Robert S. (Robert Stawell) Ball
Star-land: Being Talks With Young People About the Wonders of the Heavens
"Star-land: Being Talks With Young People About the Wonders of the Heavens" by Sir Robert Stawell Ball is an educational work written in the late 19th century. The book is composed of lectures directed at a young audience, aiming to explain various astronomical phenomena in an engaging and accessible manner. The primary focus of the opening portion is on the sun, detailing its heat, brightness, size, and importance to life on Earth, as well as the basic principles of astronomy that help us understand these celestial attributes. At the start of this work, the author introduces the concept of the sun and its fundamental role in sustaining life on Earth. Through relatable analogies and examples, he explains how the sun's heat and light affect our environment, touching on the significance of sunlight in everyday life and the natural world. Ball provides insights into how astronomers measure the distance to the sun and its immense size relative to the Earth, utilizing practical experiments and illustrations to clarify complex ideas. He sets the stage for a broader exploration of the cosmos, inviting readers to appreciate the wonders of astronomy through a youthful and curious lens.