Book Description

For the experienced amateur astronomer who is wondering if there is something useful, valuable, and permanent that can be done with his or her observational skills, the answer is, "Yes, you can!" This is the book for the experienced amateur astronomer who is ready to take a new step in his or her astronomical journey. Unfortunately, there is no modern text that points curious amateur astronomers to the research possibilities that are open to them. At the 2006 meeting of the Society for Astronomical Sciences, quite a few participants agreed that the lack of such a text was a serious gap in the astronomical book market, and that this gap is impeding their efforts to encourage more amateur astronomers to get involved in research collaborations. This book will fill that gap, and enable more amateur astronomers to add research-type studies to their pursuit of the hobby.

Customer Reviews (3)

Better Than I Thought
Most of the topics in this book will be somewhat beyond those that a casual amateur astronomer would want to pursue. However, the book is worth buying just for what you will learn about the different topics. Of course, if you want to try some of the scientific work then you are all set with the material given.

Worth a read for the in depth discussion of observation, imaging with CCDs, practical issues with both, and an understanding of observational and imaging science.

I recommend it.

A must buy
For amateurs who have passed the beginner rites of the Messier and Caldwell lists, Buchheims's _Sky_ contains the measured voice of the elder mentor of your astronomy club.If that expert mentor is lacking in your local club, Buchheim's _Sky_ is a must buy that will save you in time many times its purchase.Each _Sky_ observing project is written like an after star-party club coffee meeting, with Buchheim patiently guiding you through practical field problems commonly encountered when starting photometry, double star astrometry or supernovae searching.He includes references to landmark manuals, amateur organizations and internet resources for each topic.Where appropriate, Buchheim fills in with basic observing skills that are often left unexplained as assumed knowlege in other texts, e.g. timing uncertainty reduction when timing asteriod occultations.For this Amazon review, the 18 observing projects are listed in the Table of Contents, listed above. _Sky_ now sits on my "ready reference" shelf - sandwiched between other amateur classics - like Berry's _HAIP_, Sidgwick's _Amateur Astronomer's Handbook_, North's _Advanced Amateur_ or Meeus's _Algorithms_.If you have been hooked in the hobby for two or three years and want a roadmap to the next 10 years, Buchheim's _Sky_ is what you need.

GREATEST ASTRONOMY BOOK ON THE PLANET
This is a really neat book! It opens up a whole new kind of amateur astronomy;real research projects where you make observations that are useful to professional astronomers.Amateur astronomers can gather new information or make new dsicoveries,using skills that are common amoung experienced stargazers,and equipment that is widely available. Here is a step-by-step instruction manual for getting started in these projects,from learning why each project area is important, to the equipment and procedures that are needed, and how to analyze your results.The chapters are organized roughly in order of increasing difficulty of the projects, from simple(naked-eye meteor counting) to complex (extra solar planet searches and supernova discovery). I was paticularly pleased that each project includes an explaination of how and where to submit your results, so that they will be useful to "real" astronomers.
I do not think there is any compairable book available. There are plenty of "advanced observing guides", and many "textbooks",but this book fits right in between them. It gives careful description of celestial objects or events,and how and why you should try to see them, so it's sort of an observing guide(although there are not any spectacular photos).It also explains why the observations are important,and gives a meticulous explaination of the data gathering and analysis procedures for each project,so it is sort of a textbook. But it is not stuffy,pedantic tome. The style is friendly,helpful and encouraging. There are some equations,but if you made it through high school algebra they will not give you any trouble(and only some projects require you to use them).There is even a story line! Short tales about challenges,successes,and memorable experiences are scattered throughout the text. They make it easy to read,and highlite the author's enthusiasm for his subject.
Any amateur atronomer who has ever wished he could be a "real scientist" will definitely find this book worth having on his desk. ... Read more

Book Description
Many amateur astronomers make their own instruments, either because of financial considerations or because they are just interested. Amateur Telescope Making offers a variety of designs for telescopes, mounts and drives which are suitable for the home-constructor. The designs range from simple to advanced, but all are within the range of a moderately well-equipped home workshop. The book not only tells the reader what he can construct, but also what it is sensible to construct given what time is available commercially. Thus each chapter begins with reasons for undertaking the project, then looks at theoretical consideration before finishing with practical instructions and advice. An indication is given as to the skills required for the various projects. Appendices list reputable sources of (mail order) materials and components. The telescopes and mounts range from "shoestring" (very cheap) instruments to specialist devices that are unavailable commercially. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

