Book excerpt: Why write a book about the stars? Of what use is their study? This book covers this ground with a number of anecdotes arising from the author’s almost 60 years’ experience as a research scientist who has worked with some of the largest telescopes in the world. The text exposes much of what is glossed over in the canned information that the public get and holds nothing back with respect to uncertainties within the subject. People want answers, want somehow to be reassured that someone out there has a handle on things. This book details the basis for our knowledge of the universe, warts and all, and offers important insights as to where the science is going.