Non-visual astronomy (Enrique Pérez Montero)

Observational astronomy is based on the capture of light from space, and especially from the objects found in it, which can be photographed and analyzed by means of instruments. But scientists have known for a long time that talking about light is not just talking about visible light. The universe looks very different through infrared, ultraviolet rays, X-rays, or gamma rays, for example, as well as through radio waves and microwaves.

Our eyes are only sensitive to the visible spectrum, so the images of the cosmos obtained through these other wavelengths require treatment to be seen. Of course, for astronomers, that a cosmic object has an attractive appearance is the least of it. The important thing is the information that it can provide us, regardless of the wavelength that we are using to observe it.

In spite of everything, and especially from the informative point of view, talking about the universe without presenting beautiful images that denote its greatness often implies lack of interest on the part of the public. Therefore, there is a certain prejudice by which the universe must be contemplated in all its visual splendor in order to be appreciated in its proper measure.

However, not everyone has the ability to see the universe, with all the rigor of the word. Blind people, for example, have been relegated for a long time in the knowledge of outer space, due to their disability. Some initiatives have been carried out, including the design of works with images of the universe in relief, but their availability is scarce and expensive.

Fortunately, fleeing from the saying that a picture is worth a thousand words, there are other alternatives to bring knowledge of the universe to blind people. One of the most interesting is the one that constitutes this book, “Visual Astronomy”, in which its author, Enrique Pérez Montero, astrophysicist and cosmologist, who is also blind, strives to disseminate this science among all people, regardless of if they can see better or worse. His work, which he describes as “astroaccessible”, is an example of commitment to astronomy and its dissemination at all levels.

His book is not intended to offer us a general monograph on this science, but rather a compilation of topics of a very diverse nature related to astronomy and astrophysics, from the evolution of the universe to the non-visible universe (such as black holes), from the exploration of comets to telescopes, passing through the electromagnetic spectrum, the Moon, the stars and the planets. A whole compendium of small sections with information suitable for all audiences, where Enrique Pérez offers complete explanations and descriptions so that the reader does not need to see any image to understand it.

Due to his specialty, the author pays special attention to telling us how information from the universe is collected, even from those of its members that we cannot see.

An original book that brings together an attractive collection of articles on astronomy, and that incidentally tells us, for those of us who might not have believed it, that this science can also be investigated by suffering from various types of visual impairment. An informative model and professional dedication.

Pyramid. Science Today Collection. 2023. Softcover, 246 pages. ISBN: 978-84-368-4803-8