Teneriffe, an astronomer's experiment: or, specialities of a residence above the clouds

The experiences and challenges undertaken by C. Piazzi Smyth during his expedition to Tenerife on behalf of the Astronomer Royal are richly depicted and illustrated in this descriptive report of a major scientific expedition’s course. The experiment was ‘to ascertain how far astronomical observation can be improved, by eliminating the lower third part of the atmosphere’. This account ofthe data collection process details the flexibility and adjustments that wererequired throughout the course of this experiment, and the practical organisational difficulties and delights of leading such an expedition. The joys and interest of travelling in a foreign land are described with anecdotes of the people, flora, fauna and geography; particularly the research area, a volcano. Although first published in 1858 this detailed account of the experience of collecting precise scientific data in a challenging environment provides fascinating insights for any scientist undertaking research in the wild. INDICE: Part I. The Voyage and the Climb: 1. Sailing in the Trades; 2. Santa Cruz; 3. Orotava; 4. Begin the ascent; 5. Arrival on Guajara; Part II. On the Crater of Elevation: 1. Securing the station; 2. South-west alarm; 3. Term-day work; 4. The great crater; 5. Solar radiation; 6. Whirlwinds and visitors;7. Drought and light; 8. End of Guajara; Part III. On the Crater of Eruption:1. Scaling the central cone; 2. Early experiences of Alta Vista; 3. Bringing up the telescope; 4. Battle of the clouds; 5. Summit of the peak; 6. Autumn inexcelsis; 7. The reiterated question; 8. The ice cavern; 9. Last of the mountain; Part IV. Lowlands of Teneriffe: 1. Seasons and plants; 2. Dracoena Draco;3. Adieu.

• ISBN: 978-1-108-01412-0
• Editorial: Cambridge University
• Encuadernacion: Rústica
• Páginas: 512
• Fecha Publicación: 10/06/2010
• Nº Volúmenes: 1
• Idioma: Inglés