Care of Astronomical Telescopes and Accessories: A Manual for the Astronomical Observer and Amateur Telescope Maker / Edition 1

by M. Barlow Pepin

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781852337155
Publisher:	Springer London
Publication date:	11/05/2004
Series:	The Patrick Moore Practical Astronomy Series
Edition description:	2005
Pages:	252
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.02(d)

Table of Contents

Optical Equipment.- Treasure in the Cellar.- Buying It Right: Consumer Strategies.- New Instruments.- Used Equipment.- Optical Accessories.- Care and Maintenance.- Lens Optics.- Figured Mirrors and Flats.- Optical Tube Features.- Mounts and Tripods.- Collimation and Adjustment Techniques.- Protection, Refinishing and Surface Treatments.- Storage.- Equipment Projects and Tips.

Editorial Reviews

From the reviews:

"Internationally known amateur author Pepin has produced a useful manual for both the beginning and experienced telescope user and/or maker. His descriptions … are so clear that they should be mandatory reading for anyone thinking of purchasing a new or used telescope. … Practical hints for many aspects … are detailed and clear. The book is profusely illustrated with drawings and images. Several appendixes … add to its value. … Summing Up: Highly recommended. General readers; professionals." (M.-K.Hemenway, CHOICE, Vol. 42 (9), May, 2005)

From the Publisher