Overview

Written by one of the astronomers who 'lived the dream' of working there this book is a restrospectively expanded diary featuring the 'birth and long life' of what was a truely innovative telescope. Based on input received from people involved in its planning, building, operation, and many scientists who observed with it, the author tells this success story of The United Kingdom Infrared Telescope (UKIRT). Conceived in the mid 1970's as a cheap and cheerful light-bucket for the newly emerging field of infrared astronomy it has re-invented itself once a decade to remain at the forefront of infrared astronomy for more than 30 years. Even in 2012 / 2013, when ironically it faced almost certain closure, it remained one of the most scientifically productive telescopes in the world. Everybody, including amateur and professional astronomers, interested in real astronomy projects will enjoy reading that story and meet (again) the persons who lived it.

Full Product Details

Author:   John K. Davies
Publisher:   Springer International Publishing AG
Imprint:   Springer International Publishing AG
Edition:   Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 2016
Dimensions:   Width: 15.50cm , Height: 1.50cm , Length: 23.50cm
Weight:   0.454kg
ISBN:  

9783319795034

ISBN 10:   3319795031
Pages:   264
Publication Date:   30 March 2018
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Manufactured on demand  
We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier.

Table of Contents

Conception.- Design and Planning.- The Project Advances.- To Hawaii.- Making It Work.-  Early Operations 1980-1981.- Consolidation 1982-1985.- IRCAM:The beginning of the Array Revolution.- Cooled grating Spectrographs.- Changes at the Top.- Upgrading the telescope for the 21st century.- Restructuring ( 1995).- ORAC It pipes, therefore it is. 1996-2000.- Michelle (95-2004).- Departures 2000-2002.- Flexible Scheduling and the OMP 2001-2003.- UIST 2000-2009.- The new era of Wide-field Astronomy at UKIRT.- Into A Third decade.- UKIRT under threat.- Battle for Survival.- The Axe Falls.- Epilogue.

Reviews

Author Information

John K. Davies is staff astronomer at the UK Astronomy Technology Centre (UKATC) in Edinburgh. Before that he was a support astronomer for the UK Infrared Telescope (UKIRT) in Hawaii. He is helping to organize a European Network called OPTICON and also does research on comets and asteroids. Over the years he has also been involved in building and operating astronomical satellites, flight testing fighter aeroplanes and doing chemistry.

Tab Content 6

Author Website:  

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

No review item found!

Add your own review!

Countries Available

All regions