Choosing and Using a Dobsonian Telescope

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Author :
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 9781441987860
Total Pages : 232 pages
Book Rating : 4.9/5 (878 download)

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Book Synopsis Choosing and Using a Dobsonian Telescope by : Neil English

Download or read book Choosing and Using a Dobsonian Telescope written by Neil English and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2011-07-25 with total page 232 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the 1960's, American amateur astronomer, John Dobson, designed a revolutionary kind of astronomical telescope featuring a lightweight large-aperture reflecting system on a simple mounting, using the then-revolutionary material called teflon. The design combines simplicity and portability with large-aperture prowess. Thirty years later Dobsonians remain supreme for visually observing faint deep-sky objects and are one of the best-selling large telescopes in the USA and Europe. This popularity is reflected in the recent increase of companies now heavily marketing Dobsonians, in particular, Meade (the "Lightbridge" range), Orion USA (XT Intelliscope series), and Skywatcher (Skyliner and Flextube models). This book is the ultimate guide to buying and using commercial Dobsonians, both 'Econo' and 'Primo' models, with in-depth accounts for the various models (plus accessories) on the market and descriptions of the many innovations that amateurs have made to optimize their telescopes' performance.

Choosing and Using a Dobsonian Telescope

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Publisher :
ISBN 13 : 9781441987877
Total Pages : 248 pages
Book Rating : 4.9/5 (878 download)

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Book Synopsis Choosing and Using a Dobsonian Telescope by :

Download or read book Choosing and Using a Dobsonian Telescope written by and published by . This book was released on 2011-07-01 with total page 248 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Choosing and Using a Dobsonian Telescope

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Author :
Publisher : Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN 13 : 9781546580591
Total Pages : 198 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (85 download)

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Book Synopsis Choosing and Using a Dobsonian Telescope by : Allan Hall

Download or read book Choosing and Using a Dobsonian Telescope written by Allan Hall and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2017-05-14 with total page 198 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Dobsonian telescopes are the most popular beginner telescope and first came to prominence in the 1960's. They have provided many thousands of amateur sky-watchers with a low-cost, dependable telescope which allows them to see deep into the night skies. There are numerous types of this popular telescope which are available to buy, and getting the one that best suits your needs is something that could prove to be a challenge. In this new book by Allan Hall, Choosing and Using a Dobsonian Telescope, you will find all the information you will need to make the most informed choice on your purchase, including: *A brief history of the telescope *The different manufacturers *Selecting the right one for your purposes *Accessories *Set up and use *Useful tips and tricks *Where to find more information *And much more... A telescope is not an insignificant purchase and you may want to make sure you spend your hard earned money where it counts when it comes to getting the right piece of equipment for your star-gazing, so it pays to make sure that you are going to buy something that is relevant to you and which will give you many years of pleasure. By reading Choosing and Using a Dobsonian Telescope, you will become more informed and better positioned to make the right choice, the first time. And with a special section devoted to the accessories you can buy, including things like eyepieces, filters, cases, collimators and many more, you will also be making the right choices when it comes to these too. Whether you are watching the skies from the comfort of your own back yard, or using your telescope at a remote dark site it pays to get the right equipment for you. Get your copy of Choosing and Using a Dobsonian Telescope now! Make sure you know all about this wonderful type of telescope, before you buy.

Choosing and Using a Refracting Telescope

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Author :
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 1441964037
Total Pages : 284 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (419 download)

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Book Synopsis Choosing and Using a Refracting Telescope by : Neil English