I would say semi - amateur telescope making
As with other books I have read about telescope making, the writer chooses to focus on mirror grinding principles and on his own projects. The lack of basic formulas to constructing telescopes is very disapointing. Nevertheless it is a very good book to read for those who already have the basic skills and are probably moving to their second or third project. So as I claim in the title... I believe this book is for "semi - amateur" telescope builders!

DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY
This is an edited book with different authors contributing an article each. Thus these is no coherency. It seems that the editor had asked each contributing author to just give an article about his or her telescope making experience. Thus all the chapters are separate entities without any cross-references (between chapters). Finally they do not go in any detail what so ever. It is more like a "1001 Project Book" which claims that (after reading the book) you can do every thing from repairing cars, TVs, VCR, DVDs to building an airplane, except that the book only devote half a page to all the 1001 projects. You just cannot make a telescope by reading this book (unless you already know how to make one).

BTW: you can find more information on the web than what this book delivers. I am just glad that I borrowed it from the library, and did not buy it.

A great telescope making book for anyone.......
We are an amateur astronomy loving family who got into making our own telescopes after getting involved in the Friday night telescope classes and lectures at the Chabot observatory in Oakland California back in the early 80's.

And being homeschoolers we were also big science fans and have always encouraged people to become as hands on science minded as possible.This books is a perfect example of hands on science at its best as well as a book that should put to rest the idea that only rich people own telescopes or that only people with science degrees use telescope.

The book is shy 300 pages and covers everything from Shoestring telescopes you can make, using items you have around the house as well as items you can find for free at carpet stores. Specialized telescopes is about building a high contrast planetary setup, as well as Rright camera.There is an excellent section on mounts.I would hope every library would own a copy of the book and believe that every homeschooling family should as well.

Good for ideas
Unlike conventional ATM books, this one does not cover basic work. Either use available optics for the simple stuff, or you will have to make stuff for the more advanced projects.

There are some excellent designs for DIY mounts and drives.

As the S&T reviw says, "a worthy addition".
A marvellous little book which can be used as a manual and inspiring bed-time reading. Although some projects can be found on the web, the book version usually expands on these or is very different (and probably morepermanent). The book's strength is that it has has selected projects whichare easy to replicate and which complement each other. Its weakness is thatthere isn't more of it. ... Read more

Book Description

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 whats 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 to, or even hit, the earth. The New Amateur Astronomer is a road map of the new astronomy, equally suitable for newcomers who want an introduction, or old hands who need to keep abreast of innovations.

Book Description
Written by an accomplished amateur astronomer and available for the first time in North America, this advanced guide is designed to take your evening explorations to new heights. Beginning with an explanation of the fundamental principles of practical astronomy, author North provides essential information on telescope optics, the atmosphere, astrophotography, electronic imaging, and telescope hardware (including how to select equipment and diagnose faulty telescopes). This knowledge is then applied to the full range of celestial bodies accessible by telescope: the solar system, stars and galaxies. For those amateur astronomers who are bored with making simple observations, chapters on photometry, spectroscopy and radio astronomy bring observational astronomy to a level where data of real scientific value can be acquired. This book is a must for any amateur astronomer wanting a new way to look at the sky. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A Good Advanced Overview
North's seem to have a penchant for writing overview books, but this example is superior than his more recent "Observing the Moon" overview of that subject.

Many of the things that North deals with in this book - optics, hardware, seeing, astrophotography, stellar objects (Sun, comets, planets, moon, etc) - have been done in other books, but North is able to take them to the next level rather effectively. Somehow he's able to put just the right amount in each chapter this time.

Furthermore, North has been able to include in this book chapters in spectroscopy and radio astronomy that I've not seen in other books of this type.

The only issue I have with the book is that some of his information now seems a bit dated. There is not much that can be done about that in such a fast moving field as Astronomy. Having said that, I think that "Advanced Amateur Astronomy" manages to raise the bar for books of this type.

