Reflections on the Astronomy of Glasgow Author:David Clarke It is remarkable to think that Glasgow's first astronomy courses, prior to the Copernican revolution of the early sixteenth century, taught that the Earth stood at the center of the universe. Glasgow later became known for its highly advanced telescope observations of sunspots, made by Alexander Wilson in the eighteenth century. The city also ac... more »hieved other astronomical milestones that historians have generally never fully appreciated, including theories relating to light's mono-chromaticity; the identification of dew point and hoar frost; and John Herschel's use of Glasgow-made thermometers to isolate infrared energy within solar radiation. This engrossing and entertaining history reclaims these accomplishments for modern-day readers, covering Glasgow's "Big Bang" of 1863, the controversy surrounding the Astronomer Royal for Scotland, and the phenomenal contributions of the eight observatories once located in Glasgow. David Clarke fully integrates social history into his scientific narrative to create a fascinating and informative work.« less