Download or read book Choosing and Using a Refracting Telescope written by Neil English and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2010-09-28 with total page 284 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Choosing and Using a Refracting Telescope has been written for the many amateur astronomers who already own, or are intending to purchase, a refracting telescope – perhaps to complement their existing arsenal of larger reflecting telescopes – or for the specialist who requires a particular refractor for serious astronomical applications or nature studies. Four hundred year ago, during the winter of 1609, a relatively unknown Italian scientist, Galileo Galilei designed a spyglass with two crude lenses and turned it skyward. Since then, refractors have retained their dominance over all types of reflector in studies of the Moon, planets and double stars because of the precision of their optics and lack of a central obstruction in the optical path, which causes diffraction effects in all commercially-made reflectors. Most mature amateur astronomers got started with a 60mm refractor, or something similar. Thirty years ago, there was little choice available to the hobbyist, but in the last decade long focus crown-flint achromats have moved aside for some exquisitely crafted apochromatic designs offered by leading commercial manufacturers. There has been a huge increase in the popularity of these telescopes in the last few years, led by a significant increase in the number of companies (particularly, William Optics, Orion USA, StellarVue, SkyWatcher and AstroTech) who are now heavily marketing refractors in the amateur astronomical magazines. In Choosing and Using a Refracting Telescope, well-known observer and astronomy writer Neil English celebrates the remarkable history and evolution of the refracting telescope and looks in detail at the instruments, their development and their use. A major feature of this book is the way it compares not only different classes of refractor, but also telescopes of each class that are sold by various commercial manufacturers. The author is perhaps uniquely placed to do this, having used and tested literally hundreds of different refracting telescopes over three decades. Because it includes many diverse subjects such as imaging with consumer-level digital cameras, imaging with webcams, and imaging with astronomical CCD cameras – that are not covered together in equal depth in any other single volume – Choosing and Using a Refracting Telescope could become the ‘refractor bible’ for amateur astronomers at all levels, especially those who are interested in imaging astronomical objects of every class.

The Dobsonian Telescope

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Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 : 9780943396552
Total Pages : 475 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (965 download)

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Book Synopsis The Dobsonian Telescope by : David Kriege

Download or read book The Dobsonian Telescope written by David Kriege and published by . This book was released on 1997 with total page 475 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Choosing and Using Astronomical Eyepieces

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Author :
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 1461477239
Total Pages : 442 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (614 download)

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Book Synopsis Choosing and Using Astronomical Eyepieces by : William Paolini

Download or read book Choosing and Using Astronomical Eyepieces written by William Paolini and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2013-08-23 with total page 442 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A valuable reference that fills a number of niches including that of a buyer's guide, technical desk reference and observer's field guide. It documents the past market and its evolution, right up to the present day. In addition to appealing to practical astronomers - and potentially saving them money - it is useful both as a historical reference and as a detailed review of the current market place for this bustling astronomical consumer product. What distinguishes this book from other publications on astronomy is the involvement of observers from all aspects of the astronomical community, and also the major manufacturers of equipment. It not only catalogs the technical aspects of the many modern eyepieces but also documents amateur observer reactions and impressions over the years, using many different eyepieces. Eyepieces are the most talked-about accessories and collectible items available to the amateur astronomer. No other item of equipment commands such vigorous debate, or has evolved into such a remarkable array of forms and functions. 'Choosing and Using Astronomical Eyepieces' provides a vast amount of reference material to point readers towards the best buys and the right eyepieces for different kinds of observing.

Choosing and Using a New CAT

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Author :
Publisher : Springer Nature
ISBN 13 : 3030397777
Total Pages : 350 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (33 download)

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Book Synopsis Choosing and Using a New CAT by : Rod Mollise

Download or read book Choosing and Using a New CAT written by Rod Mollise and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2020-05-22 with total page 350 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Catadioptric telescopes (CATs) such as the Schmidt Cassegrains remain popular among amateur astronomers for their ability to reveal thousands of beautiful deep-space wonders. Additionally, their computer-assisted capabilities allow them to automatically point to and track celestial objects, making astronomy accessible to more people than ever before. However, selecting the right one and learning how to use it can be difficult for stargazers both old and new. That’s where this book comes in. The first edition, published in 2009, has remained the standard reference for mastering these popular instruments. This revised edition brings the material completely up to date, with several extensively rewritten chapters covering the most recent developments in telescope and camera equipment as well as computer software. Through the author’s 45 years of experience with catadioptric telescopes, readers will learn to decide which catadioptric telescope is right for them, to choose a specific make and model, and finally, to use the telescope in the field. Covered in other chapters are: Solar System and deep-sky observations; astrophotography and computer control of CATs; and troubleshooting and maintaining your equipment. If you dream of owning a telescope or are frustrated by the telescope you already own, this is the book for you!

