This unique volume by two renowned astrophotographers unveils the science and history behind 100 of the most significant astronomical images of all time. The authors have carefully selected their list of images from across time and technology to bring to the reader the most relevant photographic images spanning all eras of modern astronomical history. Based on scientific evidence today we have a basic notion of how Earth and the universe came to be. The road to this knowledge was paved with 175 years of astronomical images acquired by the coupling of two revolutionary technologies - the camera and telescope. With ingenuity and determination humankind would quickly embrace these technologies to tell the story of the cosmos and unravel its mysteries. This book presents in pictures and words a photographic chronology of our aspiration to understand the universe. From the first fledgling attempts to photograph the Moon, planets, and stars to the marvels of orbiting observatories that record the cosmos at energies beyond the range of human vision, astronomers have always relied on images to "break through" to the next level of understanding. A subset of these breakthrough images has profound significance in documenting some of the greatest milestones in modern astronomy.
Selected by Choice magazine as an "Outstanding Academic Title" for 2016
"It is a beautifully illustrated volume starting with a daguerreotype illustration of the moon (1852) and ending with a picture of the Mars Phoenix lander on the Martian surface (2008). ? This excellent book should be on the shelves of all libraries. Summing Up: Essential. All readership levels." (C. G. Wood, Choice, Vol. 53 (8), April, 2016)
"Breakthrough! begins with a short history of astrophotography and the methods that have been used from the middle of nineteenth century all the way to present day, describing on the way the difficulties that were associated with photographing specific objects with specific techniques. The book presents astronomical images that have changed our understanding or perception of the objects in some meaningful way together with an explanation of what and how it changed. ? It's a wonderful book." (AstroMadness, May, 2017)
"Breakthrough! is a marvelous history of imaging. ? this marvelous collection of images, supported with excellent descriptions, offers a concise history of the art and science of astronomy, recording the greatest milestones in the history of modern astronomy. I thoroughly recommend this book ? . This is a volume worth keeping as a reference source for many years to come." (Mario Motta, Sky & Telescope, December, 2016)
"This new book is welcome, succinctly telling the story of modern astronomy via a superb gallery. The authors ? provide detailed commentary on each image, ably weaving together technical and scientific information. ? it's a beautiful summary of the best that astronomy has to offer." (Pippa Goldschmidt, BBC Sky at night magazine, Issue 130, 2016)
