cover image THE TURTLE AND THE STARS: Observations of an Earthbound Astronomer

THE TURTLE AND THE STARS: Observations of an Earthbound Astronomer

Arthur R. Upgren, . . Times Books, $26 (304pp) ISBN 978-0-8050-7094-1

Why does the sun seem to elongate before it sets below the horizon? Why do some stars look blue and others red? Yale University astronomer Upgren (Night Has a Thousand Eyes) takes readers on a tour of the night sky and answers these and other questions in this winsome collection of essays. He tells us that in 50,000 years the stars in the Big Dipper will no longer be in a recognizable asterism; explains why stars seem first to move in one direction, then in another; and addresses the problem of urban light pollution. Though science buffs may already be familiar with much of this material, novices and younger readers should find much to inspire and inform them. (May)