BERKELEY, Calif., May 6, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Humans have recorded the appearances of one particular comet since the year 239 BC, when Chinese astronomers recorded the appearance of a "broom star." However, it was only through the work of a scientist that it was blessed with a name. As the scientist's prediction of the comet's periodic return was proved accurate, it was then given its name.
Authored by D.C. Ipsen, Edmond Halley: More Than a Man With a Comet discusses the life and works of scientist Edmond Halley, the British astronomer who gave a forecast of the date that a comet would return. This book begins with the scientists' years as an "ingenious youth," as he was said to have given energy and good humor to the late 17th and early 18th century scientific world. This book follows Halley's interests as a man of science, as well as his differing thoughts and opinions said to have brought peril to his career. Though he is mostly known for his significant contributions in astronomy, this book also narrates Halley's interests in other fields. Halley went as far as conducting experiments to develop the art of living under water, and later on he became a scientist at sea, propelled by his ideas about the earth's magnetism. These, among his other experiences, experiments and contributions, are found in this book.
Discover how Halley viewed not only the heavens but also the earth in this well-researched book. Get to know the scientist and his remarkable unselfishness and participation in the propagation of scientific knowledge in Edmond Halley: More Than a Man With a Comet.
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About the Author
D.C. Ipsen began his professional career as an engineer, starting with General Electric company in his hometown Schenectady then in his mother's hometown Lynn on the Massachusetts coast. He shifted to a career in teaching in the University of California at Berkeley after his marriage. He turned to writing after joining the Elementary School Science Project, a National Science Foundation program at the University. There, he developed an interest in the history of science, which has inspired several books. Besides an engineering book on dimensionless numbers for McGraw-Hill, he has published books on the history of science for children and young adults with Addison-Wesley and Enslow publishing companies. More details of the author's life and work are included in his website www.dcipsen.net.
Edmond Halley: More Than a Man With a Comet * by D. C. Ipsen
Publication Date: November 2, 2004
Trade Paperback; $8.50; 60 pages; ISBN 978-1-4134-5687-5
Cloth Hardback; $18.00; 60 pages; ISBN 978-1-4257-0021-8
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