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This book provides an introduction to the design of a variety of telescopes, mounts, and drives suitable for the home-constructor. Projects include instruments that range from a shoestring budget to specialist devices that are not commercially available. The skill level of each project is indicated and advice is provided as to what is sensible to construct, given what is commercially available. Hints and tips are included, as well as listings of reputable mail order sources of materials and components.
This book contains everything an amateur astronomer needs to know to begin observing whilst going relatively deeply into the subject for those who are already involved. Covers a very wide range of available equipment, from simple DIY spectroscopes to the most expensive commercially-made instruments. Describes basic principles so that the reader understands how to analyse the spectra he/she sees or records. Contributions by leading amateurs astronomers from the USA and Europe.
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.
This book contains everything an astronomer needs to know about binocular observing. The book takes an in-depth look at the instruments themselves. It has sections on evaluating and buying binoculars and binocular telescopes, their care, mounting, and accessories. In addition there is a selection of fifty fine objects to be seen with 50mm and 100mm binoculars. The advantages of using both eyes for astronomical observing are many and considerable, largely because of the way the human brain processes visual information. This book enables the astronomer to maximize those advantages.
Beginning astronomy -- Learning your way -- Astronomical equipment -- Star charts -- Recording observations -- Near-earth events -- The moon -- The sun -- Observing the planets -- Observing the outer planets -- The stars -- Deep-sky objects.
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...
A Practical Astronomer's Deep-sky Companion is an essential read for deep-sky observers, whether they are interested in imaging or just sightseeing. This beautiful large-format full-colour book is designed to be taken out into the field during observing to provide all the information necessary for finding and imaging interesting deep-sky objects. There is a vast amount of information packed into each spread - photographs, position, maps, recommended exposure times, and much, much more. Every amateur astronomer will want a copy of this! -The only book to provide all the observational information needed for field use by deep-sky observers! -Large-format, full-colour spreads for ease of use. -Images as well as data for all the most interesting deep-sky objects. -Finder maps for all objects. -Recommended exposure times for imaging. -Organised by constellation.
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.
This book offers a comprehensive introductory guide to "choosing and using" a series LXD55 or LXD75 computer-controlled ("goto") telescope, containing a wealth of useful information for both beginners and more advanced practical amateur astronomers. The manufacturer’s manuals are not nearly detailed enough to be of real help to beginners. No other book offers advanced techniques for more experienced LXD series users.
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.