Title: The Hunt for Vulcan: …And How Albert Einstein Destroyed a Planet, Discovered Relativity, and Deciphered the Universe
Author: Thomas Levenson
First published November 3, 2015
229 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780812998986 (ISBN10: 0812998987)
Rating: 4.04
Overview
The Hunt for Vulcan: …And How Albert Einstein Destroyed a Planet, Discovered Relativity, and Deciphered the Universe by Thomas Levenson is a fascinating and engaging book that takes readers on a journey through the scientific discoveries of the past century. Levenson, an expert in the field of science writing, tells the captivating story of how the world’s top scientists spent over 50 years searching for the “missing” planet Vulcan, only to have Albert Einstein prove that it never existed at all.
As the 100th anniversary of Einstein’s discovery of the General Theory of Relativity approaches, Levenson delves into the backstory behind this groundbreaking discovery and how it forever changed the course of science. With his elegant prose and fast-paced storytelling, Levenson introduces readers to a cast of lively characters and takes them on a journey through one of the strangest episodes in the history of science.
This short, charming, character-driven book on science is sure to captivate a wide group of readers and leave them with a greater appreciation for the wonders of the universe.
Editoral Review
Thomas Levenson’s The Hunt for Vulcan: …And How Albert Einstein Destroyed a Planet, Discovered Relativity, and Deciphered the Universe is an engaging masterpiece that seamlessly merges science, history, and biography. Levenson, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is also an accomplished author and journalist with a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics.
The book, first published on November 3, 2015, is about the hunt for the mythical planet Vulcan and how it played a key role in shaping our understanding of the universe. The Hunt for Vulcan is part science, part history, part biography, and part detective story.
Levenson combines all these elements into an enthralling narrative that not only tells the story of a little-known episode in the history of astronomy but also offers fascinating insights into the world of science, the nature of scientific discoveries, and the role of scientists in shaping our world. In the early 19th century, astronomers observed that the planet Mercury’s orbit was slightly off-kilter with the predictions of Newtonian physics.
They hypothesized that another planet, Vulcan, existed in the darkness between Mercury and the Sun. The search for Vulcan became an obsession for astronomers across the world, and the search led to a series of scientific breakthroughs that changed our understanding of the universe.
The book follows the hunt for Vulcan and the scientists who debated its existence, including the larger-than-life physicist Albert Einstein, whose theory of general relativity would not only solve the mystery of Vulcan but also revolutionize physics. Levenson’s prose is clear, concise, and engaging, making the book an enjoyable read even for non-science enthusiasts.
He skillfully weaves together the narratives of the astronomers who searched for Vulcan and the scientists who eventually disproved its existence. The book provides a vivid account of the scientific process, the human greed for discovery, and the tensions that arise when scientific paradigms are challenged.
One of the book’s strengths is its ability to make complex scientific concepts accessible to lay readers without dumbing them down. Levenson uses clear analogies, diagrams, and a wealth of historical examples to illustrate the scientific ideas that underpin the hunt for Vulcan.
He also skillfully interweaves the personal and professional lives of the scientists who worked on the problem, providing a human dimension to the scientific quest. Overall, the book is a triumph of popular science writing that is both informative and entertaining.
Levenson’s vivid storytelling style, combined with his expertise in mathematics and natural sciences, makes The Hunt for Vulcan a must-read for anyone interested in the history of science, astronomy, or physics. The book is a fitting tribute to the scientists who worked hard to solve one of the greatest mysteries of the universe.
However, the book is not without its faults. At times, the sheer amount of scientific detail can be overwhelming, and some readers may find it hard to keep track of all the characters and scientific concepts that are introduced.
Also, the book assumes a certain level of familiarity with the natural sciences, which may be a barrier for readers who are entirely new to the subject. In conclusion, The Hunt for Vulcan is a well-written and well-researched book that will appeal to a wide audience of science and history enthusiasts.
Levenson’s skillful storytelling, insightful commentary, and deep understanding of science make the book one of the best non-fiction books of recent times. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an insightful and engaging book on the history of science.
I rate it 9 out of 10.
