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Antony Cooke

Born in Australia, American cellist and scholar Antony Cooke, formerly associate professor of cello at Northwestern University, and 30-year veteran of the Hollywood film music industry (performing in approximately 1500 soundtracks–see under "Papers"), author of numerous books, including the massive resource volume, "Charles Ives’s Musical Universe" [2015], as well as "Charles Ives and his Road to the Stars" [2016]), and the landmark volume, “Astronomy and the Climate Crisis” [2013], has had a multi-faceted career—also as solo performer and classical recording artist, composer, and author of books about astronomy. Currently, Cooke is engaged in contributing and editing a three-volume resource on Gustav Mahler, with fellow collaborator and contributor in Belgium,
David Baltuch, PhD, in addition to organizing a new music festival, “The St. Petersburg Annual Gustav Mahler Festival,” in which he will serve as music director and principal conductor.

Cooke received his major training in London, establishing an early career as a solo cellist. Primarily the protégé of the legendary pedagogue Helen Just (the legendary disciple of Diran Alexanian); Cooke received artist diplomas from both the Royal College of Music and the Royal Academy of Music in London. Cooke was a gold medalist at the London Music Competition in 1966, also receiving the prestigious ‘Young Musicians ‘73 Award (London), and appearing as a concerto soloist and recitalist on the BBC. Cooke has concertized extensively throughout Europe and USA, recorded many solo and cello/piano CD’s and LP’s under the Centaur, PROdigital, Resort Classic, and Golden Crest labels.

Cooke studied theory and historical musicology under John Wilkinson, composition under Nadia Boulanger protégé John Lambert, and conducting under Sir Colin Davis. In 1971 he would become England’s youngest principal cellist (the London Mozart Players under Harry Blech), then England’s premier chamber orchestra, performing regularly with the ensemble as concerto soloist; during this time he also toured Israel with The London Symphony Orchestra.

At the age of twenty-six Cooke was appointed as Assistant Professor of cello at the University of South Florida, where he also worked as conductor of one of the wind ensembles. Subsequently, he was appointed to his teaching position in the School of Music at Northwestern University in Chicago, and was a founder member of the Regenstein Trio. In 1984, having relocated to Southern California, in Los Angeles he established himself as one of the luminaries in the Hollywood recording industry, participating in movie soundtracks, countless television and record productions, as well as composing music for prime time television. His compositions have been published by Kendor, Studio PR, Kjos Music, and CPP Bellwin, Inc. His books on astronomy include the acclaimed “Visual Astronomy in the Suburbs” [2003], and "Astronomy and the Climate Crisis," Cooke’s astronomical titles are published by the second largest science publisher in the world, Springer.

Cooke remains dedicated to the advancement of Mahler’s and Ives’s music, as well as its time and place in history, and the continued revelation of greater truths and understandings about their lives and work.

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Books by Antony Cooke

Gustav Mahler: Music from Heaven, Heart & Hell, 2023

@ Estrella Books, Antony Cooke, David Baltuch

Charles Ives: The Making of the Composer, 2020

Much—wrong and right—has been made of Charles Ives and his music. The current scholarly projectio... more Much—wrong and right—has been made of Charles Ives and his music. The current scholarly projection has been shifting waywardly for many years, along with any hope to understand what Ives was trying to convey, even more, where his ideas came from. Trying to make sense of it without a substantial degree of preparation is more likely than not to end with the listener's rejection. Ives was, of course, used to such reactions, but that was over a hundred years ago. Regardless, his music still is likely to confound, although it is less likely to create outrage.

Times have changed, but Ives's music sounds as current as ever. How did the phenomenon of an American composer emerging from what might seem to be less than ideal musical circumstances actually happen? Precisely, how, and when, as well as who and what, influences contributed to Ives's musical choices, his unusual originality, methodology, and musical personality? Up until this time, insufficient comparative analysis has been undertaken to determine, as closely as possible, In the process, in recent scholarship, the substantial musical exposure Ives received throughout his upbringing in Danbury often has been underestimated, and his formal studies at Yale over-credited—without the proper balance being understood or fully considered. "Charles Ives: The Making of the Composer" sets out on the ambitious trail of uncovering what really happened in the evolution of America's first great composer, during the years just before and after the turn of the twentieth century.

