 First edition | |
| Author | Richard Preston |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Subject | Astronomy |
| Genre | Non-fiction |
| Publisher | Atlantic Monthly Press |
Publication date | 1 November 1987 |
| ISBN | 9780871132000 |
First Light: The Search for the Edge of the Universe is a 1987non-fiction book onastronomy and astronomers byRichard Preston.
The title refers to the astronomical termfirst light, which is when a telescope is first used to take an astronomical image after it has been constructed. First light also refers to the moment when stars and galaxies first formed out of a dark universe.[1]
The central character ofFirst Light is theHale Telescope onPalomar Mountain, which was the world's biggest telescope for more than three decades. Preston describes its history and technical details, and he profiles many of the people involved in astronomical research at Palomar.First Light portrays astronomers scanning theSolar System forminor planets and those seeking the outermost astronomical objects in universe. It describes historical events such as the discovery ofquasars and celebrates the scientists' joy in their endeavors, their obsessions and even their thoughts.
The book is structured as follows.
First Light provides neither an index nor a bibliography.
As of today, some of the astronomical approaches and views are out of date. However,First Light is considered one of the best books written about astronomers.[2]