This book focuses on the early steps in one of the remarkable advances of 20th century science, the discovery of the ionosphere, which led to mankind's step into the Space Age. Yeang recounts the research and the struggles that led to this discovery during the first half of that century, and stimulated the curiosity that resulted in space exploration during the second half. The people and the events of those early days are chronicled in a fascinating way by the author. It is interesting to learn about the many steps, both experimental and theoretical, taken by researchers, thinkers, and tinkerers. Although some of the many theories and early experiments with radio waves were correct, many were not. But all contributed to a discovery that whetted appetites to learn more about “what is up there?”—leading rapidly to discoveries about the upper atmosphere and the space environment.
Wireless telegraphy originated in the...