Trying to make sense of the music of Charles Ives without a substantial degree of preparation is ... more Trying to make sense of the music of Charles Ives without a substantial degree of preparation is more likely than not to end with the listener's rejection. Ives was, of course, used to such reactions, but that was over a hundred years ago. Regardless, his music still is likely to confound, although it is less likely to create outrage. Times have changed, but Ives's music sounds as current as ever. How did the phenomenon of an American composer emerging from what might seem to be less than ideal musical circumstances actually happen? Precisely, how, and when, as well as who and what, influences contributed to Ives's musical choices, his unusual originality, methodology, and musical personality? Up until this time, insufficient comparative analysis has been undertaken to determine, as closely as possible, In the process, in recent scholarship, the substantial musical exposure Ives received throughout his upbringing in Danbury often has been underestimated, and his formal studies at Yale over-credited—without the proper balance being understood or fully considered. "Charles Ives: The Making of the Composer" sets out on the ambitious trail of uncovering what really happened in the evolution of America's first great composer, during the years just before and after the turn of the twentieth century.

In B/W Paperback, and Full Color deluxe Hard Cover, the Second Edition of Charles Ives and his Ro... more In B/W Paperback, and Full Color deluxe Hard Cover, the Second Edition of Charles Ives and his Road to the Stars brings a fresh approach to a broad cross section of the composer’s extraordinary musical contributions. Exposing many myths, misconceptions, faulty impressions, and falsehoods along the way, Cooke guides the reader through the unique musical language Ives created, as well as what lay behind it. For anyone interested in knowing more about this unique American icon, as well as reaching a better understanding and appreciation of his music and world, this accessible volume might be the perfect answer.

Proof online 2015 edition, updated and revised, replaces the 2013 edition. The text nearly matche... more Proof online 2015 edition, updated and revised, replaces the 2013 edition. The text nearly matches the printed black-and-white First Edition.

Originally written as an accessible, detailed analysis of the music, man and composer, it is linked to a broad cross section of his music, as the reader is guided through the unique musical language of his world, and what lay behind it. Revealing new meaning, while exposing the many myths, untruths, misconceptions, faulty impressions, and incorrect conclusions along the way, Ives is treated with a respect earned, but often denied.

A revised Second Edition, in color, as is this online version, will be available in print as a deluxe hardback book in 2016, alongside the original B/W soft cover First Edition.

Discussion and Analysis—from Chapter 4: The Evolution of Ideas. Chapter 4 also features analysis ... more Discussion and Analysis—from Chapter 4: The Evolution of Ideas. Chapter 4 also features analysis and discussion on "Central Park in the Dark"—also "Calcium Light Night"—also "Putnam's Camp" vs. "Overture and March 1776" and "Country Band March"

http://www.buybooksontheweb.com/product.aspx?ISBN=1-4958-0476-3, Apr 23, 2015

Charles Ives’s Musical Universe: A Resource for Discovery ABSTRACT -- Charles Ives’s Musical U... more Charles Ives’s Musical Universe: A Resource for Discovery

ABSTRACT -- Charles Ives’s Musical Universe is the first large-scale volume to look at the mechanics and fabric of Ives’s compositions over his entire creative output, while also indirectly reexamining the confusing dates of his music and priority that continue to impact his legacy.

If the limited available analytical documentation has left the workings of Ives’s music still largely a mystery, perhaps it is because too much energy seems to have been expended in trying to “explain away” the phenomenon of someone “who existed outside the mold,” than to discover what he did. Ives’s religious, philosophical and cultural roots, teaching and guidance of his father, George Ives, having been found incompatible with the status quo, his later education at Yale thus deemed necessary to provide the “proper” musical education he sorely lacked. Thus, the “new” Ives hardly is more of a pioneer than multitudes of other composers of his time. Had he been unexceptional, in fact, why the countless drives to define him in such unexceptional terms?

