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Telescopes and Techniques: An Introduction to Practical Astronomy (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series) Paperback – 2 Jun 2010

by Chris Kitchin (Author)

3 customer reviews

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There is a newer edition of this item:

Telescopes and Techniques (Undergraduate Lecture Notes in Physics)
£40.99
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This second - completely revised - edition of Chris Kitchin's easy-to-read book provides a carefully structured introduction to the tools of astronomy. Beginning with an in-depth look at astronomical telescopes, it progresses through a coverage of positions and motions of astronomical objects, to observing instruments and techniques. New to this edition are sections on modern small telescopes and their design, revised material on the computer processing of data, and extended appendices. Like the first edition, questions (with answers) are given so that students and enthusiastic amateur astronomers can check their progress.

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C. R. Kitchin
Paperback
£40.99

Product details

Paperback: 276 pages
Publisher: Springer London; 2nd ed. edition (2 Jun. 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1852337257
ISBN-13: 978-1852337254
Product Dimensions: 15.5 x 1.6 x 23.5 cm
Average Customer Review: 3 customer reviews
Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,904,374 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #234 in Books > Science & Nature > Astronomy & Cosmology > Astronomy > Telescopes & Equipment
- #590 in Books > Science & Nature > Astronomy & Cosmology > Astronomy > Stars & Interstellar Matter
- #888 in Books > Science & Nature > Astronomy & Cosmology > Education

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Review

From the reviews: "The stated aim of this publication is to introduce aspiring astronomers, be they students or amateurs, to the basic techniques required for using telescopes and accessories and finding objects in the night sky. ... Throughout are numerous black-white drawings which well illustrate the text. … Exercises appear at the end of each appropriate chapter, the answers to be found at the back of the book. … a publication which can be confidently recommended to aspiring astronomers setting out on their journey to the stars." (Richard Chambers, The Observatory, Vol. 124 (1181), 2004) From the reviews of the second edition: "Chris Kitchin’s updated Telescopes and Techniques is described as ‘… an introduction for anyone wanting a firm grounding in the essentials of astronomy’. The author has aimed the book primarily for first-year astronomy or physics students … . The book itself is beautifully presented … . For the student or armchair astronomer this book is a must have, and a worthwhile investment for more actively minded amateurs who are starting out in astronomy … . has a place in any budding astronomer’s library." (Cameron Jack, Southern Stars, 2004) "In 1995 Chris Kitchin set out to provide an introduction for undergraduates and the interested layman that covered the basic techniques in astronomy … . This 2nd edition covers a wide range of subjects from types of telescope through visual observing, data reduction and radio astronomy to spectrometry … . I found his account of ‘aberrations’ and ‘positions and motions’ particularly interesting, and it was impressive to see the different types of polarisation summed up so succinctly. … a book well worth reading." (Grant Privett, Astronomy Now, May, 2004)

From the Inside Flap

Chris Kitchin has written an easy-to-read book explaining how to use a small telescope and find your way around the sky. Covering all the basic topics - telescopes, optics, positions & motion, observing, and instruments - Telescopes and Techniques has been designed as an introduction for anyone wanting a firm grounding in the essentials of astronomy.

Whether you are an amateur astronomer, an undergraduate student, or just someone who wants to learn more about this fascinating subject, Telescopes and Techniques is an ideal place to start.

This revised and extended edition takes into account recent technical changes, especially those in astronomical instrumentation.

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FencingCoach_3w

Helpful Book

18 February 2016

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Helpful book.

Comment One person found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?

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Ant Miller

A thorough and accessible guide.

30 January 2012

Format: Paperback

This work provides an outstanding introduction to the fundamentals of telescope design and use, with a straightforward and logical exploration of the often counter intuitive aspects of optics involved. There is a little bit of maths along the way, but by gently introducing just enough simple formula along the way as the subject is explored, the reader is given ample opportunity to get to grips with the real meat of the subject matter. Chapters conclude with exercise questions of a well structured difficulty, with answers later in the book.

The diligent reader should, with the help of this book and some time and application develop all the technical skills needed to understand and properly use astronomical tables, almanacs and telescopes, and will have an appreciation of the fundamentals of all modern astronomy techniques. She or he will be more than capable of interpreting RA and Dec values and of annotating their own, and will be well on the way to having all the necessary intellectual skills needed to design and build their own observing equipment.

The level of maths needed is not beyond O-Level- no calculus is necessary and only one sigma function makes a brief appearance. The maths is simple, and very very powerful.

This is not a guide to the night sky. The two star review of this work mistakenly assessed it as such and is therefore a largely irrelevant complaint. Frankly that reviewer picked the wrong book. This book is suitable for any reader, old or young, who wants to get fully to grips with optical astronomy, and wants to know how the tools of the trade really work.

My local astronomy society has a copy in the library that is well used, and I am seriously considering buying the second edition.

Highly recommended

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A customer

Good intro to the field

15 May 1997

Format: Paperback

This book is a very good introductory book. It has all you need to know about the history and practical aspects of astronomy. The technical explanations of optics get a bit detailed (i.e., into the math) at times, but are written in such a way that the principles are understood, even if the math isn't. Very good use of photos and illustrations. The author explains well, and doesn't inundate you in details you don't need.

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Amazon.com: 3 reviews

Leonard Madia

Put on your thinking cap

3 April 2018 - Published on Amazon.com

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

When I purchased this book I thought I would get a basic primer, an introduction into the hobby of amateur astronomy. I assumed, as is the case with most such books, there would be chapters on equipment, probably divided by the different types, followed by some advice on how use the equipment.

For the most part concerning the structure of the book I was correct. However, the information provided is on a much higher level then that normally provided for the beginner. In fact, I don’t see how this work could be classified as a book for one starting out in the hobby. The depth of the subject matter is beyond any that would be understood and usable for a majority of beginners.

The writer goes to great lenths to explain the advantages of different scopes, eyepieces, and such. Again, this is a normal subject matter in this type of book. However, not only does the writer provide basic information about the equipment, but he endevers to explain why certain types of equipment are better suited for various applications. And once that information is given, he often provides the reader with mathematical formulae to support his explanation. Some are quite complex.

The book is nicely set up and well organized. The pictures and illustrations are adequate, but this book is not here to provide pretty pics. Indeed, there and many graphs and charts which the author employes to support his explanations. But it does not appear this is done in a gratuitous manner. No! They are properly used the help the reader understand.

The writer will challenge your intelligence. He assumes the reader has a certain level of knowledge and skill concerning astronomy, the instruments used, and observing. Is seems that he does not want to waste book space and the readers time explaining the basics. This read is not a walk in the park.

At first read, I was taken aback. After just a few pages in, I realized I was being “taught” and not entertained. So, I had to decide if what the author was offering me was worth the work. I believed it was worth the effort, so I had to “put on my thinking cap.”

If you purchase this book you will probably have to do the same. And keep in mind, it was not written to provide enjoyment, unless of course you derive joy from learning.

Joao M. Martins Neto

Four Stars

12 November 2014 - Published on Amazon.com

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Very useful information for Amateur Astronomer.

William D. Steen

A reasonable introduction to the night sky.

28 February 2013 - Published on Amazon.com

Verified Purchase

This book does an acceptable job of explaining introductory astronomy practices. I will keep it in my library along with a number of other introductory books. It is certainly acceptable and passes on good information. I would not call it sensational, but it is a good book.

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Telescopes and Techniques: An Introduction to Practical Astronomy (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series) Paperback – 2 Jun 2010

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