The Story of the Heavens
The Story of the Heavens, first published in 1885 by Robert S. Ball, Royal Astronomer of Ireland and later Lowndean Professor at Cambridge, was the most widely read popular astronomy of its generation and went through many revised editions. Beginning with a visit to the observatory and its instruments, Ball describes the sun, the moon and the solar system, the law of gravitation and the discovery of Neptune, each planet in turn, the minor planets, comets and shooting stars, and then the starry heavens: double stars, the distances and physical nature of the stars, clusters and nebulae. Closing chapters explain precession, the aberration of light, the astronomical meaning of heat and the tides. An appendix tabulates astronomical quantities. The full text is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, and the first chapter is free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about The Story of the Heavens
The Story of the Heavens by Robert S. Ball can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read The Story of the Heavens online?
Yes. The Story of the Heavens opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is The Story of the Heavens free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of The Story of the Heavens is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is The Story of the Heavens in the public domain?
Yes. The Story of the Heavens by Robert S. Ball is a public-domain work. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read The Story of the Heavens?
About 13 h 15 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is The Story of the Heavens?
The Story of the Heavens by Robert S. Ball is filed under "Science & Nature" in the Vinteuil library.