There are, nevertheless, tangible reasons why Ives’s music sounds the way it does, far beyond the characteristic brief vernacular quotations that punctuate it. The complex “code” that underlies most of Ives’s music reveals a creative force that manipulated the structural and mathematically-oriented fabric of musical sounds in ways almost unique in the music of any century, and mostly far ahead of his contemporaries. In 1987, when Carol K. Baron wrote her Ph.D. dissertation, “Ives On His Own Terms: An Explication, a Theory of Pitch Organization, and a New Critical Edition for the Three Page Sonata,” she uncovered, apparently for the first time, the systematic methodology behind much of Ives’s music.
Almost a decade later, in 1996, Philip Lambert published his landmark volume, The Music of Charles Ives; finally, in book form, something tangible about Ives’s music was in print, other than just its relationship to existing melodies. These leads showed that numerous technical aspects of Ives’s compositional language indeed could be isolated, beyond the rhapsodic elements that often defy precise analysis.

Charles Ives’s Musical Universe picks up where Baron’s and Lambert’s trails lead left off—oddly, allowed to wither on the proverbial vine for almost two decades. Instead, substituted for shallow analyses of the fragments of tunes that comprise little more than “window dressing,” these attributes have done nothing to reveal the extraordinary facets of the musical structure itself. In covering in great detail a wide cross section of works from across his output, the massive detail and scope of Charles Ives’s Musical Universe stands fully alone and far apart from current musical literature about the composer.

No less odd, many present interpretations of Ives’s life have been a source of confusion for those who remember his precipitous ascent to iconic status in the mid-twentieth century. Even the legendary catalog by John Kirkpatrick (A Temporary Catalog of The Music Manuscripts of Charles Edward Ives), has not been immune from the effects of revisionism that has relegated Ives’s works ever forward in time, rendering the remarkable catalog a curiosity, as if carelessly compiled. The provable means by which to tie Ives’s unique innovations, priority and provenance, however, remains critically tied to his significance as the foremost prophetic figure of the twentieth century, and as such, Kirkpatrick’s catalog can be demonstrated to be no less viable today than ever. Indeed, it has no peer.

As a means of setting the record straight, in 1990 by Carol K. Baron conducted research that offered a scientific means of determining the dates of Ives’s manuscripts through greatly changing handwriting characteristics that had been affected by increasing fluency, care with his manuscripts, efforts to leave legible materials behind, even eventually health issues—and so on over the course of his productive years. Baron’s system, solidly endorsed by the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, is the one consistent marker that does not appear to have been reflected in the new vision of Ives, and shows that the dates of Ives’s music, however, ought not to be controversial at all, as the writer demonstrates. The importance of correcting the record is not because a decade here or there changes the sound, or the expressive power of his music; it is because of all that followed in its wake. Indeed, Ives’s priority can be ascertained with little less certainty than that of almost any major composer, this volume at last providing the long-awaited detailed analyses of his music while attempting to put reason and dispassionate facts surrounding its foundations back into the dialog.

An excerpt from my substantive independent validation of the manuscript dating system demonstrate... more An excerpt from my substantive independent validation of the manuscript dating system demonstrated by Carol K. Baron in her landmark paper, which establishes beyond reasonable argument the validity of her system. Furthermore, it reaffirms the reliability of the dates assigned by John Kirkpatrick in his catalog of Ives's works, while refuting, in its entirety, the recent manuscript dating protocol advanced by Gayle Sherwood Magee, and adopted since by many Ives scholars in the wake of Maynard Solomon's 1987 article—"Charles Ives: Some Questions of Veracity."

