Summary
Explore the remarkable story of Wisconsin astronomers whose curiosity, persistence, and innovation helped us better understand our universe.
Chasing the Stars traces the history of the University of Wisconsin’s Washburn Observatory, where some of the world’s most cutting-edge astronomical inventions were born. Learn about the earliest Indigenous stargazers, the women who worked as the first human computers, the astronomers who sold time by the stars, the scientists who shrank the Milky Way, and the crucial role Wisconsin astronomers played in the development of modern astrophysics and space astronomy.
This extraordinary book features more than 100 modern and historic photographs that illustrate the people and science behind Wisconsin’s astronomical innovations. Designed for lay readers and astronomers alike, Chasing the Stars inspires all of us to look up at the sky in wonder.
Authors
JAMES LATTIS holds a PhD in History of Science from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. An author, professor, and frequent public speaker, Lattis specializes in early modern astronomy and the history of Wisconsin astronomy. Lattis has directed UW Space Place since its founding, helps manage the historic Washburn Observatory, and consults widely for the media.
KELLY TYRRELL started out as a cellular and molecular biologist before becoming a science writer. Her work has given her a front-row seat to many astronomical innovations, including a 2017 visit to the Southern African Large Telescope. Today, Tyrrell oversees media relations for UW–Madison and is an editor for the science journalism nonprofit, The Open Notebook.
