![Solar Observing Techniques]( "Solar Observing Techniques")
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About this book
Contents
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About this book
The Sun is the closest star to Earth, and the only one we can observe in any sort of detail. As such it is a fascinating field of study, and one that is well-suited to amateur astronomers - the Sun is close enough to need little magnification. It also has the practical advantage, unlike every other astronomical object, of being visible in the daytime!During solar eclipses, there are momentary chances to observe and photograph some spectacular and scientifcally interesting sights.Studying the Sun nonetheless needs specialist knowledge. Safety is paramount, as without the right precautions the heat and light of the Sun would instantly blind the observer. But given the right techniques, the Sun is a rewarding subject for amateur astronomers: in this book, Professor Chris Kitchin provides all the information needed for safe solar observing.
Contents
Preface.- Acknowledgements.- The alert symbol: Warning.- 1. The Sun - What to See and Why.- 2. General Telescopic Observing Methods.- 3. White Light Observing.- 4. Recording Your Observations.- 5. Observing Programmes.- 6. Unaided Observations.- 7. Eclipses.- 8. Specialist Instruments.- 9. Radio Telescopes.- 10. The Limits of Solar Observation.- Solar Image Gallery.- Appendix 1 - Bibliography.- Appendix 2 - Equipment Suppliers.- Appendix 3 - Web Sites Relating to The Sun.
Customer Reviews
Handbook / Manual
By: Chris Kitchin
218 pages, 120 illus
From the reviews: "This book is part of a series aimed at the newcomer to astronomy. In many respects the author fulfills this aim very well ! . The book is well illustrated with drawings and photographs -- over 30 of which are in colour. ! If ! you are keen on becoming a solar observer, make a space on your bookshelf for this book. Or if, like me, you are established in solar observing, keep it as a reference for when you take up CCD imaging ! ." (Brian Halls, Astronomy Now, April, 2002) "This book forms part of Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series ! . it discusses the safety precautions that need to be taken in such a way as to be informative and not to scare someone from making solar observations. ! The book also gives sufficient information for someone, for example, to attempt taking photographs or CCD images of the Sun. ! I think this book will encourage amateur astronomers to take up solar observing ! ." (Peter Meadows, The Astronomer, Vol. 38 (450), 2001) "This book deserves to be in every observational astronomer's possession. In just over 200 pages, excellent and clear descriptions, advice on solar observing methods -- most of them within the reach of amateur astronomers -- are given. ! The many illustrations and diagrams are all relevant and well chosen, as are the (not too many!) equations. ! This book is wonderful value and should encourage all amateur astronomers to observe our nearest star. A nice, warm welcome to this book." (Richard Bailey, Popular Astronomy, October, 2001)
