Making Waves: The Story of Ruby Payne-Scott: Australian Pioneer Radio Astronomer

Description

This book is an abbreviated, partly re-written version of "Under the Radar - The First Woman in Radio Astronomy: Ruby Payne-Scott." It addresses a general readership interested in historical and sociological aspects of astronomy and presents the biography of Ruby Payne-Scott (1912 - 1981). As the first female radio astronomer (and one of the first people in the world to consider radio astronomy), she made classic contributions to solar radio physics. She also played a major role in the design of the Australian government's Council for Scientific and Industrial Research radars, which were in turn of vital importance in the Southwest Pacific Theatre in World War II. These radars were used by military personnel from Australia, the United States and New Zealand. From a sociological perspective, her career offers many examples of the perils of being a female academic in the first half of the 20th century. Written in an engaging style and complemented by many historical photographs, this book offers fascinating insights into the beginnings of radio astronomy and the role of a pioneering woman in astronomy. To set the scene, the first colourfully illustrated chapter presents an overview of solar astrophysics and the tools of the radio astronomer. From the reviews of "Under the Radar": "This is a beautifully-researched, copiously-illustrated and well-written book that tells us much more than the life of one amazing female radio astronomer. It also provides a profile on radar developments during WWII and on Australia's pre-eminent place in solar radio astronomy in the years following WWII. Under the Radar is compelling reading, and if you have taken the time to read right through this review then it certainly belongs on your bookshelf!" (Wayne Orchiston, Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage, March, 2010). Conté: A Brief, Basic Guide to Terms and Concepts of Solar Radio Astronomy -- Ruby Payne-Scott's Ancestors and Her Early Childhood -- Ruby Payne-Scott's Education and Early Employment -- Wartime Research by Ruby Payne-Scott at the Radiophysics Laboratory -- 1944-1945: Ruby Payne-Scott - The First Woman Radio Astronomer -- 1945-1946: Early Radio Astronomy at Dover Heights -- 1946-1947: Personal Tragedy and Professional Triumph -- 1948: Hornsby Field Station - Daily Observations -- 1949-1951: Radio Astronomy Blossoms as a Field, but Ruby Must Resign from the Radiophysics Laboratory -- 1952: Ruby Payne-Scott's Last Experience as a Radio Astronomer at the International Union of Radio Science -- The Married Life and Motherhood of Ruby Payne-Scott -- 1963-1974: Employment at Danebank School -- The Last Years and Legacy of Ruby Payne-Scott