Superstars in the sky

Press, 15 March 1980, Page 17

Superstars in the sky

Superstars. By David Clark. Dent, 1979. 169 pp. Index. $26.50. (Reviewed by F. M. Bateson) It is generally accepted that the universe originated in a “big bang.” The material it contained at that time was entirely hydrogen, to which helium was added during the first few minutes of this terrific explosion. In this scholarly book the origin of the heavier elements is related to the occurrence of supemovae — gigantic stellar explosions in which most of. the star’s substance is blown off, leaving behind an extremely dense core. David Clark, after outlining what! happens in a supernova explosion, examines the ancient observations of events that may have been supernovae. Some, such as those seen in 1054, 1572 and 1604, were certainly supernovae. Others; recorded in 5 8.C., 369 and 386 A.D. are more doubtful.. However, the author examines each case, discussing the evidence mainly gleaned from Chinese and Korean records, in a fascinating and scientific manner.

Modem observations and their

interpretation are explained before some novel theories are proposed. As an example it is suggested -that the solar system originated in the collapse Of a protosolar cloud with the collapse being triggered by the shock wave from a nearby supernova. The author argues that many events in the universe, and even ancient terrestrial . catastrophes, such as the extinction of the dinosaurs, can be attributed to supernovae. However, the author is very careful to state what is fact and what is theory.

While this book is concerned with supernovae — the author prefers the term “superstars” — the reader will gain a lot of astronomical knowledge from perusing this book. The writing is clear, well presented and entertaining. There is a great deal that will cause the mdre knowledgeable astronomer to pause and think. Yet the book is also good reading for those with little astronomical knowledge. The author is a New Zealander, who has specialised in the study of supemovae. He is principal research fellow at the Royal Greenwich Observatory.