Weird Astronomy / Astronomers' Universe (PDF)

David A.J. Seargent holds an MA and PhD, both in Philosophy, from the University of Newcastle NSW, where he formerly worked as a tutor in Philosophy for the Department of Community Programmes/Workers' Educational Association external education programme. He is also a keen amateur astronomer, and is known for his observations of comets, one of which he discovered in 1978. Together with his wife Meg, David lives at The Entrance, north of Sydney on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia. He is the author of two astronomy books: Comets: Vagabonds of Space (Doubleday, 1982), and The Greatest Comets in History: Broom Stars & Celestial Scimitars (Springer, 2008). Currently he is the author of a regular column in Australian Sky & Telescope magazine.

From the reviews:

“It’s one of the most evocative, incisive and fascinating books I’ve read on astronomy. … Seargent’s clear, intelligent and insightful prose considers and summarises all sides of any debate. … Essentially, he supplies you with the information, then allows you to decide. … Seargent also offers UFO researchers a feast for thought. … Seargent suggests that astronomers might find ‘very interesting phenomena … . The book is a masterclass in popular science writing … .” (Mark Greener, Fortean Times, April, 2011)

“Thank you Goodreads First Reads for this free book. This is a great book. Full of interesting and unusual events. A must read for any astronomy hobbyists.” (Landy, Goodreads, June, 2011)

“WOW!!! this book was really amazing!!! i mean im not that into space as many people but this book was really interesting and it got me to think. … I had no idea of how many theories regarding space there were!!! i was amazed by how many pictures and data that has come from space that id never even knew existed!!!” (Magdalena, Goodreads, June, 2011)

“This is a much lighter, much more entertaining read … . One of the best things about the book is that it is littered with lots of suggestions for experiments and observations the reader can do themselves, to gain a better understanding of how the night sky works … . All in all a very enjoyable read, written in a friendly, informal style. Definitely a book to have within easy reach for those nights when the clouds refuse to part.” (Cumbrian Sky, May, 2011)

“Any book which looks at the lighter side of astronomy is always welcome and this is both entertaining and engaging.” (Spaceflight, Vol. 54 (1), January, 2012)