Care Of Astronomical Telescopes And Accessories

Commercially-made astronomical telescopes are better and less expensive than ever before, and their optical and mechanical performance can be superb. When a good-quality telescope fails to perform as well as it might, the reason is quite probably that it needs a little care and attention! Here is a complete guide for anyone who wants to understand more than just the basics of astronomical telescopes and accessories, and how to maintain them in the peak of condition. The latest on safely adjusting, cleaning, and maintaining your equipment is combined with thoroughly updated methods from the old masters. Here, too, are details of choosing new and used optics and accessories, along with enhancements you can make to extend their versatility and useful lifetime. This book is for you. Really. Looking after an astronomical telescope isn’t only for the experts - although there are some things that only an expert should attempt - and every serious amateur astronomer will find invaluable information here, gleaned from Barlow Pepin's many years’ experience working with optical instruments.

This guide provides useful insight for first-time telescope buyers as well as experienced amateurs. It examines the advantages and disadvantages of different types of telescopes, mountings, and accessories-ranging from refractors and reflectors to computer controlled drives and CCD cameras. The author also covers observation techniques, photographic equipment, astronomical software, as well as equipment care and maintenance.

Praise for Star Ware "Star Ware is still a tour de force that any experienced amateur will find invaluable, and which hardware-minded beginners will thoroughly enjoy." - Robert Burnham, Sky & Telescope magazine "Star Ware condenses between two covers what would normally take a telescope buyer many months to accumulate." - John Shibley, Astronomy magazine Whether you're shopping for your first telescope or your fifth, don't be surprised if you feel overwhelmed by the dazzling array of product choices, bells and whistles, and the literature that describes them all. That's why you need Star Ware. In this revised and updated Fourth Edition of the essential guide to comparing and selecting sky-watching equipment, award-winning astronomy writer Philip Harrington takes you telescope shopping the easy way. He analyzes and explains today's astronomy market and compares brands and models point by point. Star Ware gives you the confidence you need to buy the telescope and accessories that are right for you and the knowledge to get the most out of your new purchase, with: * Extensive, expanded reviews of leading models and accessories-including dozens of new products * A clear, step-by-step guide to every aspect of selecting telescopes, binoculars, filters, mounts, lenses, cameras, film, star charts, guides and references, and much more * Ten new do-it-yourself projects for building your own astronomical equipment * Easy tips on setting up, using, and caring for telescopes and other astronomical equipment * Lists of where to find everything astronomical, including Web sites and resources; distributors, dealers, and conventions; and corporate listings for products and services

This book contains everything an astronomer needs to know about binocular observing. The book takes an in-depth look at the instruments themselves. It has sections on evaluating and buying binoculars and binocular telescopes, their care, mounting, and accessories. In addition there is a selection of fifty fine objects to be seen with 50mm and 100mm binoculars. The advantages of using both eyes for astronomical observing are many and considerable, largely because of the way the human brain processes visual information. This book enables the astronomer to maximize those advantages.

This book offers a comprehensive introductory guide to "choosing and using" a series LXD55 or LXD75 computer-controlled ("goto") telescope, containing a wealth of useful information for both beginners and more advanced practical amateur astronomers. The manufacturer’s manuals are not nearly detailed enough to be of real help to beginners. No other book offers advanced techniques for more experienced LXD series users.

For this new edition, the text has been brought fully up to date – and the period covered is from 2005 to 2010. Inevitably, this has meant that large sections of the book have been completely rewritten. Much has happened since the ?rst edition was published in 1998. Patrick Moore December 2004 v 00-OY2e_PRE(i-xvi).qxd 14/2/05 2:03 PM Page vii Contents Preface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix Phases of the Moon 2005–2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xii January . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 February . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 March. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 April. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 May . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127 June . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155 July . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181 August. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209 September. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237 October . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265 November. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295 December. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325 Appendix A: The 88 Constellations. . . . . . . . . . . . 351 Appendix B: Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353 Appendix C: The Greek Alphabet. . . . . . . . . . . . . 363 Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365 vii 00-OY2e_PRE(i-xvi).qxd 14/2/05 2:03 PM Page ix Introduction It was once said that ‘the night sky always looks much the same’. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. There are 365 days in each year (366 in a Leap Year!), and from an astronomical point of view no two are alike.

Rajiv Kohli and Kash Mittal have brought together the work of experts from different industry sectors and backgrounds to provide a state-of-the-art survey and best practice guidance for scientists and engineers engaged in surface cleaning or handling the consequences of surface contamination. Topics covered include: A systems analysis approach to contamination control Physical factors that influence the behavior of particle deposition in enclosures An overview of current yield models and description of advanced models Types of strippable coatings, their properties and applications of these coatings for removal of surface contaminants In-depth coverage of ultrasonic cleaning Contamination and cleaning issues at the nanoscale Experimental results illustrating the impact of model parameters on the removal of particle contamination The expert contributions in this book provide a valuable source of information on the current status and recent developments in surface contamination and cleaning. The book will be of value to industry, government and academic personnel involved in research and development, manufacturing, process and quality control, and procurement specifications across sectors including microelectronics, aerospace, optics, xerography and joining (adhesive bonding). ABOUT THE EDITORS Rajiv Kohli is a leading expert with The Aerospace Corporation in contaminant particle behavior, surface cleaning, and contamination control. At the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, he provides technical support for contamination control related to ground-based and manned spaceflight hardware for the Space Shuttle, the International Space Station, and the new Constellation Program that is designed to meet the United States Vision for Space Exploration. Kashmiri Lal "Kash" Mittal was associated with IBM from 1972 to 1994. Currently, he is teaching and consulting in the areas of surface contamination and cleaning, and in adhesion science and technology. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Adhesion Science and Technology and is the editor of 98 published books, many of them dealing with surface contamination and cleaning. Also available Developments in Surface Contamination and Cleaning, Volume 1: Fundamentals and Applied Aspects (edited by Rajiv Kohli & K.L. Mittal). ISBN: 9780815515555. · Provides guidance on best-practice cleaning techniques and the avoidance of surface contamination · Covers contamination and cleaning issues at the nanoscale · Includes an in-depth look at ultrasonic cleaning

There is a vast range of astronomical equipment currently available to the amateur astronomer. This handbook presents the variety of telescopes, binoculars and accessories on the market, to help the amateur make an informed choice when buying equipment. All selection criteria are taken into account, including level of experience, budget, and observation site. Indispensable to those with a passion for practical astronomy, this handbook will help the complete beginner making his first purchase, and provide advice for the more experienced amateur wishing to upgrade his equipment.