Astronomy for Cloudy Nights

Comprising 8 essays, the present book provides respite reading for astronomers when skies are cloudy. Dealing with the science behind selected celestial topics in a semi-random way, it is educational, sometimes in humorous fashion. Anecdotes, poems and references to the general arts of literature, the law, paintings, and classical and pop music are included. Links of astronomy to the everyday spoken word are presented. All these can be appreciated by more general readers with an interest in making connections between science and the arts. The author became a Professional Practical Astronomer, following the discovery, at an early age, of a brass telescope under his grandmother's bed. Stories of telescope observing around the world are given, one being breathtaking⸺in two senses⸺at high altitude in the Bolivian Andes. Autobiographical in places, descriptions are given of experiences that astronomy has provided beyond the telescope.