{"product_id":"accidental-astronomy-how-random-discoveries-shape-the-science-of-space-9781541605411","title":"Accidental Astronomy: How Random Discoveries Shape the Science of Space","description":"\u003cb\u003eA \"riveting real-life \u003ci\u003eHitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy\" \u003c\/i\u003e(\u003ci\u003eThe Telegraph\u003c\/i\u003e), told \"with an engaging voice, a diverting sense of humor, and a humble awe for the wonders of the universe\" (\u003ci\u003eWall Street Journal\u003c\/i\u003e), shows why so much of astronomy comes down to looking up and lucking out\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e If you learn about the scientific method, you learn that first we hypothesize about something we've experienced, and then we look for more of it. This works well enough--but what if you are interested in studying a heretofore unknown comet or supernova? That is the essential problem of the astronomer: the most important discoveries happen without notice!  \u003cbr\u003e   \u003cbr\u003e Indeed, as Chris Lintott argues in \u003ci\u003eAccidental Astronomy\u003c\/i\u003e, luck defines astronomy. Lintott explores the ways in which happenstance shapes how we investigate the sky. To catch a glimpse of a comet, asteroid, or even a sign of alien life, we must be in the right place at the right time. And if we can't be there, we must have a team of professionals and amateurs, across the globe, ready to spring into action at a moment's--or a night's--notice. For any astronomer, regardless of their experience or resources, the first step to discovery is the same: to stare at the sky and wait.  \u003cbr\u003e   \u003cbr\u003e A celebration of astronomy, stargazing, and cosmic discovery, \u003ci\u003eAccidental Astronomy\u003c\/i\u003e offers an irresistible window into how luck defines our knowledge of the skies. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eChris Lintott \u003c\/b\u003eis a professor of astrophysics at the University of Oxford, after a stint at Adler Planetarium, Chicago, and the winner of the American Astronomical Society's prestigious Beatrice M. Tinsley Prize. He is best known as co-presenter of the BBC's long-running \u003ci\u003eSky at Night\u003c\/i\u003e program. He is the author of \u003ci\u003eThe Crowd and the Cosmos\u003c\/i\u003e and coauthor of \u003ci\u003eBang! \u003c\/i\u003eHe lives in Oxford, UK.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Basic Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50582362456338,"sku":"9781541605411","price":21.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_c9d332ad-5d13-4697-a41f-77ddf21ad5ad.jpg?v=1732020667","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/accidental-astronomy-how-random-discoveries-shape-the-science-of-space-9781541605411","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}