Author Description

These books give two quite different perspectives on astronomical instrumentation. Infinite Vistas, based mostly on a series of public lectures, consists of chapters by professional astronomers on major new astronomical instruments under construction, planned, or hoped for. From radio waves to gamma rays, they cover the full range of the electromagnetic spectrum, summarizing recent progress, detailing planned new equipment, and explaining research problems to be resolved in the future. Individual contributions are well written and fit together unusually well to form a coherent treatise. Given the key role of instrumentation in the dramatic progress of 20th-century astronomy, the volume provides an exciting peek at the next two decades. Readers do not need advanced training to enjoy this work, although some prior knowledge of astronomy and physics might be useful. Berry's book contains detailed instructions for amateurs wishing to construct small optical telescopes. It provides photographs and plans for five specific telescopes four reflectors of differing sizes and styles and one refractor. Several other chapters explain telescope construction and general use. The author is an experienced constructor of, and writer on, telescopes.