SAO Project 54 Information
Project #54. The Dawn of Multi-wavelength Astronomy
For thousands of years, all observational astronomy was carried out at optical wavelengths. All this changed in the 20th century, however, when astronomers realised that celestial objects radiate in all parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. Discuss the history of either radio or X-ray astronomy. To get high marks, you will need to explain the developments which led to the birth of the field you have chosen, and to discuss the discoveries and advances in our understanding which this field has made possible. (Not to be taken if you have previously completed Project 67 Cultural Influences on Radio Astronomy Development.)Below I list some web sites and reference books to get you started. The books are not to be regarded as "must buy". They are not required reading for each project, because there is no required reading! I list well known books that I hope can be found in libraries.
I am happy to comment on a summary of what you intend to do (in fact please send me a summary as soon as possible so I know you are on track).
Caution! The Internet
Internet search engines are listed below the Projects. A word of warning/caution to users of Internet/Web resources. Just because information is on a Web page, doesn't mean that it is correct. After a while you will be able to identify the more reputable sites (eg. most .edu, .ac sites). Check the credentials of the author of the site. Has the web site been updated lately? Does it agree with other (non-Internet) information?The truth is out there, but so is a lot of rubbish!
ADF Multiwavelength Milky Way Education Page
Book: Michael Hoskin, Cambridge Concise History of Astronomy, Cambridge University Press, 1999 or Michael Hoskin, Cambridge Illustrated History of Astronomy, Cambridge University Press, 1997
Book: The Astronomy and Astrophysics Encyclopedia, Stephen P. Maran (Editor) ISBN: 0-471-28941-8 Hardcover 1002 Pages October 1991
Astronomy Resources
Resource Lists * Astronomical Resources on the World Wide Web: A Guide to Surfing
Internet Search Engines
Google * HotBot * MetaCrawler
General References
CNN Space * Astronomy * Sky and Telescope * Scientific American * Mercury * New Scientist * New Scientist Astronomy Links
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Last updated: 1-Apr.-2003