Product Description
The Hubble Space Telescope has produced the most stunning images of the cosmos humanity has ever seen. It has transformed our understanding of the universe around us, revealing new information about its age and evolution, the life cycle of stars, and the very existence of black holes, among other startling discoveries. The Universe in a Mirror tells the story of this telescope and the visionaries responsible for its extraordinary accomplishments. Robert Zimmerman takes readers behind the scenes of one of the most ambitious scientific instruments ever sent into space. After World War II, astronomer Lyman Spitzer and a handful of scientists waged a fifty-year struggle to build the first space telescope capable of seeing beyond Earth's atmospheric veil. Zimmerman shows how many of the telescope's advocates sacrificed careers and family to get it launched, and how others devoted their lives to Hubble only to have their hopes and reputations shattered when its mirror was found to be flawed. This is the story of an idea that would not die--and of the dauntless human spirit. Illustrated with striking color images, The Universe in a Mirror describes the heated battles between scientists and bureaucrats, the perseverance of astronauts to repair and maintain the telescope, and much more. Hubble, and the men and women behind it, opened a rare window onto the universe, dazzling humanity with sights never before seen. This book tells their remarkable story.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.0 based on 14 reviews)

the biography of the Hubble telescope by M. Heiss (USA)

4 Stars
August 27, 2009
This is a story of a normal thing, something we don't look at with wonder but simply accept as something that "is." In that way, the book reminds me of "The Box" by Marc Levinson. The story has an undeniable appeal. The Hubble photographs themselves have universal interest - they are how we show what we know about the universe. More than photographs, Hubble has given us "galactic pin-ups" -- super-beautiful photos that are eye-catching and exciting. Our knowledge of and interest in space has expanded enormously because of the Hubble telescope. Hubble has shaped our knowledge and our expectations for science. This book has plenty of photos to augment the story, along with very nice charts and diagrams. The center section is full-color reproductions of Hubble portraits of our solar system, other galaxies, and deep space. The main story line -- how Hubble was mis-designed, and how human genius repaired it, is marvelous. And it's depressing: Most chapters of this book tell the story of a telescope that almost wasn't. The book is a showcase of getting things done (poorly) through the government: the byzantine decision making, the labyrinths of committee meetings and agendas, the conflicting priorities, the zero-sum nature of bureaucratic planning, the paralysis attendant upon failures. It is utterly dismal how much "science" depends on massaging the government budget process. In America! What a shame.

People and Politics by Bob Buddy

3 Stars
June 21, 2009
This book goes into great detail about the decades-long effort to build and fly the Hubble, and then the problem with the mirror. If you're looking for technical details, though, there isn't much here.

Hubble comes to light! by Eric B. Haynes

4 Stars
December 24, 2008
This book is definitely a must for anyone interested in space science. Mr. Zimmerman tackles a very difficult obstacle -- How do you write about science and make it interesting? -- and he comes out with a winner. Although there are other books out there about the Hubble, none of them come close to describing the behind the scenes SAGA of this amazing instrument as this book does. This is where Zimmerman, along with the great Hubble, shines!

NASA's Greatest Success, Warts and All by Brent A. Warner (Maryland, USA)

5 Stars
October 23, 2008
This history of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is both thorough and interesting. It starts decades before launch, when HST was just a crazy idea, and goes up to (almost) today. No one involved gets a free ride. Although the author obviously supports NASA's mission in general (and the Space Telescope in particular) he is up front about the flaws, foibles, and failings of the people, corporations, and agencies involved. In particular, he gives a full account of the flawed mirror and what led up to it. On the other hand, he also makes it clear what a tremendous success the program has been, and how much effort from so many dedicated people went into making it possible. The book is so interesting because the author presents all aspects, the good, the bad, the bureaucratic, and the scientific. Anyone interested in astronomy and space should enjoy this book. (Standard disclaimer: my opinions are my own, and not necessarily those of my employer.)

good introduction by R. Heiderer (boulder)

3 Stars
September 28, 2008
I would second another reviewers comment that this is a very politically correct view of what has been going on with Hubble and NASA generally. Written for a beginner. There are hints of the trouble within the agency. But the author is leaving the door open for further access by writing an upbeat story. What is dismaying is that if you read between the lines some of the best and brightest people associated with Hubble were ultimately abandoned by NASA; those that caused the problems largely by trying to do too much on the cheap were rewarded. I found the final chapters regarding future NASA plans interesting. But there is room for a vastly expanded history here. No information on Hubble's legendary twin or military technology.

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