A brand new edition of this Philip's bestseller, fully updated to include the latest telescopes and accessories on the market. Many people dream of exploring the heavens with a telescope, and some spend quite large sums of money in realizing this dream, spurred on by amazing pictures in magazines. But some of these telescopes end up gathering dust, either because their owners expect too much or because they don't know how to use them properly. Philip's Stargazing with a Telescope reveals what to expect from a telescope and how to choose the right one. It gives straightforward explanations of how they work, and how to progress from first-time user to hobby observer. It gives practical help for setting up and using any telescope, and provides lists of objects to look at with different sizes of telescope, from both town and country, including the Sun, Moon, planets, comets, asteroids, stars, clusters, variable stars, double stars, novae and supernovae, nebulae and galaxies. Aimed principally at newcomers to astronomy of all ages, who would like to begin observing for themselves, and perhaps make contact with other amateur observers, Philip's Stargazing with a Telescope describes the full range of telescopes that are internationally available, with examples of objects to observe taken from both northern and southern hemispheres. It also gives informative advice about suitable accessories, such as eyepieces and filters, plus suggestions for photography through the telescope and choice of camera and film type. The guidance given is appropriate for all observing conditions. As well as being fully updated, this new edition has been expanded to include a glossary of technical terms and an index, making it even easier for the beginner to use and understand.
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From the Author
I am preparing an update of this book during 2002 and welcome readers' suggestions or comments. Please visit the book's website, where you can find more information about buying and choosing a telescope.
Robin Scagell --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Robin Scagell --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
About the Author
Robin Scagell is Vice President of Britain's Society for Popular Astronomy. He is the author of several popular astronomy books, and has contributed to many other publications. He often appears on television, commenting on events in space and astronomy, and runs an astronomical picture agency.
--This text refers to an alternate
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
40 of 40 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
Did you know that a 'spotter' scope with fantastic zoom capabilities may not be the best telescope for viewing the stars? I didn't until I read this book - so I returned an expensive gift and reinvested the refund in something more suitable. You can save yourself hundreds (and possibly thousands) of pounds reading this short, handy book before buying a telescope.
As well as some easy to understand basics about telescopes, Scagell provides excellent case studies of what type of telescope are suited to particular owners, based on budget, where you live and how you think you might use it. Do you really need expensive and complex computerised tracking? Do you plan to use your telescope to take photos? What accessories do you need right away, and which are 'nice to have' and worth waiting for? Are you prepared to compromise on portability and maybe buy - or even build - something that may give better stargazing than a flashy, more expensive and more temperamental alternative?
One of the best pieces of advice (and difficult to swallow, if you've already been browsing telescope catalogues!) is that you may just be better off with binoculars to start with.
Scagell backs all of this advice with great stuff on what to look for when you finally find the telescope that's right for you: finding your way around the constellations, gazing at the moon, planets, satellites, etc, etc.
This is a great foundation for a backyard astronomer. For the price of a couple of astronomy magazines, you may well prevent a once-cherished telescope gathering dust under the bed because it was never meant to do the job you wanted it to do.
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
A book pact with enthusiasm for the subject, and being new to astronomy it has given me all the info I need to buy a telescope (which I now have) and launched me into this wonderful world, Buy it before you buy a telescope.
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
If you want to learn constellations, how to use a telescope to the best of it's ability, or you are looking to buy binoculars or a telescope, don't bother with other books, just buy this one. It is very useful for both someone who has never touched a telescope and those who are a little more seasoned.
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
Top Class Book, well formatted.
Very useful information, including Binoculars, Reflectors, Refractors, etc. Helpful buying guide for secondhand and new telescopes with case histories on some popular telescopes. Good information on viewing the night sky, which eyepieces and filters to use for what purpose, using planispheres and maps, viewing the sun, basics of astrophotograpy, even tips on drawing what you see! A list of interesting objects in the sky is also included along with some good Internet links.
Cracking!
Very useful information, including Binoculars, Reflectors, Refractors, etc. Helpful buying guide for secondhand and new telescopes with case histories on some popular telescopes. Good information on viewing the night sky, which eyepieces and filters to use for what purpose, using planispheres and maps, viewing the sun, basics of astrophotograpy, even tips on drawing what you see! A list of interesting objects in the sky is also included along with some good Internet links.
Cracking!
17 of 19 people found the following review helpful
By John Mount
Format:Paperback
Written with the beginner in mind this is an excellent book for people about to embark on a new venture - stargazing.
