Astronomy with Small Telescopes

Astronomy with Small Telescopes PDF Author: Stephen Tonkin
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1447102290
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 165

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Book Description
Small telescopes, whether simple beginners' telescopes or refined computer-controlled instruments, are gaining popularity fast as technology improves and public interest increases. In this book the author has brought together the experience of small telescope users to provide an insightful look into just what is possible. It is written for newcomers to astronomy and experts. Topics covered include: refractors, reflectors, advanced catadioptric telescopes, and a simple radio telescope. Almost everyone with an interest in practical astronomy will want this book.

Astronomy with Small Telescopes

Astronomy with Small Telescopes PDF Author: Stephen Tonkin
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1447102290
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 165

Get Book Here

Book Description
Small telescopes, whether simple beginners' telescopes or refined computer-controlled instruments, are gaining popularity fast as technology improves and public interest increases. In this book the author has brought together the experience of small telescope users to provide an insightful look into just what is possible. It is written for newcomers to astronomy and experts. Topics covered include: refractors, reflectors, advanced catadioptric telescopes, and a simple radio telescope. Almost everyone with an interest in practical astronomy will want this book.

Aurora

Aurora PDF Author: Neil Bone
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 0387360522
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 190

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Book Description
This new book addresses a gap in the literature, offering an explanation of the aurora's causes, how the occurrence of major events may now be predicted, and how amateur observers can go about recording displays. This is the first serious book about aurora written for practical but non-professional observers. It provides a concise accessible description of the various auroral forms and how to record them, illustrated with color images of recent displays. It contains details of 'Space Weather' forecasting websites, how to interpret and use the information given on these, and how to anticipate auroral activity.

Exoplanets

Exoplanets PDF Author: C. R. Kitchin
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1461406447
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 290

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Book Description
Exoplanets: Finding, Exploring, and Understanding Alien Worlds probes the basis for possible answers to the fundamentals questions asked about these planets orbiting stars other than our Sun. This book examines what such planets might be like, where they are, and how we find them. Until around ten years ago, the only planets that we knew about were within the Solar System. The first genuine planet beyond the confines of the Solar System was discovered only 1988. Since then another 350 or so exoplanets have been detected by various methods, and most of these haven been found in the last ten years. Although many more exoplanets discoveries may be expected to occur even as this book is being read, a large enough data set is now available to form the basis for an informed general account of exoplanets. The topic hence is an extremely "hot" one - all the more so because the recently launched Kepler spacecraft should soon start uncovering many more exoplanets, some perhaps comparable with the Earth (and therefore possibly alternative homes for mankind, if we could ever reach them). Exoplanets: Finding, Exploring, and Understanding Alien Life gives a comprehensive, balances, and above all accurate account of exoplanets.

Deep Sky Observing

Deep Sky Observing PDF Author: Steve R. Coe
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1447103653
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 370

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Book Description
Steve Coe has been watching the deep sky from locations near his home in Arizona for almost 20 years. During that time he has accumulated a wealth of knowledge, observations, hints and tips that will help every deep sky observer, regardless of experience. This, his first book, gives detailed practical advice about how to find the best observing site, how to make the most of the time spent there, and what equipment and instruments to take along. There are comprehensive lists of deep sky objects of all kinds, along with Steve's own observations describing how they look through telescopes with apertures ranging from 8 to 36 inches (0.2 - 0.9 m). Most of all, this book is all about how to enjoy astronomy. Steve's enthusiasm and sense of wonder shine through every page as he invites you along on a tour of some of the most beautiful and fascinating sites in the deep sky.

The NexStar User’s Guide

The NexStar User’s Guide PDF Author: Michael Swanson
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 0857294180
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 324

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Book Description
Michael Swanson’s online discussions with literally thousands of NexStar owners made it clear that there was a desperate need for a book such as this – one that provides a complete, detailed guide to buying, using and maintaining NexStar telescopes. Although this book is highly comprehensive, it is suitable for beginners – there is a chapter on "Astronomy Basics" – and experts alike. Celestron’s NexStar telescopes were introduced in 1999, beginning with their first computer controlled "go to" model, a 5-inch. More models appeared in quick succession, and Celestron’s new range made it one of the two dominant manufacturers of affordable "go to" telescopes.

