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The Last Stargazers: The Enduring Story of Astronomy's Vanishing Explorers by Emily Levesque
bookpilerjo's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
niecierpek's review
4.5
About astronomers and their telescopes Now and through the ages, or more accurately recent one hundred years. The last astronomers because one doesn’t need to be present when the telescope is observing- data comes to you wherever you are. Some interesting things about telescopes and astronomer culture. I found it quite compelling, but was slightly disappointed we didn’t learn anything about red giants- Emily’s subject.
naewuvs's review against another edition
it’s somewhere under my bed and i’m too lazy to get it back.
rdebner's review against another edition
5.0
A fascinating and accessible read about how the work of astronomy is done and about the people who dedicate their professionals lives to the work. Well-organized, well-written, and funny, this book is a great primer on what it means to be an astronomer.
koby's review against another edition
2.0
I tried so hard to appreciate this, but it was boring. Soooome fun facts about being an astronomer, I guess, but nothing compelling. All I can really recall is what I felt was an insensitive attitude toward Hawaiians who don't want an observatory in a sacred place. Maybe if this book was half as long?
galaxies's review against another edition
4.0
In The Last Stargazers Levesque provides an exciting look at the history of astronomy in the last half century and the breathtaking progress that has been made since.
When I began the book I wasn't familiar with recent history of astronomy. Most of my knowledge was gleaned from TV shows and science fiction movies which isn't all that accurate most of the time for entertainment purposes. I enjoyed Levesque recounting events, mishaps and adventures not just in the last 60-70 years but also going farther back in history. I've learned a lot about the finer points of astronomy, how imaging the night sky used to work and how it works at this moment in time. Something I also appreciated was that she talked a bit about the investments in science (and especially astronomy), how it has to be balanced with other demands on earth but also why it makes sense.
Levesque knows how to engage the reader and has them racing through the book, eager to read the next piece of history or funny or weird story she might tell. Never dull, always with a little sprinkling of humour.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about space and particularly astronomy.
Disclaimer: I was provided an advanced reader copy by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
When I began the book I wasn't familiar with recent history of astronomy. Most of my knowledge was gleaned from TV shows and science fiction movies which isn't all that accurate most of the time for entertainment purposes. I enjoyed Levesque recounting events, mishaps and adventures not just in the last 60-70 years but also going farther back in history. I've learned a lot about the finer points of astronomy, how imaging the night sky used to work and how it works at this moment in time. Something I also appreciated was that she talked a bit about the investments in science (and especially astronomy), how it has to be balanced with other demands on earth but also why it makes sense.
Levesque knows how to engage the reader and has them racing through the book, eager to read the next piece of history or funny or weird story she might tell. Never dull, always with a little sprinkling of humour.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about space and particularly astronomy.
Disclaimer: I was provided an advanced reader copy by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
zuzana_be's review against another edition
5.0
You know those memes: what people think I do, what I really do ? This book is the meme.
Emily Levesque is an astronomy professor studying how biggest stars evolve and die. She has a lot of experience in the field of astronomy, lot of stories to tell and fortunately use brilliant language to tell them.
I smirked a lot, use Google a lot, daydreamed about universe a lot. Astronomy is a wonderful life choice but don't
idealize it. It may sound romantic but observing is (used to be) adventurous job (speaking of tarantulas, lightning bolts, awful hurricanes, dangerous bridges - you name it). Studying hundreds of pages of signals & codes isn't fun neither. But still, to be at the top of the mountain in the observatory, looking at the sky with million of stars, can't say I wouldn't do it. It was quite an easy fun read even if you don't know anything about astronomy.
I can say without any regret that this was one of the best books I read this year. This version was only e-book but I definitely wants to buy a hardcover. And if Emily wants to write something else in the future, just check me in.
Emily Levesque is an astronomy professor studying how biggest stars evolve and die. She has a lot of experience in the field of astronomy, lot of stories to tell and fortunately use brilliant language to tell them.
I smirked a lot, use Google a lot, daydreamed about universe a lot. Astronomy is a wonderful life choice but don't
idealize it. It may sound romantic but observing is (used to be) adventurous job (speaking of tarantulas, lightning bolts, awful hurricanes, dangerous bridges - you name it). Studying hundreds of pages of signals & codes isn't fun neither. But still, to be at the top of the mountain in the observatory, looking at the sky with million of stars, can't say I wouldn't do it. It was quite an easy fun read even if you don't know anything about astronomy.
I can say without any regret that this was one of the best books I read this year. This version was only e-book but I definitely wants to buy a hardcover. And if Emily wants to write something else in the future, just check me in.
hhenroid's review against another edition
4.0
Wonderful exploration of the past, present, and future approach to astronomy. Full of anecdotes showing real people’s experience in the field. Funny, insightful, and informative! Learned a lot and laughed a lot!
Definitely recommend to anyone interested in the stars, or just science in general.
Definitely recommend to anyone interested in the stars, or just science in general.