If you own a telescope and find the whole thing perplexing then I am sure this book will help. For me, however, its strength lies in its information aimed at people about to buy thier first instrument. Unbiased, to the point and very well explained it is one of the best starter books I have read in a long time. I feel confident that I now know what it is I am looking for to suit my needs and I can shop armed with all the information I need . Highly recomended
If you own a telescope and find the whole thing perplexing then I am sure this book will help. For me, however, its strength lies in its information aimed at people about to buy thier first instrument. Unbiased, to the point and very well explained it is one of the best starter books I have read in a long time. I feel confident that I now know what it is I am looking for to suit my needs and I can shop armed with all the information I need . Highly recomended
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
i would advise any person wanting to buy a telescope(especially the beginner) to read this book before handing over your cash.it will save you alot of money in the long run (& disappointment) & it will tell you exactly what you should be looking for when buying a telescope depending on your interests.well worth it!!!!
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By D. Ormrod
Format:Paperback
An absolutely brilliant book, highly imformative and easy to read, an essential purchase for anyone considering taking up astronomy and extremely useful for the experienced amateur. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Dr. I. Cox
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Star gazing with a telescope Robin Scagill
My first foray into astronomy was back in 1960's and guided by Patrick Moore's "Observers Guide to Astronomy - 1962 " , I checked for options to buy a telescope - his unequivocal views were - based on equipment available at the time - either a 3" ( 76.2mm) refractor or a 6" ( 152.4mm) reflector - both of which were beyond my means. People also made their own telescopes , grinding their own mirrors in those days. These were viewed as minimum apertures for useful work
Fast forward 50 years - there are now many options available ( different equipment types , sizes , prices - from the USA ( with the unfortunate $ to £ scam when you buy in the Rip off UK ) , Russia and the far East ( mainly China) ).Equipment can be used for planetary , deep sky work , comet searching and , using latest CCD technology , photography of the heavens. There are even smaller aperture telescopes made with improved designs which may be worth considering
NOTE - unless you spend megabucks you are NOT going to get images like the Hubble Telescope shown on TV or in Astronomy Encyclopaedias
In order not to generate another unused ( sometimes expensive) white elephant a practical guide is required - this book fits the bill for choosing and setting up telescopes , their strengths and weaknesses for planetary and deep sky ( fuzzies like nebulae ) work .There is practical advice as to possible problems. At the end is a list of items to see and links to many other websites.... Read more ›
My first foray into astronomy was back in 1960's and guided by Patrick Moore's "Observers Guide to Astronomy - 1962 " , I checked for options to buy a telescope - his unequivocal views were - based on equipment available at the time - either a 3" ( 76.2mm) refractor or a 6" ( 152.4mm) reflector - both of which were beyond my means. People also made their own telescopes , grinding their own mirrors in those days. These were viewed as minimum apertures for useful work
Fast forward 50 years - there are now many options available ( different equipment types , sizes , prices - from the USA ( with the unfortunate $ to £ scam when you buy in the Rip off UK ) , Russia and the far East ( mainly China) ).Equipment can be used for planetary , deep sky work , comet searching and , using latest CCD technology , photography of the heavens. There are even smaller aperture telescopes made with improved designs which may be worth considering
NOTE - unless you spend megabucks you are NOT going to get images like the Hubble Telescope shown on TV or in Astronomy Encyclopaedias
In order not to generate another unused ( sometimes expensive) white elephant a practical guide is required - this book fits the bill for choosing and setting up telescopes , their strengths and weaknesses for planetary and deep sky ( fuzzies like nebulae ) work .There is practical advice as to possible problems. At the end is a list of items to see and links to many other websites.... Read more ›
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Its a book
Not read it all yet but at the moment I'm very happy. Clear and tries to explain the complicated stuff.
Published 2 days ago by Nemo24
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Philips "Stargazing with a Telescope"
This is an excellent and comprehensive guide to the purchase and use of an astronomical telescope.
Everyone contemplating getting a 'scope should read it.
Everyone contemplating getting a 'scope should read it.
Published 20 days ago by Oldie
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Not used yet
This was a gift and I haven't had any feedback -good or bad - about it. When I got and looked through it, it seemed to do what I thought it would.
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great product
a great and useful book full of information on products and useful facts and information and a great help to the buyer
Published 3 months ago by richard j edwards
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Without it's like the Blind Leading The Blind
As a noob to Astral Telescopes i made the common mistake of buying my telescope first then this secondly !! Read more
Published 3 months ago by Mr. G. P. Hare
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Very Useful Book
Helped me with my new telescope . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Published 3 months ago by J. C. Noble
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philips stargazing with a telescope
i bought a half decent telescope about 6 months ago which cost me £120 and although i have hrdly used it i needed a book of stargazing so i chose this one,it was 1st printed in... Read more
Published 19 months ago by STEVE FULLER
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Happy partner
I bought this book for my partner who is a complete beginner, it has inspired him to actually get the telescope out and learn more, shame about the weather since.
Published on 8 Feb 2011 by Posh
4.0 out of 5 stars
Stargazing with a Telescope
I bought this to go along with a bargain telescope I bought off the internet. Not knowing anything about the subject, I gambled a little and needed a book to look at to enlighten... Read more
Published on 7 Oct 2009 by S. Wilson
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