The Enduring Story of Astronomy's Vanishing Explorers by Emily Levesque
a_dot_thom's review against another edition
Listened while running and was too jumpy, not enough over arching narrative for me to click in while running
drerinmac's review against another edition
5.0
A phenomenal book; as an astrophysicist, this book was filled with nostalgia. Any time I'm asked what it's like to be an astronomer, I will give them this book.
jolierice99's review against another edition
4.0
This was a super cool collection of stories about a profession I thought I knew something about but actually knew nothing. Step one: real telescopes actually don't look like telescopes and are referred too baby the size of their mirror, isn't that so cool? Anyways, this book made me feel so smart, even thought I didn't understand all the sciencey bits, it's a super cool insight to a tiny part of our world that looks at the infiniteness of the universe!
annalisenak97's review
4.0
I was a little intimidated by this book when I first picked it up. Quantum physics?? Explaining the inner workings and science behind telescopes to me, an English major?? Levesque accomplishes the feat of not only writing about these things accessibly, but also in such a warm, personable, and funny way. She tackles questions I've never thought to ask about astronomy, depicts astronomers as human (which like . . . Seems obvious) and goofy, and shares the wonder of this profession with her readers. This was really fascinating and now I'm really excited for the next total solar eclipse.
arielamandah's review against another edition
4.0
Loved it. Great stories, fun science, fascinating prompts for further thinking.
bentohbox's review against another edition
4.0
Just going to disclaim by saying that the writing style (as I've mentioned in other reviews) is not by any means my favorite.
That being said, this was a great book. Humorous, quaint, emotional, and humanizing. Levesque does an incredible job of detailing the developments of modern astronomy in the most accessible fashion, making it not so much a summation as a journey in and of itself. This is a book you go into not knowing quite what to expect and come out of knowing far more than you could have asked for. The tropes and concepts broken down, alongside the many theories and day-to-day challenges, present an entertaining and informative read, especially for people like myself who can do little more than admire the stars when they're visible above the light pollution many of us live in. There are cute moments that will move you, entertaining, Chaplin-esque situations that will make you laugh, and serious, scientific inquiry that will make you think in ways you've never considered about stellar observation.
It may not be on my "Read Again" list at the moment, but I do think it's worth a read. You won't regret it by any means.
That being said, this was a great book. Humorous, quaint, emotional, and humanizing. Levesque does an incredible job of detailing the developments of modern astronomy in the most accessible fashion, making it not so much a summation as a journey in and of itself. This is a book you go into not knowing quite what to expect and come out of knowing far more than you could have asked for. The tropes and concepts broken down, alongside the many theories and day-to-day challenges, present an entertaining and informative read, especially for people like myself who can do little more than admire the stars when they're visible above the light pollution many of us live in. There are cute moments that will move you, entertaining, Chaplin-esque situations that will make you laugh, and serious, scientific inquiry that will make you think in ways you've never considered about stellar observation.
It may not be on my "Read Again" list at the moment, but I do think it's worth a read. You won't regret it by any means.
sburchart's review against another edition
5.0
A really interesting look at how the field of astronomy has evolved over the past century and giving a good understanding of just what it is that astronomers do. Reminded me of my astronomy phase when I was younger and made me interested in learning more about it again as a hobby.
hannahw626's review against another edition
3.0
A really nice snapshot into astronomers lives with some really funny anecdotes. Writing could have been a little better though.