Based on field notes made by the author during his own career as an amateur astronomer, this unique guide covers both the traditional and novel approaches to studying the night sky. In addition to the more standard techniques, it discusses the latest modern resources available to today's astronomer, such as personal computers, the Internet, and computerized telescopes. It includes practical advice on aspects such as site selection and weather; provides the reader with detailed instructions for observing the Sun, Moon, planets, and all types of deep-sky objects; and it introduces newer specialities such as satellite observing and the use of astronomical databases. The book concludes with detailed information about 200 stars, clusters, nebulae, and galaxies, suitable for viewing with modest-sized telescopes under suburban conditions. Written to complement How to Use a Computerized Telescope, this book will also appeal to astronomers with more traditional equipment.
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'It is clear that the author has carried out a tremendous amount of personal observation and anyone working through the list will end up with a good knowledge of the night sky.' Times Higher Education Supplement
'As an observing guide, Celestial Objects for Modern Telescopes is an excellent choice for those starting off in observational amateur astronomy and even for others with limited observing experience.' Astronomy & Space
' … very well written … will be of greatest use to absolute beginners and visual observers owning LX200 Autostar and NexStar telescopes.' Journal of the British Astronomical Association
'As an observing guide, Celestial Objects for Modern Telescopes is an excellent choice for those starting off in observational amateur astronomy and even for others with limited observing experience.' Astronomy & Space
' … very well written … will be of greatest use to absolute beginners and visual observers owning LX200 Autostar and NexStar telescopes.' Journal of the British Astronomical Association
Book Description
In addition to the more standard techniques, this unique guide introduces the latest modern resources available to today's astronomer, including personal computers, the Internet, and computerized telescopes. It offers detailed practical advice for observing the Sun, Moon, planets, and 200 stars and deep-sky objects with modest-sized telescopes under suburban conditions.
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First Sentence
This is a handbook for the modern amateur astronomer. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
This is a handbook for the modern amateur astronomer. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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4.7 out of 5 stars
3 reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
I've got a "Go To" scope, now what?
9 Jan 2003
By Taras R. Hnatyshyn
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
Looking for objects to look at with your computerized "Go To" telescope? Michael Covington, author of "Astrophotography for the Amateur" and "How to Use a Computerized Telescope" has a few suggestions. In this second volume of Cambridge's Practical Amateur Astronomy series he suggests various targets and observing programs. But that is not all. Also are tips on how to get the most out of various sources to identify the object of interest from various catalogs or atlases and to be able to tell a "Go To" telescope how to point to it. Probably the most useful pages in the book are the Bayer/Flamsteed to SAO cross-index and the GVCS constellation codes and star numbers.
Chapters:
PART I - Amatuer astronomy
1. Using this book effectively
2. Observing sites and conditions
3. The Moon, the Sun, and eclipses
4. The planets
5. Comets, asteroids (minor planets), and artificial satellites
6. Constellations
7. Stars - identification, nomenclature, and maps
8. Stars - physical properties
9. Double and multiple stars
10. Variable stars
11. Clusters, nebulae, and galaxies
PART II - 200 interesting stars and deep-sky objects
12. How these objects were chosen
13. The January-February sky (R.A. 6h-10h)
14. The March-April sky (R.A. 10h-14h)
15. The May-June sky (R.A. 14h-18h)
16. The July-August sky (R.A. 18h-22h)
17. The September-October sky (R.A. 22h-2h)
18. The November-December sky (R.A. 2h-6h)
Appendices
A. Converting decimal minutes to seconds
B. Precession from 1950 to 2000
C. Julian date, 2001-2015
The logical follow up for "How to Use a Computerized Telescope", this volume shows one how to use the various sources available to find the objects one is interested in studying. If I had this book when I first bought my LX200, I would have developed better habits in planning my observing sessions by being able to identify objects in the manner that the telescope has them identified in its database to find them quicker to allow more time for study and or imaging.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Just "Very Good" , not Perfect!
8 Jan 2004
By Rodger Raubach
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
I have been buying alot of astronomy and telescope books of late--primarily to augment my new telescope. This is one of the better ones , since it is really much more substantive than the "cheerleading" books that are more useful at gracing the coffee table than the accessory tray of a telescope in use. The major plus feature for me is the format of the illustrations , which show the objects through a mirror type diagonal. Most , if not all , observations by amateur astronomers use this convention these days. The author goes into adequate detail on double star observing : measurement of position angle and seperation are very well explained.
My only criticism is the assumption that all users will be using computerized telescopes , and completely ignores those of us who "star hop" by choice , and not necessity. The lack of star hopping descriptions downgrades my rating to a strong 4 stars.
Highly recommended.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Really good backyard astronomy starts here
11 Nov 2011
By Harry E Stamper
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Once I received this book, I randomly flipped to a page and started reading. Now I cannot put the book down. It has a great deal of information on astronomy, selecting telescopes, when and where to look for stars. I was even surprised to read tips for viewing away from home. Its a good book and worth its weight in gold. Cheers!
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4.7 out of 5 stars
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