Review by Booklist Review
A potentially crushing moment for aspiring astronomers might be when they learn that, in reality, most of these scientists' time is spent looking at a computer screen. Although this entry in the consistently top-notch Scientists in the Field series remains honest about less-than-glamorous aspects of the featured career, its enthusiastic approach will bring even disillusioned stargazers right back into the fold. Focusing on astronomer Alex Filippenko and his work at some of the world's most sophisticated astronomical facilities, the book illustrates his contagious excitement about his field. It also focuses on viscerally fascinating celestial subjects: supernovae, dark energy, and black holes. These are fairly complex matters, but Jackson's treatment makes them accessible through reasoned explanations and comparisons, helpful diagrams, and, of course, dazzling photographs of the universe's most awesome spectacles. Splitting its attention evenly between the scientist and his field, this handsomely designed volume displays the joys of being fascinated by one's work in a way that will encourage students to seek similar professional satisfaction for themselves.--Chipman, Ian Copyright 2008 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 4-6-Ranging farther afield than any other entry in an exemplary series, this introduction to astronomers who study some of the observable universe's strangest and most powerful phenomena will kindle a sense of wonder in readers. They will be amazed not only by deep space mysteries, but also at how our understanding of their causes and nature is leveraged from seemingly inscrutable clues gathered with incredibly sensitive modern telescopes and other instruments. Also memorable here: the photo of a scientist dressed as a black hole. (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
"Strange as it may seem, 96 percent of the universe seems to be made of two ingredients that no one understands." This shining addition to the Scientists in the Field series focuses on astronomer Alex Filippenko, part of a team researching dark energy and dark matter in the universe. Jackson's clear, logically organized text provides appropriate background, introducing Filippenko as teacher and researcher and following him as he uses the Keck Observatory in Hawaii to find a supernova. One chapter discusses current thinking about the big bang theory and the composition of the universe, and the book concludes with a description of the scientist's day-to-day work at the Lick Observatory in California. Bishop's photographs and illustrations bring readers into Filippenko's world, while NASA photographs add to their sense of wonder. Special sections explain spectrographs, the electromagnetic spectrum, black holes and the measurement of time and light. Thoughtful design adds to the pleasure of this splendid invitation to explore darker corners of the universe. (bibliography, student and teacher resources, clubs and organizations, glossary, index) (Nonfiction. 10 & up) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
