Figure 2 . Excerpt from the book “ Coloring the Universe ” that features dozens of
Gemini images .
With each page readers experience a profound view , and written perspective , of the mountain and the Universe ( Figure 1 ). Michael tells the story of modern astronomy on Maunakea with an elegance that borders on poetry ; his words transcend the printed page and succeed in conveying the poetry of the mountain and modern astronomy . This large-format book belongs on the coffee table of everyone who loves the unparalleled beauty of both Maunakea and astronomy .
to a level of artistry that is evident with even a quick flip-through of this 250-page largeformat book .
The authors use accessible language and striking astronomical images to describe and show the telescopes and instruments used to take these colorful images ( Figure 2 ), the techniques of astronomical data processing , and what astronomy we can learn from the results . The chapters are merged seamlessly into a cohesive story in this book published by the University of Alaska Press , Fairbanks ( where Rector teaches astronomy and physics ).
Coloring the Universe : An Insider ’ s Look at Making Spectacular Images of Space
Anyone familiar with Gemini ’ s Legacy Images will recognize Travis Rector ’ s name as the creative genius who massages selected Gemini data into aesthetically pleasing pictures . While his work isn ’ t limited to Gemini data ( he has worked for years with Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory , Kitt Peak National Observatory , and other observatories ) his experience makes him uniquely qualified to serve as an “ insider ” as the book ’ s subtitle states . Joining Travis in this ambitious work are NASA ’ s Kimberly Arcand and Megan Watzke , who collectively have produced and promoted astronomical imaging
George Herbig and Early Stellar Evolution
A new Gemini Board member , Bo Reipurth , from the University of Hawaii ’ s Institute for Astronomy , is author of a recently published book that chronicles the life and work of astronomer George Herbig ( Figure 3 ). All astronomers ( and most Astronomy 101 students ) know something about George and his work on the early evolution of stars . However , did you know that although his mother encouraged him to become a chemist ( it paid well ), his passion for astronomy and amateur telescope making kept him firmly entrenched on his ultimate career path ( which is fortunate for astronomy ).
Bo is in a unique position to write this biography , since George — prior to his death at age 93 and while still in his mid-70 ’ s — entrusted to Bo volumes of his detailed notes , comments , and autobiographical sketches . In the book ’ s foreword , Bo includes this quote from George , as he documented his life as a scientist :
62 GeminiFocus January 2017 | 2016 Year in Review