How did a rural child of the Great Depression emerge from the Australian bush to become one of th... more How did a rural child of the Great Depression emerge from the Australian bush to become one of the most heralded cellists in the world? Beyond the Bow: Nelson Cooke’s Life in Music by Song Mei Lee-Wong traces the esteemed Australian cellist’s surprising journey from the colliery of Bellbird in Hunter Valley, New South Wales, to the most prominent classical music stages throughout the world. A rousing chronicle of talent, chance, and a mother’s unflagging ambition, this rigorously researched account of Cooke’s inspiring rise is certain to strike a chord with any committed musician, especially cellists, music students, and college music majors, as well as anyone who is passionate about Australian history. For Cooke, the road to international fame was laden with euphoric highs and equally precipitous lows. After auspicious beginnings in Australia at a young age, Cooke’s promising career was cut short when World War II intervened and he was thrust into the long worldwide conflict as a member of the armed service. However, after the war, the young man continued his studies in London under Ivor James and then Pablo Casals, enjoying early successes in the wake of his Wigmore Hall debut. From there, his career continued to evolve, with acclaim as a recitalist for the BBC and a member of the Philharmonia Orchestra under von Karajan and Klemperer. Eventually he would garner great stature as principal cellist of the London Symphony Orchestra during its meteoric period of ascent in the 1960’s and later as principal cellist of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. During these years, Cooke toured the world extensively with those orchestras, playing in virtually every major international venue, and with most major soloists and conductors. A relatively brief sojourn as a college professor in the United States was followed by his eventual return to Australia, first as Head of the Strings Department at the Canberra School of Music, and then as Fellow at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, where the dynamism of Cooke the musician and missionary was fully revealed. A tribute to Cooke’s lasting and inspiring legacy as Australia’s leading cello pedagogue, Beyond the Bow illuminates his contribution to countless Australian cellists over several decades, while also painting a fascinating portrait of the country during its cultural coming of age. Cooke’s contribution was recognized in 2011, when he was honored by the Governor-General of Australia with The Order of Australia AM, one of the highest awards that an Australian citizen can receive. A rare glimpse at the talent and trajectory of a committed musician, this accessible foray into personal greatness will captivate anyone who relishes a success story with a breathtaking musical score.

Listing of minor corrections to first print run, plus additional minor corrections made since Jun... more Listing of minor corrections to first print run, plus additional minor corrections made since June 2015, and not yet reflected in print.

The state of Ives scholarship today has made the reclamation of his world—distorted now beyond re... more The state of Ives scholarship today has made the reclamation of his world—distorted now beyond recognition—and real clarification of the techniques behind his remarkable priority in twentieth-century music more necessary than ever.

http://www.springer.com/us/book/9781461446071, Jul 2012

ABSTRACT From the point of view of research, climate change is an enormously important, complex ... more ABSTRACT
From the point of view of research, climate change is an enormously important, complex and controversial subject. However, little attention is paid to its relationship to astronomy and the wide and legitimate studies that have been conducted in the arena, encompassing the many interactions of Earth's immediate location in space, even its relationship to the macro-environment of deep space.

Though directed at an astronomically inclined readership, and providing some less well-known astronomically related and ongoing studies, this book will also appeal to a broader public who want to understand better the subject of climate change, and the wider field of research of recent years. Research includes many little-acknowledged theories and possible solutions that might contribute to the larger picture—one that has embraced C02 as a virtual sole source, to a greater or lesser extent—despite the dearth of hard empirical evidence, present theories relying heavily on computer projections, statistical measurements and other data.

There are 'voids' obscuring all kinds of objects in the cosmos. Voids may be within an object, or... more There are 'voids' obscuring all kinds of objects in the cosmos. Voids may be within an object, or between an object and us. Dark Nebulae, Dark Lanes, and Dust Lanes looks out into the deep sky at those apparent dark regions in space, which are among the most compelling telescopic destinations for amateur observers. One famous example is Barnard's dark nebulae - those striking dark clouds set against the background of stars in the Milky Way. But there are countless other less well known examples. These dark regions are often ignored altogether or commented upon only briefly in astronomy books, and it is all too easy to overlook the treasure trove they offer the observer.

Dark Nebulae, Dark Lanes, and Dust Lanes is a great source of practical information for observers. Such voids may be successfully observed using conventional observing methods, but they are often far better seen with technologies such as light-pollution filters, CCD video cameras, and image intensifiers. This book explains the optimal ways to observe each object in detail.