Choosing and Using a Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope

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Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 1447102274
Total Pages : 365 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (471 download)

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Book Synopsis Choosing and Using a Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope by : Rod Mollise

Download or read book Choosing and Using a Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope written by Rod Mollise and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 365 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

Choosing and Using Astronomical Filters

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Author :
Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 1493910442
Total Pages : 269 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (939 download)

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Book Synopsis Choosing and Using Astronomical Filters by : Martin Griffiths

Download or read book Choosing and Using Astronomical Filters written by Martin Griffiths and published by Springer. This book was released on 2014-06-20 with total page 269 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As a casual read through any of the major amateur astronomical magazines will demonstrate, there are filters available for all aspects of optical astronomy. This book provides a ready resource on the use of the following filters, among others, for observational astronomy or for imaging: Light pollution filters Planetary filters Solar filters Neutral density filters for Moon observation Deep-sky filters, for such objects as galaxies, nebulae and more Deep-sky objects can be imaged in much greater detail than was possible many years ago. Amateur astronomers can take photographs that rival those of professional observatories! The ability to do this has been brought about by the revolution in CCD cameras and improved filters. The book pinpoints which astronomical objects are best observed with which filters. Post-processing (using Photoshop) is also discussed, since it is helpful in further improving filtered astro images. The last part of the book is an observational guide to 100 deep sky objects that benefit from the use of filters – all personally observed by the author – with notes on the filters used (or potentially of use) in their observation and imaging. There are also notes on their celestial coordinates, magnitudes and other pertinent information.

Turn Left at Orion

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Author :
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
ISBN 13 : 1139503731
Total Pages : 257 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (395 download)

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Book Synopsis Turn Left at Orion by : Guy Consolmagno

Download or read book Turn Left at Orion written by Guy Consolmagno and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2011-09-22 with total page 257 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: With over 100,000 copies sold since first publication, this is one of the most popular astronomy books of all time. It is a unique guidebook to the night sky, providing all the information you need to observe a whole host of celestial objects. With a new spiral binding, this edition is even easier to use outdoors at the telescope and is the ideal beginner's book. Keeping its distinct one-object-per-spread format, this edition is also designed for Dobsonian telescopes, as well as for smaller reflectors and refractors, and covers Southern hemisphere objects in more detail. Large-format eyepiece views, positioned side-by-side, show objects exactly as they are seen through a telescope, and with improved directions, updated tables of astronomical information and an expanded night-by-night Moon section, it has never been easier to explore the night sky on your own. Many additional resources are available on the accompanying website, www.cambridge.org/turnleft.

Classic Telescopes

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Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 1461444241
Total Pages : 239 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (614 download)

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Book Synopsis Classic Telescopes by : Neil English

Download or read book Classic Telescopes written by Neil English and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-08-30 with total page 239 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Classic telescopes are of interest to amateur astronomers for a variety of reasons. There are the dedicated collectors, but there are also many amateurs who love the nostalgia they inspire. These telescopes "feel" different from any contemporary telescope and perhaps have a unique ability to reconnect the owner to a bygone age of craftmanship. This book takes a look at traditional telescopes built by the great instrument makers of the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly the dynastic telescope makers, including Dollond, Alvan Clark, Thomas Cooke & Sons, and Carl Zeiss. Also included are lesser luminaries such as John Brashear, John Calver, William Wray, Henry Fitz, and William Henry Mogey. 'Classic Telescopes' covers the key features of the telescopes designed by these manufacturers, and shows how a heady combination of market trends, instrument condition, and pedigree will dictate their prices at auction. 'Classic Telescopes' also shows the reader how to find real bargains! Interviews with top classic telescope collectors (and users) provide the best tips of prospecting for a genuine acquisition.

Grab 'n' Go Astronomy

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Author :
Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 149390826X
Total Pages : 245 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (939 download)

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Book Synopsis Grab 'n' Go Astronomy by : Neil English

