Philip S Solar System Observer S Guide

A practical and colourful introduction to our 'corner' of the Universe. It describes how to observe not only the planets but also the Moon, Sun, comets, meteors, asteroids and other objects found in our Solar System. Each chapter is devoted to a different object and is illustrated with digital images, photographs and sketches.

A brand new pack for the amateur Solar System observer. It contains three essential items for exploring and enjoying our corner of the Universe: Philip's Solar Observer's Guide: This practical guide is suitable for observers with small-to-medium-sized telescopes, or binoculars. Philip's Map of the Solar System: A new large-format chart that uses mapping returned from space probes to provide a close-up view of the Solar System. Philip's Solar System Phenomena poster: A stunning, full-colour, A1-sized wall poster featuring the top 25 phenomena to observe within the Solar System.

An introduction to observing the solar system with binoculars or small telescopes. Includes information on the moon, sun, meteors, comets, asteroids and nine planets.

This is a practical guide to observing our 'home' star. There is huge fascination in observing the Sun, and this text explains how straightforward - and safe - it can be to do so. Contrary to popular opinion, expensive equipment is not required, and the necessary safety procedures are easy to follow.

Philip's Deep Sky Observer's Guide is a practical introduction to deep sky observing, explaining in straightforward, non-technical language what is meant by the 'deep sky', and how to observe the Universe beyond our Solar System. Many people have been inspired by the incredible images returned from the Hubble Space Telescope and wish to see such objects for themselves. While the views through Earth-based telescopes may not be as spectacular as those obtained from space, it is a huge thrill to look at such famous objects as the Triangulum Galaxy or the Horsehead Nebula. Deep sky observing has become a very popular activity for skywatchers. Philip's Deep Sky Observer's Guide is suitable for observers with small- to medium-sized telescopes, or even binoculars. It begins by introducing the basics of observing and explaining what equipment is required. Each type of deep sky object is then dealt with chapter by chapter - galaxies, globular clusters, diffuse nebulae, open clusters, double stars, planetary nebulae and supernova remnants. Each chapter recommends a number of objects or 'targets' to view, and the author describes how to find them and what to expect to see, as well as providing important data and tips for drawing or photographing the target. A complete set of star maps marks all the objects included in the book, and additional charts are provided for targets that are tricky to locate.

'Deep Sky' refers to the universe beyond our own solar system. Using binoculars or telescopes, any sky-gazer can become a deep sky observer. Deep Sky Observer's Guide looks beyond individual stars to target: Star clusters Double Stars Nebulae Galaxies. The Deep Sky Observer's Guide introduces the basics of observing and explains what equipment is required. A chapter is devoted to each type of deep sky target. There are more than 200 such objects featured, with 126 color illustrations and star-finder charts. The Deep Sky Observer Guide is also available in a convenient pack (ISBN: 1-55407-025-2) that comes with deep sky charts and an observing calendar.

In a new flexi-paperback format, Philip's Complete Guide to Stargazing is an inspiring introduction to astronomy, providing all the information you need to explore the night sky. This is a comprehensive guide to an increasingly popular leisure pursuit. Author Robin Scagell first introduces the wonders of the night sky and explains how and why the sky changes during the night and through the seasons. He describes the various items of equipment you can use (binoculars, telescopes and accessories), and gives practical advice on what to choose and what you can expect to see. There are plenty of tips, too, for observing just with the naked eye. The book continues with chapters devoted to the Moon, the Solar System, the stars and deep sky objects, illustrated with photographs and observational drawings made by talented amateur astronomers, as well as spectacular images returned by spacecraft or taken by large telescopes. The month-by-month guide to the constellations features maps showing the constellations on view each month from both northern and southern hemispheres, and is applicable to any year and any place on Earth. A complete set of star charts presents the whole sky in a series of maps that show stars down to magnitude 5.5. These maps are drawn with black stars on a white background, so that observers can pencil their own observations on to the charts. Opposite each map is a 'photo-realistic' image which shows how the same portion of the sky typically appears to the eye. Completing the book is an illustrated A-Z dictionary of astronomy, covering the planets, stars and galaxies, cosmology, amateur astron­omy and professional observatories, space exploration, famous astronomers, scientific terms, theories and much more, and is illustrated with photographs, artworks and diagrams. Philip's Complete Guide to Stargazing is an invaluable reference source for astronomers of all levels.

Ice and Fire: Great Comets to Come was written because a special celestial event climaxes towards the end of 2013 – the arrival, fresh from the Oort Cloud, of Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON). By all predictions – even the most pessimistic ones – this comet is set to be one of, perhaps the most, dazzling comet seen in modern history and has the astronomical world buzzing with anticipation. Skywatchers have already been primed for C/2012 (ISON) earlier in 2013 with the apparition of another naked-eye comet, C/2011 L4 (PanSTARRS), and following C/2012 S1 (ISON) there is the prospect of 2012 K1 (PanSTARRS) reaching naked eye visibility in August 2014. Future bright cometary prospects are also discussed, taking into account the latest predictions. Examining the origin and nature of comets using examples of great comets from the past, this book sets the scene for the arrival of Comet C/2012 S1 and those following it over the next few years in the inner Solar System. Skywatchers and amateur astronomers can learn how to follow, observe and record comets. There is also a guide on how to keep abreast of the latest cometary discoveries and how to use a variety of reputable sources, including publications, websites, programs and apps to visualize and plan observations. The role of the amateur in cometary discovery also is featured, as well as details on how professional astronomers plan to get the most ‘science’ out of cometary apparitions, how and why professionals go about discovering comets, and upcoming plans to visit comets with space probes (and later, perhaps, human visits). Illustrations provide historic images of comets, images from space probes and images of the latest bright comets. Orbital plots and easy-to-follow sky charts are also included. This book is a unique guide that sets the scene by giving a comprehensive history of comets and examples of great comets throughout history and informs the reader about the nature and origins of this spectacular occurence. Expectations are fully covered by explaining not only what the regular person can expect to see, but how amateur astronomers can plan observations and what steps the professionals are taking to ‘get the most science’ from this exciting event.