Peter Michaud
Gemini Connections
Authors of three recent books on astronomy share direct ties with Gemini . The books cover topics spanning the history of modern astronomy on Maunakea , how astronomers create stunning astronomical images , and the story of George Herbig ’ s pioneering work in early stellar evolution . Brief reviews of these works follow .
A Sky Wonderful with Stars : 50 Years of Modern Astronomy on Maunakea
This absolutely stunning book by Michael J . West is clearly a labor of love fueled by a passion for astronomy . Some will recall that Michael served as Gemini ’ s Head of Science Operations at Gemini South from 2006-2007 , as well as a professor of astronomy and physics at the University of Hawai ‘ i Hilo , and his influence remains strong especially on Maunakea . Michael is currently the Deputy Director of Science at the Lowell Observatory in Arizona .
Figure 1 . Image from the Michael West book “ A Sky Wonderful with Stars : 50 Years of Modern Astronomy on Maunakea .”
Michael ’ s love for astronomy and Maunakea is evident on every page of this book . Thanks to the vision of the University of Hawai ‘ i Press this book was made possible in 2015 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the first telescopic observations of the Universe from Hawaii ’ s highest peak .
July 2016 GeminiFocus
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