An Irish astronomer and talented mathematician, Sir Robert Stawell Ball (1840 1913) was also a prolific writer of popular astronomy. As a young man, Ball conducted observations of nebulae using Lord Rosse's telescope at the time the largest in the world. His Story of the Heavens displays the same fascination with the beauties and mysteries of the sky, providing a detailed survey of the history and contemporary situation of the solar system, and speculating about the possibility of life on other planets. Originally published in 1885, when Ball was Andrews Professor of Astronomy in the...
An Irish astronomer and talented mathematician, Sir Robert Stawell Ball (1840 1913) was also a prolific writer of popular astronomy. As a young man, B...
Having been honoured once again with a request that I should lecture before the London Institution, I chose for my subject the Theory of Tidal Evolution. The kind reception which these lectures received has led to their publication in the present volume. I have taken the opportunity to supplement the lectures as actually delivered by the insertion of some additional matter. I am indebted to my friends Mr. Close and Mr. Rambaut for their kindness in reading the proofs. ROBERT S. BALL.
Having been honoured once again with a request that I should lecture before the London Institution, I chose for my subject the Theory of Tidal Evoluti...