The New Amateur Astronomer

The New Amateur Astronomer PDF Author: Martin Mobberley
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1447106393
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 228

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Book Description
Amateur astronomy has changed beyond recognition in less than two decades. The reason is, of course, technology. Affordable high-quality telescopes, computer-controlled 'go to' mountings, autoguiders, CCD cameras, video, and (as always) computers and the Internet, are just a few of the advances that have revolutionized astronomy for the twenty-first century. Martin Mobberley first looks at the basics before going into an in-depth study of what’s available commercially. He then moves on to the revolutionary possibilities that are open to amateurs, from imaging, through spectroscopy and photometry, to patrolling for near-earth objects - the search for comets and asteroids that may come close to, or even hit, the earth. The New Amateur Astronomer is a road map of the new astronomy, equally suitable for newcomers who want an introduction, or old hands who need to keep abreast of innovations. From the reviews: "This is one of several dozen books in Patrick Moore's "Practical Astronomy" series. Amid this large family, Mobberley finds his niche: the beginning high-tech amateur. The book's first half discusses equipment: computer-driven telescopes, CCD cameras, imaging processing software, etc. This market is changing every bit as rapidly as the computer world, so these details will be current for only a year or two. The rest of the book offers an overview of scientific projects that serious amateurs are carrying out these days. Throughout, basic formulas and technical terms are provided as needed, without formal derivations. An appendix with useful references and Web sites is also included. Readers will need more than this book if they are considering a plunge into high-tech amateur astronomy, but it certainly will whet their appetites. Mobberley's most valuable advice will save the book's owner many times its cover price: buy a quality telescope from a reputable dealer and install it in a simple shelter so it can be used with as little set-up time as possible. A poor purchase choice and the hassle of setting up are why most fancy telescopes gather dust in their owners' dens. Summing Up: Highly recommended. General readers; lower- and upper-division undergraduates."( T. D. Oswalt, CHOICE, March 2005)

Choosing and Using a Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope

Choosing and Using a Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope PDF Author: Rod Mollise
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1447102274
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 365

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Book Description
Amateur astronomy is becoming increasingly popular, mostly because of the availability of relatively low-cost astronomical telescopes such as the Schmidt-Cassegrain and Maksutovs. The author describes what these instruments will do, how to use them, and which are the best - he draws on 25-years of experience with telescopes. There are sections on accessories, observing techniques, and hints and tips on: cleaning, collimating, maintaining the telescope, mounting, using the telescope in various conditions, computer control, and imaging (wet, digital and CCD). This is the perfect book for amateur astronomers who are about to invest in a new Schmidt-Cassegrain or Maksutov telescope, or for those who already have one and want to get the most out of it.

Visual Astronomy in the Suburbs

Visual Astronomy in the Suburbs PDF Author: Antony Cooke
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1852338474
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 268

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Book Description
The only practical guide to observing truly spectacular astronomical objects from less than perfect locations. The only book to deal in depth with the application of image intensifiers to real-time astronomy. Gives advice on viewing objects, and on making realistic images by drawing or video. Includes extensive catalogs of spectacular objects that can be seen from suburban sites in both hemispheres.

Telescopes and Techniques

Telescopes and Techniques PDF Author: C. R. Kitchin
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1447100239
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 257

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Book Description
The modern aspiring astronomer is faced with a bewil dering choice of commercially produced telescopes, including all the designs considered in the preceding chapter. Yet only four decades ago the choice for a small telescope would have been between just a refrac tor and a Newtonian reflector. That change has come about because of the enormous interest that has grown in astronomy since the start of the space age and with the mind-boggling discoveries of the past 30 or 40 years. Except for some of the very small instruments which are unfortunately often heavily promoted in general mail order catalogues, camera shops and the like, the optical quality of these commercially pro duced telescopes is almost uniformly excellent. Although one product may be slightly better for some types of observation, or more suited to the personal cir cumstances of the observer, than another, most of them will provide excellent observing opportunities. The same general praise cannot be applied, however, to the mountings with which many of these telescopes are provided, and those problems are covered in Chapter 6.

Care of Astronomical Telescopes and Accessories

Care of Astronomical Telescopes and Accessories PDF Author: M. Barlow Pepin
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1846280710
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 256

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Book Description
Commercially-made astronomical telescopes are better and less expensive than ever before, and their optical and mechanical performance can be superb. When a good-quality telescope fails to perform as well as it might, the reason is quite probably that it needs a little care and attention! Here is a complete guide for anyone who wants to understand more than just the basics of astronomical telescopes and accessories, and how to maintain them in the peak of condition. The latest on safely adjusting, cleaning, and maintaining your equipment is combined with thoroughly updated methods from the old masters. Here, too, are details of choosing new and used optics and accessories, along with enhancements you can make to extend their versatility and useful lifetime. This book is for you. Really. Looking after an astronomical telescope isn’t only for the experts - although there are some things that only an expert should attempt - and every serious amateur astronomer will find invaluable information here, gleaned from Barlow Pepin's many years’ experience working with optical instruments.