Adaptive optics has been under development for well over 40 years. It is an indisputable necessity for all major ground-based astronomical telescopes and is the foundation for laser and wavefront sensor design.Lighter Side of Adaptive Opticsis a nontechnical explanation of optics, the atmosphere, and the technology for 'untwinkling' the stars. While interweaving a fictional romantic relationship as an analogy to adaptive optics, and inserting satire, humor, and philosophical rants, Tyson brings a difficult scientific topic to its knees. The 'why' and 'how' of adaptive optics has never been more enjoyable.Contents- Foreword- Love is in the Air- The Atmosphere Has Gas- Adaptive Optics Systems and Some Cool Things about Light Beams- Clever Wavefront Sensors- Laser Guide Stars, the Beacons in the Night- Mirrors that Get Bent Out of Shape- Computers That Shouldn't Crash- Other Ways to Do It- Putting the System Together- Getting the Blasted Thing to Work Right or Even Work at All- Fun with Shining Lasers into Your Eyes- A Happy Ending- Backword: The Leslie B. Smythe Story- Bibliography (Some other books about adaptive optics that aren't nearly as funny as this one)- Index