In this provocative book, radio astronomer and author Gerrit L.
Verschuur describes the phenomena of scientific curiosity and discovery
by following the exciting story of interstellar matter. The discovery of
"stuff between the stars" was the result of decades of work by hundreds
of astronomers, and the evolving recognition of its existence has
profoundly changed the way we view the Universe. Verschuur begins with
E.E. Barnard, who puzzled for a quarter century over the interpretation
of photographs of dark patches between the stars. Verschuur then traces
the tortuous path to acceptance of the existence of interstellar matter.
He shares with us the thrill of discovery that motivates astronomers,
the use of metaphors and modeling by scientist, and other tricks of the
astronomical trade. Finally, we learn about the modern study of
interstellar matter: the discovery of complex organic molecules between
the stars and how they may have seeded the early earth with the
precursors for life, new insights into star formation, the structure of
the Milky Way and the elusive interstellar magnetic field. More than a
history, Interstellar Matters is a detective story that evokes the
excitement and serendipity of science against the background of a
century of shared effort by the world community of astronomers.
From the reviews: "I can't imagine anyone interested in astronomy who
won't enjoy this book - it's chocked full of science, personalities and
insights. We are products of the stuff between the stars - Verschuur
tells the fascinating story of how its existence was discovered.
Interstellar Matters is his best book, I think. It's certainly one of
the best astronomy popularizations I've read." (Leif J. Robinson, Sky &
Telescope)
