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About this book
Contents
Customer reviews
Biography
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About this book
This illustrated reference contains up to date data as well as tips and advice on how to get the most out of astronomy.Topics covered include; observing techniques, telescopes and observatories, Internet resources, and the objects that can be studied.
Contents
Introduction by Jeff Medkeff; Part I. Background: 1. The cosmic backdrop; 2. Positional astronomy; 3. Time and the calendar; 4. The magnitude system; Part II. Equipment: 5. Telescopes; 6. Mounts and drives; 7. Eyepieces; 8. Filters; 9. Telescope accessories; 10. Binoculars; Part III. How to Observe: 11. Sketching what you observe; 12. Astrophotography; 13. Digital and video cameras; 14. The CCD; 15. Photometry; 16. Spectroscopy; Part IV. References and Other: 17. Books and atlases; 18. Catalogues of the deep sky; 19. Software; 20. Observatories; 21. The social astronomer; 22. Light pollution; Part V. What to Observe: 23. Nightfall; 24. The Sun; 25. The Aurora; 26. The Moon; 27. Eclipses and transits; 28. Mercury and Venus; 29. Mars; 30. Jupiter; 31. Saturn; 32. The outer planets; 33. Asteroids; 34. Comets; 35. Meteors and meteor showers; Part VI. Deep Sky Objects: 36. Double stars; 37. Variable stars; 38. Supernovae; 39. Occultations; 40. Nebulae; 41. Star clusters; 42. Galaxies; Part VII. Observing Tips.
Customer Reviews
Biography
Author of The Cambridge Guide to the Constellations (0521449219) and The Cambridge Planetary Handbook (0521632803).
By: Michael E Bakich
448 pages, 250 Col plates, 105 figs, 102 tabs
'! an essential guide for both beginning stargazers and more advanced observers.' Orion ' useful and informative !' The Observatory 'An excellent large volume well illustrated, comprehensive and ! up-to-date. Both new and experienced amateur astronomers and even some professionals will find much that will benefit their knowledge, methods and techniques. A useful book to have close to hand - highly recommended.' Spaceflight 'In a superbly structured and illustrated book, Bakich manages to weave together the latest wisdom on everything an amateur astronomer would ever need to now - and more ! if I were to pick just one book to whet my appetite for amateur observing, this would undoubtedly be the book to purchase.' Astronomy