Sky and ocean joined : the U.S. Naval Observatory, 1830-2000 ; Texte imprimé
As one of the oldest scientific institutions in the United States, the US Naval Observatory has a rich and colourful history. This volume describes how it has contributed to almost two centuries of unparalleled progress in astronomy and technological development.
Print Book, English, 2002
Cambridge University Press, New York, 2002
History
1 vol. (XIII-609 p.) : ill. ; 25 cm.
9780521815994, 0521815991
689985797
Acknowledgements; Abbreviations; Introduction; Prelude: perspectives and problems: the nation, the navy, the stars; Part I. The Founding Era, 1830–65: 1. From depot to national observatory, 1830–46; 2. A choice of roles: the Maury years, 1844–61; 3. Foundations of the American Nautical Almanac Office, 1849–65; 4. Gilliss and the Civil War years; Part II. The Golden Era, 1866–93: 5. Scientific life and work; 6. Asaph Hall, the great refractor and the moons of Mars; 7. William Harkness and the transits of Venus of 1874 and 1882; 8. Simon Newcomb and his work; Part III. The Twentieth Century: 9. Observatory circle: a new site and administrative challenges for the twentieth century; 10. Space: the astronomy of position and its uses; 11. Time: a service for the world; 12. Navigation: from stars to satellites; Summary; Select bibliographical essay; Appendices; Index.