Download or read book Grab 'n' Go Astronomy written by Neil English and published by Springer. This book was released on 2014-05-14 with total page 245 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Like everyone else, most amateur astronomers live busy lives. After a long day or work or looking after young children, the last thing you want as an observer is to have to lug out a large telescope and spend an hour getting it ready before it can be used. Maybe you are going on vacation somewhere in the countryside where there are sure to be dark skies, but you don’t necessarily want astronomy to dominate the trip. Or suppose you are not quite committed to owning a large telescope, but curious enough to see what a smaller, portable setup can accomplish. These are times when a small “grab ’n’ go” telescope, or even a pair of binoculars, is the ideal instrument. And this book can guide you in choosing and best utilizing that equipment. What makes a telescope fall into the “grab ’n’ go” category? That’s easy – speed of setting up, ease of use, and above all, portability. In Part I of this book, we survey the various types of equipment, including accessories and mounts, that are available, and what it is best for what kind of viewing. Part II is about using your grab ’n’ go telescope to visit a wealth and wide variety of objects. There are chapters on solar, lunar and planetary observing, as well as descriptions of many deep sky objects, including double and variable stars, planetary, emission and reflection nebulae, open and globular clusters and distant galaxies. This ambitious text is dedicated to those who love to or – because of their limited time – must observe the sky at a moment’s notice, whether from the comfort of a backyard or while on business or vacation far from home. Everything you need to know is here. So get started!.

Chronicling the Golden Age of Astronomy

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Author :
Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 3319977075
Total Pages : 665 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (199 download)

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Book Synopsis Chronicling the Golden Age of Astronomy by : Neil English

Download or read book Chronicling the Golden Age of Astronomy written by Neil English and published by Springer. This book was released on 2018-10-31 with total page 665 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The invention of the telescope at the dawning of the 17th century has revolutionized humanity's understanding of the Universe and our place within it. This book traces the development of the telescope over four centuries, as well as the many personalities who used it to uncover brand-new revelations about the Sun, Moon, planets, stars and distant galaxies. Starting with early observers such as Thomas Harriot, Galileo, Johannes Hevelius, Giovanni Domenico Cassini, Robert Hooke and Christian Huygens, the book explores how these early observers arrived at essentially correct ideas concerning the objects they studied. Moving into the 18th and 19th centuries, the author describes the increasing sophistication of telescopes both large and small, and the celebrated figures who used them so productively, including the Herschels, Charles Messier, William Lassell and the Earls of Rosse. Many great discoveries were also made with smaller instruments when placed in the capable hands of the Struve dynasty, F.W. Bessel, Angelo Secchi and S.W Burnham, to name but a few. Nor were all great observers of professional ilk. The book explores the contributions made by the 'clerical astronomers,' William Rutter Dawes, Thomas William Webb, T.E.R Philips and T.H.E.C Espin, as well as the lonely vigils of E.E. Barnard, William F. Denning and Charles Grover. And in the 20th century, the work of Percival Lowell, Leslie Peltier, Eugene M. Antoniadi, Clyde Tombaugh, Walter Scott Houston, David H. Levy and Sir Patrick Moore is fully explored. Generously illustrated throughout, this treasure trove of astronomical history shows how each observer's work led to seminal developments in science, and providing key insights into how we go about exploring the heavens today.

Astronomy Hacks

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Author :
Publisher : "O'Reilly Media, Inc."
ISBN 13 : 9780596100605
Total Pages : 418 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (6 download)

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Book Synopsis Astronomy Hacks by : Robert Bruce Thompson

Download or read book Astronomy Hacks written by Robert Bruce Thompson and published by "O'Reilly Media, Inc.". This book was released on 2005 with total page 418 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Astronomy Hacks begins the space exploration by getting you set up with the right equipment for observing and admiring the stars in an urban setting. Along for the trip are first rate tips for making most of observations. The hacks show you how to: Dark-Adapt Your Notebook Computer. Choose the Best Binocular. Clean Your Eyepieces and Lenses Safely. Upgrade Your Optical Finder. Photograph the Stars with Basic Equipment.

Discover the Stars

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Publisher : Crown
ISBN 13 : 0517565293
Total Pages : 128 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (175 download)

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Book Synopsis Discover the Stars by : Richard Berry

Download or read book Discover the Stars written by Richard Berry and published by Crown. This book was released on 1987-12-13 with total page 128 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An accessible, informative guide to identifying constellations and other incredible features of the sky, whether you’re hiking, camping, or stargazing from your backyard. Discover the Stars leads you on a tour of all the stars and constellations visible with the naked eye and introduces you to deep-sky objects that can be seen with binoculars or a simple telescope. The tour is conducted by the editor of Astronomy magazine, Richard Berry, whose two-color, computer-plotted sky maps and clear instructions make stargazing fun and productive from your first night out. The heart of Discover the Stars is two sections of big, beautiful sky maps and charts. The first section features twelve maps that show the entire sky overhead as it appears during each month of the year. These outline all the constellations visible anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere, and the accompanying text reveals the rich ancient mythology that surrounds the star groups. The second section is made up of twenty-three star charts that depict smaller regions of the sky in great detail. These charts give the names of key stars and lead you to fascinating features such as stars with unusual colors, double stars, variable stars, nebulae, and galaxies. Separate chapters cover basics, such as how the stars move through the sky, how to find your way around the moon and the planets, making an astronomer's flashlight, and choosing and using a telescope—all in terms that are easy to grasp and remember. Discover the Stars is the perfect introduction to the heavens, simple enough to be useful if you're just starting out but packed with enough information to keep you learning and enjoying the stars for years to come.

