Advanced Amateur Astronomy / Edition 2

by Gerald North

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521574303
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	08/21/1997
Edition description:	REV
Pages:	416
Product dimensions:	6.69(w) x 9.61(h) x 0.87(d)

Table of Contents

Preface; Acknowledgements; 1. Telescope optics; 2. Atmosphere, seeing, magnification and eyepieces; 3. Telescope hardware and adjustments; 4. Astrophotography with the camera; 5. Astrophotography through the telescope; 6. Electronic imaging; 7. The Moon; 8. The terrestrial planets; 9. The gas-giant planets; 10. Comets, asteroids, meteors and aurorae; 11. The Sun; 12. Variable stars and novae; 13. Methods of photometry; 14. Double stars, star clusters, nebulae, galaxies and supernovae; 15. Spectroscopy; 16. Radio astronomy; 17. Further information; Appendix: useful formulae.

Editorial Reviews

"...many astronomers will welcome the updated second edition of Gerald North's Advanced Amateur Astronomy...The sections on telescopic hardware, adjustment and astrophotography are now joined by a chapter on electronic imaging, and the book has a superb introduction to the types of astronomical object most suited to amateur investigation." New Scientist

"This book offers practical exercises and advice for the amateur astronomer looking to move beyond the basics of backyard stargazing and into the world of data gathering." Lunar & Planetary Information Bulletin

"North ably guides casual stargazers through all of the many possibilities for moving to the next level." Science Books & Films

From the Publisher