Making Waves

This book is an abbreviated, partly rewritten version of "Under the Radar - The First Woman in Radio Astronomy: Ruby Payne-Scott." It addresses a general readership interested in the historical and sociological aspects of astronomy and presents the biography of Ruby Payne-Scott (1912-1981). As the first female radio astronomer and one of the first people in the world to consider radio astronomy, she made classic contributions to solar radio physics. She also played a major role in the design of the Australian government's Council for Scientific and Industrial Research radars, which were vital in the Southwest Pacific Theatre during World War II. These radars were used by military personnel from Australia, the United States, and New Zealand. From a sociological perspective, her career offers many examples of the challenges faced by female academics in the first half of the 20th century. Written in an engaging style and complemented by many historical photographs, this book offers fascinating insights into the beginnings of radio astronomy and the role of a pioneering woman in the field. To set the scene, the first colorfully illustrated chapter presents an overview of solar astrophysics and the tools of the radio astronomer. From the reviews of "Under the Radar": "This is a beautifully researched, copiously illustrated, and well-written book that tells us much more than the life of one amazing female radio astronomer. It also provides a profile on radar developments during WWII and on Australia's pre-eminent place in solar radio astronomy in the years following WWII. Under the Radar is compelling reading, and if you have taken the time to read right through this review, then it certainly belongs on your bookshelf!" (Wayne Orchiston, Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage, March 2010).