Chandra & Eddington

A while back I started to read Arthur I. Miller's Empire of the Stars, an excellent account of S. Chandrasekhar's life and work on stellar life and death, as well as his relationship with his nemisis, the renowned British astronomer Arthur Eddington. I made it about halfway through but never got to finish the book as it had to be returned to the library.

I just borrowed the book again (with my last bookmark still in it! I guess I'm the only one in Sussex County with an interest in astrophysics...) and am now perusing the previously read chapters to refresh my ever failing memory. The first time around, the physics, while presented in layman's English, was still a bit above my level of understanding. My self-studies in stellar evolution have clearly paid off, however, because I am understanding things a lot better this time around - I no longer get glassy-eyed when the conversation turns to neutron degeneracy pressure. Thank you, Professor Pogge!

Chandrasekhar's pioneering work on supernovae and black holes won him a Nobel Prize in 1980, bitersweet vindication after Eddington nearly destroyed Chandra's reputation and career. This book is truly superb.

Update 6/5: Found EOTS at the Barnes & Noble Used Book Annex for $6.00! It's now part of my library.