Recommended.Heck, its on MY Wish List!8-)

Very Good Book
The author covers quite a range of material, in a very easy to read style. He goes into enough depth to make it a very practical book. Cover basic collimation issues, telescope design- a great book for Amateur Telescope Makers.

There's nice number of pointers on astrophotography also. Especially for plaetary/lunar. Some material is perhaps a little dated. Not much on digital image processing, but a good section nonetheless.

Finally he concludes with neat radio telescope projects and how amateurs can do more scientific type work of benefit. ... Read more

Product Description
Astronomy For Dummies ... Read more

Customer Reviews (22)

Expectation
If there is a rank below amateur, then I hold it.This book is crisp, delightful and helpful.

Good for beginners
Thorough on most matters, though a little light on the Big Bang, quasars, antimatter, and Stephen Hawkings. But strong on SETI and other revolving planets. And I enjoyed the space mission coverage. Overall, gets the job done.

Good but
A fine book except for one major flaw on page 236. Intelligence is not a rare accident in biological evolution. Readers and authors who think so should study E. Raymond Capt's "The Glory of the Stars."

Review
A good beginning book for Astronomy.Worth the money for someone just getting started.

Astronomy For Dummies
This book really helped me out. In my astronomy class, we were required to read between 6 and 7 chapters per week. That is an enormous amount of information to try to soak in. Astronomy for Dummies explained everything beautifully, thus helping me to understand and retain the information. The author's great sense of humor keeps you interested in the material as well.Astronomy for Dummies helps make learning fun. ... Read more

Book Description
How to Use a Computerized Telescope describes how to get a computerized telescope up-and-running, and how to embark on a program of observation. Michael Covington explains in detail how the sky moves, how a telescope tracks it, and how to get the most out of any computerized telescope. Packed full of practical advice and tips for troubleshooting, his book gives detailed instructions for three popular telescopes: the Meade® LX200, Celestron^DCC NexStar 5 and 8, and Meade® Autostar^DTM (ETX and LX90). Michael A. Covington is an associate research scientist at the University of Georgia.He is a computational linguist trained in the computer processing of human language and the computer modeling of human logical reasoning, and a widely recognized expert on the Prolog programming language. He is the author of nine books including Dictionary of Computer and Internet Terms, Seventh Edition (Barron's, 2000), Astrophotography for the Amateur (Cambridge, 1999), PROLOG Programming in Depth (Simon & Schuster, 1996), Cambridge Eclipse Photography Guide (1993), and Syntactic Theory in the High Middle Ages (Cambridge, 1985).A senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Covington is a Contributing Editor to, and former "Q&A" columnist of, Poptronics magazine. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Learning about telescopes book
Learning about Telescopes, this is a great first time /review of things you for got and thing you just didn't know how book.very helpful.

Useful book for those new to goto scopes
If you have a goto scope it's very useful.I have a Celestron NexStar goto telescope, and have bought a book specific to NexStar scopes, and I still found this one helpful, especially on alighment.

The Book your looking for!
If your looking for a clearly written, very informative, get you going in the right direction book, this is the one!

How to Use a Computerized Telescope
This is a very clearly-written book and excellent for beginners. It breaks down the various topics of using a computerized telescope into manageable chapters.

Very helpful book
I recently purchased a Celestron StarSeeker telescope (basically a NexStar80) so wanted to read more about computerized telescopes. Michael Covington's book is very good. He starts by saying "Welcome to amateur astronomy". The first part of the book then goes on to discuss telescopes in general, such as the different types (ie, refractors, reflectors and catadioptric) and much very helpful general information about observational astronomy. Things like celestial coordinates, how a telescope works, etc. Too much to put in this review but I found the information extremely helpful. The second section is about astrophotography including simple ways to do astrophotography without a lot of expensive equipment. This author also has a book on Astrophotography which I haven't read. He refers to it several times in this section of this book. The last section describes in quite a bit of detail the operation of 3 computerized telescopes, the Meade LX200, Celestron NexStar 5 and 8 and two Meade telescopes with Autostar, the ETX 90 and the LX 90. All of these telescopes are now outdated as both Meade and Celestron have newer models. However, what is said in this section would apply to the newer models to a large extent. Overall I enjoyed reading this book and obtained a lot of useful information and recommendations to start my budding career in amateur photography. One further note; there is another book by Michael Swanson that deals with just the Celestron NexStar telescopes. I have this book also but haven't finished reading it. If you are just interested in computerized telescopes in general, I would recommend the one in this review. If you have or are interested in a Celestron, then I would suggest the Michael Swanson book; actually I would recommend both. ... Read more