The ShortTube 80 Telescope

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Author :
Publisher : Springer Nature
ISBN 13 : 3030235572
Total Pages : 243 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (32 download)

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Book Synopsis The ShortTube 80 Telescope by : Neil T. English

Download or read book The ShortTube 80 Telescope written by Neil T. English and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2019-09-14 with total page 243 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Welcome to the first comprehensive guide to one of the world’s most popular telescopes: the ShortTube 80 refractor. With its ultra-portability, versatility, and relatively low cost, this telescope continues to delight generations of stargazers. Starting in the field under a dark sky, the author walks the reader through a typical evening of stargazing, where the ShortTube 80 brings many astronomical treasures into focus. From there, he provides an in–depth account of the optical properties of the ShortTube 80 refractor and the accessories and mounting arrangements that maximize its potential both as a spotting ‘scope by day and an astronomical ‘scope by night. The main text discusses how the versatile ShortTube 80 can be used to study deep sky objects, the Sun, the Moon, bright planets and even high-resolution projects, where the instrument's features can be optimized for the observation of tight double and multiple stars. It explores how the ShortTube 80 can image targets using camera phones, DSLRs and dedicated astronomical CCD imagers. Packed with practical advice gained from years of firsthand stargazing experience, this book demonstrates exactly why ShortTube 80 has remained a firm favorite among amateur astronomers for over three decades, and why it is likely to remain popular for many years to come.

Telescopes and Techniques

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Author :
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 1461448913
Total Pages : 264 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (614 download)

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Book Synopsis Telescopes and Techniques by : C. R. Kitchin

Download or read book Telescopes and Techniques written by C. R. Kitchin and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-10-21 with total page 264 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “Telescopes and Techniques” has proved itself in its first edition, having become probably one of the most widely used astronomy texts, both for numerate amateur astronomers and for astronomy and astrophysics undergraduates. The first and second editions of the book were widely used as set texts for introductory practical astronomy courses in many universities. This book guides the reader through the mathematics, physics and practical techniques needed to use telescopes (from small amateur models to the larger instruments installed in many colleges) and to observe objects in the sky. Mathematics to around Advanced Placement standard (US) or A level (UK) is assumed, although High School Diploma (US) or GCSE-level (UK) mathematics plus some basic trigonometry will suffice most of the time. Most of the physics and engineering involved is described fully and requires no prior knowledge or experience. This is a ‘how to’ book that provides the knowledge and background required to understand how and why telescopes work. Equipped with the techniques discussed in this book, the observer will be able to operate with confidence his or her telescope and to optimize its performance for a particular purpose. In principle the observer could calculate his or her own predictions of planetary positions (ephemerides), but more realistically the observer will be able to understand the published data lists properly instead of just treating them as ‘recipes.’ When the observer has obtained measurements, he/she will be able to analyze them in a scientific manner and to understand the significance and meaning of the results. “Telescopes and Techniques, 3rd Edition” fills a niche at the start of an undergraduate astronomer’s university studies, as shown by it having been widely adopted as a set textbook. This third edition is now needed to update its material with the many new observing developments and study areas that have come into prominence since it was published. The book concentrates on the knowledge needed to understand how small(ish) optical telescopes function, their main designs and how to set them up, plus introducing the reader to the many ways in which objects in the sky change their positions and how they may be observed. Both visual and electronic imaging techniques are covered, together with an introduction to how data (measurements) should be processed and analyzed. A simple introduction to radio telescopes is also included. Brief coverage of the most advanced topics of photometry and spectroscopy are included, but mainly to enable the reader to see some of the developments possible from the basic observing techniques covered in the main parts of the book.