The Echoing Universe: How Radio Astronomy Helps Us See the Invisible Cosmos

This passionate and witty overview from astrophysicist Chapman (First Light) reveals the power of radio astronomy, the study of the universe through the detection and analysis of radio waves emitted by celestial objects. Chapman posits that “no type of astronomy matches radio for its breadth of application,” noting that radio waves allowed NASA to be certain that “man’s first step on the moon would be on solid ground” and yielded the surprising discovery of water on Mercury. Similarly, radio telescopes have been used to probe dark matter and dark energy (invisible components that dictate the structure and expansion of the universe), shed light on the nature of black holes, and illuminate the early moments of the universe. Along the way, Chapman lucidly describes the structure of the cosmos, from the formation of planets and stars to the nature of galaxies and the probability of intelligent life beyond Earth. She peppers her scientific explanations with intriguing anecdotes, like how in 1936 the 26-year-old amateur astronomer Grote Reber constructed “the first purpose-built radio telescope in the world” in his mother’s garden, and allowed her to use it on Mondays to hold up her washing line. Readers will be dazzled by this superb example of popular science writing. (May)