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arXiv · 0908.2784

Serendipity in Astronomy

A. C. Fabian
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Abstract

Astronomy is an observationally-led subject where chance discoveries play an important role. A whole range of such discoveries is continually made, from the trivial to the highly significant. What is generally needed is for luck to strike someone who is prepared, in the sense that they appreciate that something novel has been seen. "Chance favours the prepared mind" in the words of Pasteur, 1854.

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A. C. Fabian. 2009-08-19. Serendipity in Astronomy. https://arxiv.org/abs/0908.2784

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