Accessory To War: The Unspoken Alliance Between... -
is a 2018 non-fiction book co-authored by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and researcher Avis Lang.
: Tyson traces this alliance from ancient times—such as Ptolemy’s military predictions and Galileo’s promotion of the telescope to the Venetian military—to modern satellite-enabled warfare. Accessory to War: The Unspoken Alliance Between...
: The title uses "accessory" in the legal sense—one who enables or abets a deed without being the primary actor. Tyson argues that astrophysicists, though often personally anti-war, have historically served as "handmaidens" to military interests. Key Historical Examples is a 2018 non-fiction book co-authored by astrophysicist
: Technology often flows in both directions. Tools designed for space exploration (like telescopes or multi-spectral imaging) are frequently adopted for military reconnaissance, while military advancements (like GPS or radar) become essential tools for scientific research. The book explores the millennia-old
The book explores the millennia-old, symbiotic relationship between those who study the stars and those who wage war, arguing that science and military power have always been inextricably linked. Core Themes