Table of Contents

Introduction by Jeff Medkeff; Part I. Background: 1. The cosmic backdrop; 2. Positional astronomy; 3. Time and the calendar; 4. The magnitude system; Part II. Equipment: 5. Telescopes; 6. Mounts and drives; 7. Eyepieces; 8. Filters; 9. Telescope accessories; 10. Binoculars; Part III. How to Observe: 11. Sketching what you observe; 12. Astrophotography; 13. Digital and video cameras; 14. The CCD; 15. Photometry; 16. Spectroscopy; Part IV. References and Other: 17. Books and atlases; 18. Catalogues of the deep sky; 19. Software; 20. Observatories; 21. The social astronomer; 22. Light pollution; Part V. What to Observe: 23. Nightfall; 24. The Sun; 25. The Aurora; 26. The Moon; 27. Eclipses and transits; 28. Mercury and Venus; 29. Mars; 30. Jupiter; 31. Saturn; 32. The outer planets; 33. Asteroids; 34. Comets; 35. Meteors and meteor showers; Part VI. Deep Sky Objects: 36. Double stars; 37. Variable stars; 38. Supernovae; 39. Occultations; 40. Nebulae; 41. Star clusters; 42. Galaxies; Part VII. Observing Tips.

Promotional Information

This complete reference provides a wealth of practical information on amateur astronomy.

About the Author

Author of The Cambridge Guide to the Constellations (0521449219) and The Cambridge Planetary Handbook (0521632803).

Reviews

'... an essential guide for both beginning stargazers and more advanced observers.' Orion ' useful and informative ...' The Observatory 'An excellent large volume well illustrated, comprehensive and ... up-to-date. Both new and experienced amateur astronomers and even some professionals will find much that will benefit their knowledge, methods and techniques. A useful book to have close to hand - highly recommended.' Spaceflight 'In a superbly structured and illustrated book, Bakich manages to weave together the latest wisdom on everything an amateur astronomer would ever need to now - and more ... if I were to pick just one book to whet my appetite for amateur observing, this would undoubtedly be the book to purchase.' Astronomy