Book Description
Getting started in amateur astronomy can be frustrating. Without a helpful friend to lend advice, choosing a telescope, learning the buzzwords, or viewing the deep sky season by season can seem daunting.Now amateur astronomers can turn to The Guide to Amateur Astronomy to get started or, if they are more advanced, to learn all the techniques of serious telescopic observing.The authors begin by showing readers how to find their way about the night sky with little or no equipment.For the stargazer who becomes addicted they include a complete catalog of the night sky's most intriguing star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies.More advanced projects include astrophotography, telescope construction, planetary observing, comet hunting, variable star recording, and nova discovery.The new edition covers the exciting developments in the world of astro-software for the home computer and the techniques of electronic imaging or charged-coupled devices (CCDs). ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Very Good Book
I first saw this book at my local library and this book is very good. There are some out dated items in the book such as cold cameras, but the ccd parts we well written. The book is well written and both authors I feelhave done an excellent job. ... Read more

Book Description
This complete reference provides a wealth of practical information covering all aspects of amateur astronomy. Organized thematically for ease of use, it covers observing techniques, telescopes and observatories, internet resources, and the objects that can be studied. Those new to the field will find tips, techniques and plans on how to begin their quest, and more advanced observers will find useful advice on how to get more from their hobby. Michael E. Bakich obtained a bachelors degree in Astronomy from Ohio State University and a masters degree in Planetarium Education from Michigan State University.He has written numerous original planetarium programs, and gives lectures on astronomy to groups of all ages.He is also a tour guide to eclipses and astro-archaeological sites. Bakich has written two previous books: The Cambridge Planetary Handbook (2000) and The Cambridge Guide to the Constellations (1995), both published by Cambridge University Press. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent book
The purpose of this book is to give someone just starting out in amateur astronomy a foundation from which to work.This book accomplishes that task very well.It covers the basics of a wide range of topics.The Author presents this material in a conversational style which makes it an easy read.While this book is very similar in purpose to Dickinson/Dyers's Backyard Astronomer's Guide, it doesn't go into as great a detail on most topics.If you are just starting out in amateur astronomy you should consider buying this book. Two additions I would have liked to have seen in this book were 1.) A section with starmaps, and 2.)A section on how to starhop with examples.These two items should be in any beginners book.

Good Book on Mediocre Paper
An excellent book that takes a unique approach to explaining the world of amateur astronomy.I use this book more as a reference than a door to beginning to understand the huge world of astronomy (Terence Dickinson in Nightwatch does that best).Has an excellent Equipment section (especially the filters area), great planetary info in the Solar System section, and very handy reference charts in the back of the book.

For the price of this book, you'd expect paper quality to at least be equal to The Backyard Astronomer's Guide (Dickinson, Dyer)-- but it isn't.The paper is cheap and really doesn't stand up well to the heavy page turning I have subjected it to - a minor gripe though.There is stuff in this book that is very hard to find elsewhere.Check it out in your local bookstore -- then buy it here at Amazon for a substantial discount off retail if you like it! ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (2)

How do you define an amateur?
If you are brand new to astronomy, say have your first telescope and want to learn more, think twice before buying this book.Or, any book for that matter. I have yet to find a book that begins with the very basics and works from there.(Just ordered Astronomy for Dummies, in hopes this will meet my requirement).

My experience so far is that astronomy books are densely written, and begin with complex concepts and terminology.This one is no different.

Also note how old this book is.I suspect, but don't know, that it needs to be updated.

A good collection of projects for the amateur astronomer
This book was written in the early 80s but is still useful today as a guide to how an amateur astronomer can contribute to the science.It covers many observing topics in-depth and explains how to document findings: variable stars, double star orbits, sunspots, asteroid light curves, comets.The book also contains a section on photography and the use of a couple handy instruments that are now probably outdated.

