A richly illustrated history of Wisconsin’s astronomical innovations

Explore the remarkable story of Wisconsin astronomers whose curiosity, persistence, and innovation helped us better understand our universe. 

Chasing the Stars traces the history of the University of Wisconsin’s Washburn Observatory, where some of the world’s most cutting-edge astronomical inventions were born. Learn about the earliest Indigenous stargazers, the women who worked as the first human computers, the astronomers who sold time by the stars, the scientists who shrank the Milky Way, and the crucial role Wisconsin astronomers played in the development of modern astrophysics and space astronomy.

This extraordinary book features more than 100 modern and historic photographs that illustrate the people and science behind Wisconsin’s astronomical innovations. Designed for lay readers and astronomers alike, Chasing the Stars inspires all of us to look up at the sky in wonder.

James Lattis holds a PhD in History of Science from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He specializes in early modern astronomy and the history of Wisconsin astronomy and has published books and articles on both. Lattis helped the University of Wisconsin’s Space Astronomy Laboratory create UW Space Place and has directed it since its founding. Lattis helps manage the historic Washburn Observatory, teaches courses in introductory astronomy and its history, gives frequent public talks, and consults widely for the media.

Kelly Tyrrell began her career looking through a microscope as a cellular and molecular biologist. She later embarked on a path as a science writer and developed a strong fascination with astronomy. In 2017, Tyrrell traveled to the Southern African Large Telescope for the UW–Madison storytelling project, Origins. Today, Tyrrell continues to work as a science writer and oversees media relations for UW–Madison. She also serves as engagement editor for the science journalism nonprofit, The Open Notebook. Previously, Tyrrell worked as a newspaper reporter covering health and science.