Professor Harm J. Habing obtained his PhD in astronomy from the University of Groningen in 1968 under Dr. Sr.R. Pottasch. He did his postdoc at the University of California under Prof. G. Field before becoming a senior researcher at Leiden University in 1970. In 1980, he became a full professor at Leiden University, where he remained until his retirement in 2002. During his time at Leiden University, he acted as chairman several times, and he served as the scientific director from 1995-2002. In addition, he supervised 28 graduate students. Professor Habing has published over 350 papers in scientific journals and has written multiple books, including “Asymptotic Giant Branch Stars” (Springer). Further, he has received the Medal for Exceptional Scientific Achievement from NASA and the Gilles Holst medal in gold from the Royal Dutch Academy of Science. He is also Chevalier de l’ ordre de la Légion d’honneur.

“The book is remarkably well illustrated with many very sharp photographs and explanative charts and diagrams. This is one of its star qualities, making it a joy to thumb through.” (Leonard Matula, The Observatory, Vol. 140 (1279), December, 2020)

• Preface.- Table of Contents.- Prologue.- Part 1: 1945-1985.- Chapter 1: Developments in Instruments.- Chapter 2: Stars and Galaxies.- Chapter 3: Developing New Instruments.- Chapter 4: Stars.- Chapter 5: Galaxies.- Chapter 6: Developments in Instruments.- Chapter 7: Stars.- Chapter 8: Galaxies and the Universe.- Part 2: 1985-2010.- Chapter 9: Plans, People, Organisations and Instruments.- Chapter 10: Main-Sequence Stars and Failed Stars.- Chapter 11: Something Completely New: Exoplanets.- Chapter 12: The Formation of Stars.- Chapter 13: What is Left: Compact Objects.- Chapter 14: Transient Phenomena, Mergers and Explosions.- Chapter 15: Galaxies 1985-1995.- Chapter 16: Galaxies 1995-2005: Another Revolution.- Chapter 17: Harvest Time.- Epilogue.- Index.

Professor Harm J. Habing obtained his PhD in astronomy from the University of Groningen in 1968 under Dr. Sr.R. Pottasch. He did his postdoc at the University of California under Prof. G. Field before becoming a senior researcher at Leiden University in 1970. In 1980, he became a full professor at Leiden University, where he remained until his retirement in 2002. During his time at Leiden University, he acted as chairman several times, and he served as the scientific director from 1995-2002. In addition, he supervised 28 graduate students. Professor Habing has published over 350 papers in scientific journals and has written multiple books, including “Asymptotic Giant Branch Stars” (Springer). Further, he has received the Medal for Exceptional Scientific Achievement from NASA and the Gilles Holst medal in gold from the Royal Dutch Academy of Science. He is also Chevalier de l’ ordre de la Légion d’honneur.

“The book is remarkably well illustrated with many very sharp photographs and explanative charts and diagrams. This is one of its star qualities, making it a joy to thumb through.” (Leonard Matula, The Observatory, Vol. 140 (1279), December, 2020)

• Preface.- Table of Contents.- Prologue.- Part 1: 1945-1985.- Chapter 1: Developments in Instruments.- Chapter 2: Stars and Galaxies.- Chapter 3: Developing New Instruments.- Chapter 4: Stars.- Chapter 5: Galaxies.- Chapter 6: Developments in Instruments.- Chapter 7: Stars.- Chapter 8: Galaxies and the Universe.- Part 2: 1985-2010.- Chapter 9: Plans, People, Organisations and Instruments.- Chapter 10: Main-Sequence Stars and Failed Stars.- Chapter 11: Something Completely New: Exoplanets.- Chapter 12: The Formation of Stars.- Chapter 13: What is Left: Compact Objects.- Chapter 14: Transient Phenomena, Mergers and Explosions.- Chapter 15: Galaxies 1985-1995.- Chapter 16: Galaxies 1995-2005: Another Revolution.- Chapter 17: Harvest Time.- Epilogue.- Index.