I read the book but haven't actually begun any of the projects covered in it, mainly because I just like to observe with my telescope and not get mired in the science.However, the book did help me become more familiar with the use of telescopes as scientific instruments and not just as windows on the universe. ... Read more

Book Description

Astrophysics is a subject that is often - with some justification - regarded as extremely difficult, requiring at least degree-level mathematics as a prerequisite to its understanding. Consequently, many amateur astronomers just don't bother, and miss out on the fascinating fundamentals of the subject, and often on an understanding of exactly what they are observing.

Book Description
Together, this two-volume set provides amateur astronomers with all the information they require to set up their telescopes and embark upon an exciting exploration of the night sky.Complete with trouble-shooting advice, practical tips for observing over 200 interesting celestial objects, and information about the latest products and resources, this set of Covington's two books is an essential purchase for every new telescope owner. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

How to use "Go To" scopes and what to use them on
Covington's "Practical Amateur Astronomy 2 Volume Set" is for beginner and intermediate amatuer astronomers who have or are thinking of aquiring a computerized telescope. It consists of two titles, "How to Use a Computerized Telescope" and "Celestial Objects for Modern Telescopes", which complemet each other well.

The first book, "How to Use a Computerized Telescope" , is divided into two sections. The first covers basic topics on the use, care and feeding of telescopes in general. The second looks at three classic "Go To" telescope families. If you are looking to buy a computerized telescope, or already own one and want to get more out of it, then this is a good place to start.

Chapters:
PART I - Telescopes in general
1. Welcome to amatuer astronomy
2. How the sky moves
3. How telescopes track the stars
4. Using equatorial mounts and wedges
5. Telescope optics
6. Eyepieces and optical accessories
7. Astrophotography
8. Troubleshooting
PART II - Three classic telescopes
9. Three that led the revolution
10. Meade LX200
11. Celestron NexStar 5 and 8
12. Meade Autostar (ETX and LX90)

Though the models described in detail in the book are no longer the latest models, the foundations will allow one to get a better understanding of how computerized telescopes work, and how to get more out of their use.

In the second volume, "Celestial Objects for Modern Telescopes", Covington 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. ... Read more

Book Description
Telescopes - refractors and reflectors - are the main items of equipment used by almost every amateur astronomer. The purpose of astronomical telescopes is to collect and focus more light than the human eye can, forming an image that can be viewed, photographed, or analysed. Astronomical Equipment for Amateurs makes buying and using both telescopes and their ancillary instruments easy for astronomers of all abilities. It begins by looking at the advantages and disadvantages of the basic types of refractors, reflectors, mountings and accessories. Observation techniques are also included, along with the use of filters, (colour, anti-pollution and nebula), types of photography (piggy-back, prime focus and eyepiece projection), and also CCD imaging (including types of CCD camera and their advantages and disadvantages compared to photography). Martin Mobberley provides a fascinating insight into astronomical software. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A perfect complement to Star Ware by Harrington
Mobberley goes into a little more detail concerning mounts, photography and CCD imaging than Harrington. Although the book is biased towards SCT's and it has an english accent, he does an excellent job in his explanationof the practical limits of telescopes and accessories. I found it a perfectcomplement to Harrington's excellent, must have, Star Ware for anyoneconsidering purchasing telescopes and accessories. ... Read more

Book Description
This 2000 Edition of Sir Patrick Moores classic book has been completely revised in the light of changes in technology.Not only do these changes include commercially available astronomical telescopes and software, but also what we know and understand about the universe.There are many new photographs and illustrations.Writing in the easy-going style that made him famous as a writer and broadcaster, Sir Patrick introduced astronomy and amateur observing together, so that his reader gets an idea of what he is observing at the same time as how to observe.Almost half the book is Appendices.These are hugely comprehensive and provide hints and tips, as well as data (year 2000 onwards) for pretty well every aspect of amateur astronomy.This is probably the only book in which all this information is collected in one place. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Planetary introduction to Astronomy.
Although this book is easy to understand, its lack of color pictures and dry writing style makes it rather dull reading. There are better books on the market. ... Read more