I found this bit of information on a Who fan board last week, and think some of you might be interested, especially if you're into photography. It's the latest project by former Queen guitarist Brian May, who totally impressed me when he completed his thesis in astrophysics in 2008, some 30 years after he abandoned it to pursue his rock and roll dreams. The paper is entitled A Survey of Radial Velocities in the Zodiacal Dust Cloud, for those of you versed enough in science to understand such things.
May recently published a book with Elena Vidal called A Village Lost and Found, based on the work of the Victorian stereoscopic photographer TR Williams. He also designed the viewer that you need to use in order to capture the 3D effect of the stereoscopic images. I am strongly leaning towards purchasing a copy as a gift for my husband, who is an avid amateur photographer, and I suspect he won't be the only one finding the topic fascinating.
The book is available now, and I believe that there are some UK fall dates on Brian May's website for lectures he and Elana Vidal are doing to explain their project. You can also go to Youtube and find a two-part video clip in which Brian and Elena (Brian mostly does the talking) discuss the project. I found it quite informative with regards to what stereoscopic photography is.
6 comments:
After leaving a dinner party in Rexdale/Etobicoke about a month ago I listened to an interview on CBC with Brian May on my drive home about this book. He is certainly one amazing guy.
I look forward to going to another party on the 18th. Hopefully without any walnuts hitting my head.
I do hope your husband doesn't read your blog site. holy!
looks like a neat book and May certainly strikes me as ardent for academia. I wouldn't be surprised if he filled a faculty post some time. hmmm.
I did not know Brian May had other ambitions. Interesting.
xo
I was also impressed when BM finished his thesis and finally got his doctorate in astro physics..it's a fantastic achievement and I al also tckled by the idea that beneath the long hair and rolc star image, he is really a nerd in disguise :)
The book sounds fascinating...maybe something for Koos too!
A really interesting post dear xx
Val, I was completely thinking of Koos (and Austin) when I read the initial article. A photography buff's dream come true!
And yes, Mr. May is a nerd, albeit with gorgeous hair. What else do you expect from a man who built his own guitar (the now famous red special) with his father from the chimney mantle?
I've also heard he is a very kind, gentle and humble person from fans who have met him.
xx
AM
OK, you lost me at steroscopic!
My best guess is seeing in stereo - certainly a not-unheard of idea, as I have two eyes... ;)
But it must be the same as listening to something that is two dimensional in stereo - as I also have two ears...
Now we can also see something two dimensional in stereo?
Kudos to Brian May, the nerd in perect disquise!
You also lost me at astrophysics.
xx
ps I actually love physics, if not for the fact that I simply find it difficult to wrap my brain around such theories - when they stare me in the face! Similar to sorting out a time-travel paradox.
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