Saturn as a Planet.- Telescopes and Accessories.- Factors that Affect Observations.- Visual Impressions of Saturn’s Globe and Ring System.- Drawing Saturn’s Globe and Rings.- Methods of Visual Photometry and Colorimetry.- Determining Latitudes and Timing Central Meridian Transits.- Observing Saturn’s Satellites.- A Primer on Imaging Saturn and Its Ring System.
In addition to his professional research that has appeared in various technical journals, for over twenty-five years Julius has written extensively on the subjects of lunar and planetary astronomy. He has also mad considerable contributions to the existing literature on methods and techniques for making visual observations of the Moon and planets with various astronomical instruments and accessories. For many years his articles have appeared in Sky and Telescope, Astronomy, Journal of the British Astronomical Association, Journal of the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers, Star and Sky, and elsewhere. He has also published comprehensive A.L.P.O. observing manuals on Saturn, Venus, and the Moon so that enthusiasts all over the world could plan and execute useful research programs. Julius has frequently been a guest speaker at local and national astronomical gatherings and his efforts as a liaison between amateur and professional planetary scientists has helped improve the significance of A.L.P.O. observational work.
From the reviews: "Julious L. Benton … is probably one of the most experienced and dedicated visual observer of the ‘Lord of the Rings’ … . His book is not only a very well researched compendium where almost all the current information … on Saturn and his satellites can be found but also a rich source of observational advice. What usually has to be searched in several books is given here … . In summary, this richly illustrated book is a goldmine of information … ." (Dr. Claudio Abaecherli, Astroinfo - online, December, 2006) "Benton, a seasoned observer of Saturn – and yes, it shows in this book – walks the reader through a bang-up-to-date account of the Solar System’s second largest world. … this text is superbly illustrated with high quality colour and black and white pictures. That makes it an absolute ‘must have’ for the Saturn enthusiast and I wholeheartedly agree." (Nell English, Astronomy Now, 2006) "Julius Benton has directed the ALPO (Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers) Saturn Section since 1971, and his enthusiasm for observing the ringed planet is evident upon every page. This book begins with 46 pages of background detail about Saturn, and 38 pages of useful telescope data. … it will serve as a solid background for planetary work in general. … This book will be of most value to the new planet-watcher." (Richard McKim, The Observatory, Vol. 126 (1194), 2006) "Saturn and how to observe it would seem long overdue, and with the Cassini mission to explore the Saturn system well underway, also most timely. … Saturn and how to observe it is neatly split into several chapters, each dealing with a specific aspect of Saturn. … The reader is then given generally sound advice on choice of telescopes. … Benton’s contribution must be welcomed … ." (David Graham, Journal of the British Astronomical Association, Vol. 116 (3), 2006)
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