... R. Coe AstroFAQs Stephen F. Tonkin The Deep-Sky Observer's Year Grant Privett and Pa... more ... R. Coe AstroFAQs Stephen F. Tonkin The Deep-Sky Observer's Year Grant Privett and Paul Parsons Field Guide to the Deep Sky Objects Mike Inglis Choosing and Using a Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope Rod Mollise Astronomy with Small Telescopes Stephen F. Tonkin ( ...

Aus den Rezensionen: “Der Autor ... stellt ... seine Überlegungen vor, wie man knappe Zeit am Oku... more Aus den Rezensionen: “Der Autor ... stellt ... seine Überlegungen vor, wie man knappe Zeit am Okular optimieren kann. ... Er gibt zahlreiche Tipps zum Optimieren seiner Ausrüstung, damit man später keine Zeit vergeudet oder ein nutzloses instrument enttäuscht in die Ecke stellt. Daher soll man ... komplexe Technik meiden, die schwer in kurzer Zeit zu beherrschen ist. Nach der Auswahl der richtigen Ausrüstung stellt Cooke eine Reihe von einfachen Beobachtungen in unserem Sonnensystem, beginnend beim Mond, vor. ... sehr zu empfehlen aufgrund vieler wertvoller Überlegungen und Erfahrungen ...“ (in: Weltraum Facts, 2008, Vol. 15, Issue 4, S. 24)

Modern astronomical telescopes, along with other advances in technology, have brought the deep sk... more Modern astronomical telescopes, along with other advances in technology, have brought the deep sky – star clusters, nebulae and the galaxies – within visual reach of amateur astronomers.

It isn’t necessary to image deep-sky objects in order to see them; you look at them in real-time by using modern observing techniques and enhancement technology.

The first requirement is a truly dark observing site. Given a location with clear, dark night skies everything else follows… this book contains all you need to know about what to observe, how to get superb views of faint and distant astronomical objects, and how to use the best of today’s commercial equipment for visual observing.

Gustav Mahler: Music from Heaven, Heart & Hell, 2023

@ Estrella Books, Antony Cooke, David Baltuch

Charles Ives: The Making of the Composer, 2020

A revised Second Edition, in color, as is this online version, will be available in print as a deluxe hardback book in 2016, alongside the original B/W soft cover First Edition.

http://www.buybooksontheweb.com/product.aspx?ISBN=1-4958-0476-3, Apr 23, 2015

Charles Ives’s Musical Universe: A Resource for Discovery ABSTRACT -- Charles Ives’s Musical U... more Charles Ives’s Musical Universe: A Resource for Discovery

http://www.springer.com/us/book/9781461446071, Jul 2012

It isn’t necessary to image deep-sky objects in order to see them; you look at them in real-time by using modern observing techniques and enhancement technology.

It is commonly believed that brilliant imagery of deep space objects only can be achieved by time... more It is commonly believed that brilliant imagery of deep space objects only can be achieved by time exposures, including by CCD imaging. In fact, many such objects can be seen in photographic quality and brilliance live in the eyepiece by utilizing Generation III or Gen. IV image intensifier technology. Although many of these objects are rich in infrared light (and particularly suited to image intensifier sensitivity), others defy all expectations, performing astoundingly in the live view. Notably, too, they can be "photographed" in real time with a standard digital camera with appropriate adapter and suitability, offering imagery so bright that often the face of the observer is brightly illuminated by the view. The presentation features a group of some of the better known astronomical subjects, imaged as "snapshots" with my own 18" Newtonian equatorial telescope and the incredible Gen. IV image intensifier eyepiece made by Collins Electro Optics. The images presented here appear with little or no processing.

The Instrumentalist, 1984

Program Notes for Upcoming re-release on Centaur label.

