An Astronomer's Tale

I can heartily recommend this book as an inspiration to all public outreach volunteers as, like Gary, they too reach for the stars * BBC Sky at Night Magazine *
The observing tips are honed by years of experience, and Fildes excels at capturing the atmosphere at public observatories and star parties * Physics World *
Kielder is a stargazer’s paradise – Robert Macfarlane
Move over Brian Cox * Daily Telegraph *
Gary’s story reminds us of the old saying that our destiny is not in the stars but in ourselves. He is proof that dreamers from the most unlikely backgrounds can turn their hopes into reality, if they get lucky and work hard… A moving and informative read * Sunday Times *
Infectious enthusiasm … The Shepherd’s Life meets Brian Cox is the apposite billing for this heavenly memoir of a former Sunderland bricklayer who followed his long-cherished passion for astronomy and founded Kielder Observatory in the forest of Northumberland, now one of the top 10 places for stargazing in the world. He shares his expertise for meteors, galaxies, auroras and his favourite constellations, alternating chapters about his own transit to becoming an astronomer with an accessible, month-by-month guide to the night sky * Bookseller, Editor’s Choice *
The marvels of the night sky explained … a down-to-earth tale of a man who loves astronomy and wants to encourage us all to gaze upwards * Independent *
Fildes’ plain-speak enthusiasm is infectious and his ambition far-reaching. * Compass Magazine *

Gary Fildes was born in Sunderland. He is the founder and lead astronomer of Kielder observatory, located in the forests of Northumberland. Among the world’s best sites for watching stars, it receives over 20,000 visitors a year. Gary did not attend university and left school at 17. In 2012 he was given an honorary Master’s degree from Durham University in recognition for his services to astronomy. He is currently leading a multi-million pound fundraising drive to make Kielder the world’s biggest public observatory.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.