The Observational Amateur Astronomer

This celebrity editor has brought together noted professional and amateur astronomers to submit chapters on their particular field of expertise, each describing how to observe a different class of object. The whole range of possibilities within reach of a small astronomical telescope is covered, from the moon to deep space. The book also shows how to gain the most enjoyment from a telescope, as well as its use for formal scientific observations, since astronomy is one of the few remaining areas of science where useful work can be carried out by non-professionals. The ideal companion to The Modern Amateur Astronomer.

Along with its companion book, The Observational Amateur Astronomer, this is a comprehensive guide for every amateur astronomer who wants to do more than just stargaze. Each chapter has been written by a well-known professional or amateur astronomer, chosen for their specialist knowledge. Topics range from buying a telescope (or making your own), via electronic equipment and accessories, to more technical aspects such as spectroscopy and astrophotography. Patrick Moore has edited the book overall into his easy, comprehensible style - known to millions of television viewers.

Originally published in 1877, Observational Astronomy is a guide to the theory and practice of amateur astronomy. The book covers topics such as the use of telescopes and other observation equipment, the measurement of celestial coordinates, and the identification of stars and constellations. The anonymous author, who identified himself only as a clergyman, drew from his own experience as an amateur astronomer to provide practical advice for beginners. This new edition, edited by J.T. Slugg, includes updates and clarifications to the original text, making it a valuable resource for modern amateur astronomers. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

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, there is!” This is THE book for the amateur astronomer who is ready to take the next step in his or her astronomical journey. Till now there has been no text that points curious amateur astronomers to the research possibilities open to them. At the 2006 meeting of the Society for Astronomical Sciences, participants agreed that the lack of such a text was a serious gap in the astronomical book market. This book plugs that hole.

Astrophysics is often –with some justification – regarded as incomprehensible without the use of higher mathematics. Consequently, many amateur astronomers miss out on some of the most fascinating aspects of the subject. Astrophysics Is Easy! cuts through the difficult mathematics and explains the basics of astrophysics in accessible terms. Using nothing more than plain arithmetic and simple examples, the workings of the universe are outlined in a straightforward yet detailed and easy-to-grasp manner. The original edition of the book was written over eight years ago, and in that time, advances in observational astronomy have led to new and significant changes to the theories of astrophysics. The new theories will be reflected in both the new and expanded chapters. A unique aspect of this book is that, for each topic under discussion, an observing list is included so that observers can actually see for themselves the concepts presented –stars of the spectral sequence, nebulae, galaxies, even black holes. The observing list has been revised and brought up-to-date in the Second Edition.

This is the first non-technical book on spectroscopy written specifically for practical amateur astronomers. It includes all the science necessary for a qualitative understanding of stellar spectra, but avoids a mathematical treatment which would alienate many of its intended readers. Any amateur astronomer who carries out observational spectroscopy and who wants a non-technical account of the physical processes which determine the intensity and profile morphology of lines in stellar spectra will find this is the only book written specially for them. It is an ideal companion to existing books on observational amateur astronomical spectroscopy.

This 2000 Edition of Sir Patrick Moore’s 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. Packs a great deal of valuable information into appendices which make up almost half the book. 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.

Mike Hotka became an amateur astronomer in 1965. Since that time, Mike has made thousands of observations of the night sky. He has developed a goal oriented process to get the amateur astronomer out observing the night sky. Exploring Amateur Astronomy - Goal Oriented Observing, describes a hands-on approach to observational astronomy. It is designed to aid the beginner as well as the experienced amateur astronomer to increase their observational skills. This book is dedicated to anyone who wishes to have a deeper understanding of celestial objects by actually observing them. Amateur astronomer Bruce Heath sums up the book nicely by stating "The entire book saves you time, helps your organization, enhances your ability to find a wide variety of celestial objects and will increase your enjoyment while you are doing it. Take a lesson from the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland.... "if you don't know where you are going, then any road will do." Mike helps you pick celestial destinations and gives you the road to get there.......take advantage of it."