Program notes: CD's Centaur Label CRC 3140/3141: Antony Cooke (cello) Armin Watkins (piano) 2010 ... more Program notes: CD's Centaur Label CRC 3140/3141: Antony Cooke (cello) Armin Watkins (piano) 2010
The Sonata in E Minor, Op. 38, was composed by the youthful composer between 1862 and 1865; it is the first of his cycle of three cello sonatas. An artistic pinnacle yet to be surpassed, they easily stand alongside those of Beethoven, while similar parallels may be observed in their creative development. The E Minor Sonata originally featured an additional slow movement, but the relentlessly self-critical composer decided its inclusion would damage the balance of the sonata, which already featured a lengthy and darkly warm, lushly romantic and lyrical first movement. Brahms's use of magically placed moments of harmony and melody were to be a hallmark throughout his life. By positioning carefully placed resolutions at the height of musical tension, along with the strategic use of register at key places, they are perhaps best considered his " sunrise " moments. Brahms's formal training and influences are apparent in the form of the second movement, a romantic version of a minuet and trio (where, in the trio, impressions of a Viennese cembalo create a highly original piano texture). This is followed by a stunningly powerful fugue for the last movement. However, such influences should not be taken to mean that the composer's legendary style and idiom is in short supply. Perhaps there is no cello sonata more accessible to the listener, so perfectly conceived, while maintaining the highest musical ideals.

Because so much excellent material about the Moon is widely available, this book does not intend ... more Because so much excellent material about the Moon is widely available, this book does not intend to parade a restatement of now familiar themes and information, already superbly laid out by some prolific lunar authorities. Of the many printed resources available for the amateur observer, there is the excellent book Observing the Moon (Gerald North: Cambridge University Press, 2000) an outstanding reference volume by a tried and true lunar observer. It is certainly one of the best, if not indeed the best of its kind for the amateur observer, containing in its numerous pages highly illuminating, imaginative, and detailed methods to view and study the Moon's surface. You should also have a good lunar atlas. Surprisingly, there are few really first-rate choices for the amateur observer available, although Hatfield's Lunar Atlas (a veritable classic dating from the 1960s and now reprinted by Springer) probably comes closer to the mark than most, despite its old, somewhat obsolete photographic imagery. Times have changed, and advanced technology has certainly given us vastly improved methods of imaging the Moon. Too bad a lunar observing authority has not yet compiled and printed a new atlas along Hatfield's lines. There is also the classic Atlas of the Moon (Antonin Rukl: Kalmbach Books); while a masterpiece of cartography to be sure, there is something about these incredibly detailed drawings that does not translate ideally to our perceptions when we are scouring the lunar surface. Add to this the strangely clumsy and problematic layout, which makes referencing during telescopic navigation of the Moon's surface less than straightforward. With time always pressing, we need easier lunar navigation!

Long synonymous with amateur astronomers, the Moon has traditionally been the dominant focus for ... more Long synonymous with amateur astronomers, the Moon has traditionally been the dominant focus for a large segment of the fraternity. This is not surprising, since at less than a quarter of a million miles away, it is the closest celestial object to Earth, despite the fact that modern science has relegated such a distance to seeming insignificance, virtually nothing in cosmic terms. It was certainly the stuff of movies and popular science fiction in general during the mid-twentieth century, culminating in that most dramatic of times when humans actually went there in person and walked on its surface. After finally having provided such an astonishing realization of a long-held dream, all too soon the Moon found itself banished to the attics of popular interest! With nothing left to excite the imagination, the very success of the Apollo missions is largely why most amateurs set aside their traditional interest in the Moon. The sensational imagery from these missions, as well as those of all the orbiting spacecraft, made our old friend seem humdrum and too familiar for the amateur observer. From the beginning of the Space Age, the Moon has been mapped and analyzed in astounding detail (and from all angles).

Online Review: April 26, 2016

Excerpt from review from "Choice" by Arthur Upgren

In concert from Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Concord Trio (Endre Balogh, Antony Cooke, D... more In concert from Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Concord Trio (Endre Balogh, Antony Cooke, Donna Coleman) perform trios by Clara Schumann and Maurice Ravel.

