The University of Michigan Library holds an extraordinary collection of manuscripts and early printed books describing the early history of astronomy. These holdings range from ancient papyri to richly illustrated books that made possible the scientific revolution in Europe in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries including works by Copernicus, Galileo and Kepler.

One of the most impressive highlights of the collection is a one-page manuscript where Galileo himself recorded his observations of the moons of Jupiter for the very first time. Attendants of this workshop will have the unique opportunity to examine closely these artifacts and learn how astronomical ideas were transmitted, read, and interpreted from antiquity through early modern Europe.

This study group led by Pablo Alvarez will meet Friday January 29. Preregistration is required via the OLLI website or phone. A link to access the study group will be e-mailed prior to the first session.