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An astronomer, Gillett was a pioneer in infrared observations, which allow astronomers to peek through interstellar dust clouds to see what's behind. IR observations also allow clearer looks at stellar "nurseries", where stars form. He was the project scientist for the International Gemini Observatory, a pair of specialized telescopes (one in Mauna Kea, Hawaii and the other in Cerro Pachon, Chile). "He was the one who persuaded the astronomical community that infrared-optimized telescopes should be a top scientific priority," said National Optical Astronomy Observatory colleague Sidney Wolff. "Then he carried out the detailed calculations that showed how to build them -- the requirements for telescope design, mirror coatings, and instrument performance." Gillett, who was also heavily involved with the Infrared Astronomy Satellite (which mapped the Milky Way), was awarded NASA's Exceptional Scientific Achievement Award in 1984 for his work on that project. He died April 22 from myelodysplastic disorder syndrome, a bone marrow disease. He was 64. From This is True for 22 April 2001 Suggestions for further reading:
 By: George H. RiekeG. H. Rieke List Price: $19.95 Amazon Price: $19.95  By: I. S. GlassI.S. Glass List Price: $39.99 Amazon Price: $34.40 Editorial Review: Infrared astronomy is a dynamic area of current research. It has been revolutionized in the past few years by the advent of large, sensitive, infrared arrays, and the success of several infrared satellites. This handbook provides a clear, concise and accessible reference on all aspects of infrared astronomy. Throughout, the emphasis is on fundamental concepts, practical considerations and useful data. Starting with a review of the basic infrared emission mechanisms, we are shown how the earth's atmosphere affects and limits observations from ground-based telescopes. The important systematics of photometric accuracy are treated in detail. Spectroscopy--both stellar and otherwise--is explained, and illustrated with useful examples. An important chapter is devoted to dust, which plays such a central role. Finally, the technical background to infrared instrumentation is covered to help the reader develop a proper understanding of the capabilities and limitations of infrared observations. This volume provides both an essential introduction for graduate students making infrared observations or reducing infrared data for the first time, and a convenient reference for more experienced researchers.  By: R. A. HanelB. J. ConrathD. E. JenningsR. E. Samuelson List Price: $173.00 Amazon Price: $173.00 Editorial Review: Fully revised, this new edition incorporates the latest technologies, new mission results and scientific discoveries. It also includes a fully updated bibliography to reflect the advances made in this field during the past ten years. All planets from Mercury to Pluto and many of their satellites, asteroids and comets are discussed. The presentation appeals to advanced students and professional planetary science researchers. First edition Hb (1992): 0-521-32699-0^This book describes all aspects of the theory, instrumental techniques and observational results of the remote sensing of objects in our Solar System through studies of infrared radiation. Fully revised since publication of the first edition in 1992, it now incorporates the latest technologies, new mission results and scientific discoveries. It also includes a fully up-dated bibliography to reflect the advances made in this field during the past ten years. All planets from Mercury to Pluto, many of their satellites, asteroids and comets are discussed. The presentation will appeal to advanced students and professional planetary science researchers, although some chapters are of wider interest. The authors have drawn on their extensive experience at the NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center to produce a definitive account of what can be learned from infrared studies of our planetary system.  List Price: $199.00 Amazon Price: $199.00 Editorial Review: The 2005 meeting in Taormina, Italy was attended by 127 professionals who develop and use the highest quality detectors for wavelengths from x-ray to sub-mm, with emphasis on optical and infrared detectors. The meeting consisted of overview talks, technical presentations, poster sessions and roundtable discussions. These proceedings capture the technical content and the spirit of the 2005 workshop. The 87 papers cover a wide range of detector technologies including CCDs, CMOS, APDs, and sub-mm detectors. There are papers on observatory status and plans, special applications, detector testing and characterization, and electronics. A special feature of these proceedings is the inclusion of pedagogical overview papers, which were written by teams of leading experts from different institutions. These proceedings are appropriate for a range of expertise levels, from undergraduates to professionals working in the field. The information presented in this book will serve as a valuable reference for many years to come. This workshop was organized by the Scientific Workshop Factory, Inc. and the INAF- Osservatorio Astrofisico di Catania.  By: Mario Vietri List Price: $70.00 Amazon Price: $70.00 Editorial Review: Written by one of today’s most highly respected astrophysicists, Foundations of High-Energy Astrophysics is an introduction to the mathematical and physical techniques used in the study of high-energy astrophysics. Here, Mario Vietri approaches the basics of high-energy astrophysics with an emphasis on underlying physical processes as opposed to a more mathematical approach. Alongside more traditional topics, Vietri presents new subjects increasingly considered crucial to understanding high-energy astrophysical sources, including the electrodynamics of cosmic sources, new developments in the theory of standard accretion disks, and the physics of coronae, thick disks, and accretion onto magnetized objects. The most thorough and engaging survey of high-energy astrophysics available today, Foundations of High-Energy Astrophysics introduces the main physical processes relevant to the field in a rigorous yet accessible way, while paying careful attention to observational issues. Vietri’s book will quickly become a classic text for students and active researchers in astronomy and astrophysics. Those in adjoining fields will also find it a valuable addition to their personal libraries. |
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