Live Internet broadcast from the Bing Theater at Los Angeles County Museum of Art, September 3, 6... more Live Internet broadcast from the Bing Theater at Los Angeles County Museum of Art, September 3, 6pm (Pacific/West Coast time). The Emerson Trio (Endre Balogh [violin], Antony Cooke {cello}, Donna Coleman [piano]) play a program that features trios by Charles Ives and Beethoven.

Practical astronomy, 2012

Practical astronomy, Dec 20, 2011

Astronomers' universe, 2012

Practical astronomy, Dec 20, 2011

Perhaps planetary nebulae are the least likely deep space objects in which we might think to look... more Perhaps planetary nebulae are the least likely deep space objects in which we might think to look for dark lanes or features. However, since these nebulae are the very places where interstellar matter is created, it would seem logical that we might find evidence of it within some of them. Indeed, some of these nebulae do provide fertile ground for the inquisitive observer.

Springer eBooks, Dec 20, 2011

For this chapter we will exit the confines of our own galaxy and venture out to the vast expanses... more For this chapter we will exit the confines of our own galaxy and venture out to the vast expanses of the greater universe. The very same types of dark features that we may observe locally are no strangers to distant locations, of course, except that at these distances we will usually see them quite differently – mostly as large blends of what we previously saw as multiple dark objects now melded into single, or at least far fewer, separate entities. The variety is considerable. While certain other galaxies approximate the views of the vast twisted dark belt surrounding the Milky Way, (easily visible in grand photographic projections), it is hard to find another example with identical visual attributes throughout the countless and highly varied galactic forms in the readily visible universe. The interconnected dark features we see are typically galaxy-wide dust belts, or, from above, large dusty regions (just parts of those same belts scattered within the arms of the nearer galaxies). Seen from the side they appear as great dark swaths of jagged matter dividing the illuminated whole into two parts. Were we able to isolate instead the many smaller dark nebulae from across intergalactic space they would look much like what we see within our own galaxy. However, what we are seeing, of course, is the greater form and extent of the galactic interstellar medium, something just as significant as anything else that makes up a galaxy. As such, it is appropriate to think of galaxies as star factories, and the dark interstellar matter the raw material.

Springer eBooks, 2012

We have all heard it: global warming is not exclusive to Planet Earth. A number of other members ... more We have all heard it: global warming is not exclusive to Planet Earth. A number of other members of the Solar System may be experiencing their own forms of climate change. However, before succumbing to the exciting lure that there is, or is not, any relevance to what may be taking place on other planets and what is occurring on Earth, we should look to see if there are actually any parallels at all. Because not everyone has been persuaded by the supposed climate links that have been promoted, we may have also heard absolute denials of the possibility of extraterrestrial warming. Other researchers have taken the position that these perceived changes have no connection with the Sun at all, or to Earth’s recent warming (Fig. 10.1).

Springer eBooks, 2009

A good reason to never overlook our own little corner of the universe is that we can see many of ... more A good reason to never overlook our own little corner of the universe is that we can see many of its places of interest so readily and in such detail. We should never forget that within the solar system are destinations we can “visit” and comprehend in “Earth terms.” They are close enough to allow us at least a small idea of their true nature, in full color, and in relative vividness at that! Furthermore, we can do it in real time; visual astronomy offers immediacy, which ties significantly into the thrust of this book.

Springer eBooks, 2009

Astronomers' universe, 2012

The search for hidden links to the Sun’s activity has continued in spite of denials of that possi... more The search for hidden links to the Sun’s activity has continued in spite of denials of that possibility by some. Although the potential for planetary interactions with the Sun has featured in some of these searches, to date, their effects on Earth’s climate have been problematic to prove. However, in due fairness, it must be pointed out that many scientists do not consider that the IPCC position has been proven either. Even the IPCC itself refers to various levels of confidence in their positions rather than expressions of absolutes. The contention by Duffy et al. [1]. that twentieth-century warming can all be explained with established causes will not satisfy many critics of the IPCC stance either, since all of those known forcing influences are strikingly out of step with the rate of warming itself.

