Description
Master of Galactic Astronomy: A Biography of Jan Hendrik Oort, 1st ed. 2021
Springer Biographies Series
Language: EnglishSubjects for Master of Galactic Astronomy: A Biography of Jan Hendrik...:
Keywords
Jan Hendrik Oort biography; Oort Cloud comets; Oort constants; Galactic rotation; Radio astronomy of the Milky Way; Galactic Structure; Leiden Observatory; Spiral structure of Milky Way; European Southern Observatory (ESO); 21-cm line; Westerbork radio telescope; Dwingeloo radio telescope; 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko; interstellar comet
Publication date: 05-2022
356 p. · 15.5x23.5 cm · Paperback
Publication date: 12-2020
356 p. · 15.5x23.5 cm · Hardback
Description
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This accessible and entertaining biography chronicles the life and triumphs of astronomer Jan Hendrik Oort, who helped lay the foundations of modern astronomy in the 20th century. The book puts into context some of Oort's most significant achievements, including his discovery that the Milky Way rotates, as well as his famous hypothesis that our Solar System is surrounded by a reservoir of comets ? now simply known as the Oort Cloud.
Written by Oort?s former student, this fascinating story also delves into Oort?s pivotal role in the foundation of major astronomical facilities, including radio telescopes in the Netherlands and the European Southern Observatory (ESO), which now operates the most successful astronomical observatories in the world.
The book draws extensively on new archival research through the Oort Archives, along with personal reminiscences by Oort?s son and astronomer-grandson, to paint a more detailed picture of Oort?s life not just as an astronomer, but also as a husband, father, and citizen. The strong public interest in comets triggered by the Rosetta mission to comet 67P/Churyumov?Gerasimenko and the recently discovered interstellar comet in the Solar System make this book particularly timely.Biography of one of the most influential astronomers of the 20th century
Written by Oort’s former student for a general audience interested in the history of astronomy
Based on new research in the Oort Archives