History of Astronomy

Forbes

• Publisher: Science & Technology Publishing
• Year: 2025
• eBook ISBN: 9782528100974
• Topic: Physical Sciences
• Subtopic: Science & Technology Biographies

History of Astronomy by George Forbes is a comprehensive exploration of humanity's quest to understand the cosmos, tracing the development of astronomical thought from ancient civilizations to the dawn of the twentieth century. The book begins with the earliest observations of the heavens by the Babylonians, Egyptians, and Greeks, highlighting the foundational contributions of figures such as Ptolemy and Hipparchus. Forbes delves into the revolutionary changes brought about by Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler, and Newton, detailing how their discoveries transformed our understanding of the universe and laid the groundwork for modern science. The narrative continues through the Enlightenment and into the modern era, examining the advances made possible by improved telescopes, mathematical techniques, and the application of physics to celestial phenomena. Forbes discusses the discovery of new planets, the measurement of stellar distances, and the development of theories about the structure and evolution of the solar system and the wider universe. He also addresses the work of astronomers such as Herschel, Laplace, and Leverrier, whose insights expanded the boundaries of known space. Throughout, Forbes emphasizes the interplay between observation and theory, showing how each generation built upon the achievements of its predecessors. The book is rich with historical anecdotes, biographical sketches, and explanations of key scientific concepts, making it accessible to both general readers and those with a deeper interest in astronomy. History of Astronomy stands as a testament to the enduring human fascination with the stars and the relentless pursuit of knowledge that has shaped our understanding of the cosmos.

Table of contents

• HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY
• PREFACE
• BOOK I. THE GEOMETRICAL PERIOD
• BOOK II. THE DYNAMICAL PERIOD
• BOOK III. OBSERVATION
• BOOK IV. THE PHYSICAL PERIOD
• ILLUSTRATIONS
• INDEX