Springer eBooks, Dec 20, 2011

In a most general sense, this book is about the continuing cycle of darkness becoming light and t... more In a most general sense, this book is about the continuing cycle of darkness becoming light and then dark again in the universe, all that this entails, how it is interrelated, and the prospects for observing it. Perhaps connecting the ‘dots’ may influence you to look at things in space in a broader sense; if it is all to make sense, collectively, it is impossible to separate the topic from a larger cosmic perspective.

Astronomers' universe, 2012

Because many people confuse climate and weather, this has resulted in misconceptions about cause ... more Because many people confuse climate and weather, this has resulted in misconceptions about cause and effect between these phenomena that are actually pretty much unrelated. It is possible to have local cooling during times of global warming, and vice versa. Although the two are indeed related on some levels, ultimately, long-term climate patterns are established by entirely different factors than what we experience as short-term regional weather.

Practical astronomy, 2009

Springer eBooks, 2012

Despite the earnest and best efforts of scientists, the sheer complexity of the subject makes pre... more Despite the earnest and best efforts of scientists, the sheer complexity of the subject makes precise agreement between studies, types of research, quality and interpretations of the data subject to any number of differences and disagreements between colleagues. The passion that climate science has generated has sometimes tended to make these become personal, especially when reputations are on the line and hard sought research has taken years of dedicated work. As such, climate science has not been without its star players, who have found themselves either embraced or becoming targets of the opposite side.

Astronomers' universe, 2012

Perhaps the most celebrated – and generally acknowledged – astronomical cycles are those that pre... more Perhaps the most celebrated – and generally acknowledged – astronomical cycles are those that presumably have had no appreciable effect on the climate warming of the late twentieth century. However, they are thought by many to be the drivers of climate on a time scale of the ice ages. Known as Milankovic cycles, they could represent some of the greatest of all external influences on Earth and its climate. Although still controversial, the theory behind them has garnered the support of perhaps the majority in the mainstream scientific community.

Astronomers' universe, 2012

Much has been made of possible variations in the climate over the past 1,000 years, with strong a... more Much has been made of possible variations in the climate over the past 1,000 years, with strong arguments presented on both sides. Such variations in climate have been indicated in many types of historical (proxy) records, and to some degree reported in literature, with extended periods theorized as substantially warmer and colder than those of today. However, some researchers continue to question exactly what took place, if indeed, anything did at all. This is simply because of the lack of consistent and reliable records; proxy data is all we have.

Practical astronomy, 2009

With the three grandest planets in the solar system always likely to remain a major focal point o... more With the three grandest planets in the solar system always likely to remain a major focal point of the amateur's visible universe, there are nevertheless some other worthy sights in the local neighborhood. It has to be said, however, at least in the visual sense, that most observers will always regard these other destinations as the solar system's “poor relations.”

Practical astronomy, 2009

Before you go any further, you will need to make some informed decisions. If your time is limited... more Before you go any further, you will need to make some informed decisions. If your time is limited, what do you really need, after all, to take part effectively in your hobby? Out of the veritable universe of popularly promoted products, what will take you most directly to where you really want to go? What do you not need to

Over the course of a lifetime of performing, teaching, and endless soul searching, truly memorabl... more Over the course of a lifetime of performing, teaching, and endless soul searching, truly memorable chamber music making remains one of my most elusive of activities. 'Chasing Nirvana' recalls the special relationship between one performer (me) and a particular work-the Piano Trio by Ravel-and the crystalizing effect an extraordinary and unique early exposure to this work would have upon all my future music making in general. So powerful was the experience that recapturing its lofty essence in all music, none more personally applied than in chamber music, has remained the ultimate goal, and always with the hope, too, of experiencing just one more transcendental experience with the Ravel. Such unique music making remains a rarity, nevertheless, though, true to its spirit, even as we all continue to seek it, the fastidious preparation required for Ravel's music is governed less by its differences with what is needed for other composers' works, but more by the things one eventually discovers from all similarly demanding music that illuminates all pathways.

The musicians' daily challenge: dealing with the growing world of something even worse than dilet... more The musicians' daily challenge: dealing with the growing world of something even worse than dilettantism: the self-granted musical "expertise" of the musically uneducated layman.