In 1910, the imminent appearance of Halley’s Comet set off an unusual collection of fears, theories, and superstitions.
THE MOON
The moon has always been with us. Even for early humans who didn’t quite understand the universe, the moon was a constant. It pulls our tides and tells turtles when to come ashore and bury eggs. It lights our way and directs our ships. It entrances moths. It acts as a calendar. Fifty years ago, we made it to the surface.
Weekly Wrap-up: March 11
Cool links and stories from the week How the theatre made thunder before electronic sound effects. New York Public Library just released these gorgeous drawings of celestial bodies. And they’re kinda trippy. In cryptozoological news, a new species of octopus has been found. For a cephalopod, he’s pretty cute. Know anything about the HMS Trincomalee,…
REVIEW: THE STARGAZER’S SISTER by Carrie Brown
In the mid 18th century, Caroline Herschel became the first woman to discover a comet. Sister of noted astronomer William Herschel, she had no rigorous formal education — only a curious mind and a supportive brother. Caroline — Lina — and William were two of eight children and were raised in Hanover, Germany. Their father…
ACCENT: EQUILATERAL by Ken Kalfus
This is a strange, haunting and completely addictive read. It is set in the late Victorian era, in the Egyptian desert, but it is also science fiction. If Jules Verne had decided to write about British colonialists trying to communicate with Mars, this would be the book. Sanford Thayer has convinced the best minds…