The Backyard Astronomer's Guide

Book Description

What type of telescope is best for beginners? Can I use my camera to take photographs through a telescope? How good are the new computerized telescope mounts? What charts, books, software and other references do I need? These questions are asked time and again by enthusiastic new amateurs as they take up recreational astronomy.

But accurate, objective and up-to-date information can be hard to find. Throughout the 1990s, the first edition of The Backyard Astronomer's Guide established itself as the indispensable reference to the equipment and techniques used by the modern recreational stargazer. Now, authors Terence Dickinson and Alan Dyer have produced an expanded and completely updated edition that again sets the standard for accessible and reliable information on one of the world's most popular hobbies.

Dickinson and Dyer -- both full-time astronomy writers -- bring decades of experience to their task. They explain why telescopes often perform much differently from what the novice expects. They recommend the accessories that will enhance the observing experience and advise what not to buy until you become more familiar with your equipment. They name brands and sources and compare value so that you can be armed with the latest practical information when deciding on your next purchase. Sections on astrophotography, daytime and twilight observing, binocular observing and planetary and deep-sky observing round out this comprehensive guide to personal exploration of the universe. Dickinson and Dyer's elegant yet straightforward approach to a complex subject makes this book an invaluable resource for astronomers throughout North America.

With more than 500 color photographs and illustrations, The Backyard Astronomer's Guide is also one of the most beautiful -- and user-friendly -- astronomy books ever produced.

Customer Reviews:

Incredibly helpful.......2007-09-21

I can't overstate how useful this book is. It covers naked-eye stargazing, binoculars, the history of amateur astronomy, telescope designs, eyepieces, accessories, setting up your new scope, the sun, moon, planets, stars, deep-sky objects, astrophotography, and just about anything else an amateur astronomer might want to know about. The reviews of telescope and eyepiece brands and models are particularly useful. I love browsing through telescope catalogs, but I also want expert advice on what brands and models are worth seeking out and which to avoid. This book delivers. The full color photographs throughout are a nice touch. The heavy paper and solid binding ensure that the book will last forever, which is good, because you'll be using it a lot.

I wish _every_ hobby had an intro book this useful.

Excellent book.......2007-07-15

If you are considering buying only one book on amateur astronomy this should be it. It covers the basics of observing, available equipment with recommendations, and much more while presenting it in an easy to read and understandable format. Dickinson and Dyer should be commended for putting together this book which must have been a monumental effort. It is truly one of the premier books ever written on this topic. It definately belongs in the hands of every backyard astronomer.

The amateur Astronomer's BIBLE!!!!!!!.......2007-05-24

Search no longer, everything you need to know is right here in this book.

1. Different types of scopes
2. Must have accessories.
3. Waste of time accessories
4. Recommended scopes.
5. ect, ect, ect.

It's the book that keeps on giving! Yes I also own Dickinson's "Nightwatch" and like another reviewer said, there's some repetition , which made me skeptical about buying this book, but if you already have "Nightwatch", this book goes into waaaaaaaay more depth. this is definately a must have for people who haven't purchased a scope yet and are trying to make a decision. I know how hard that decision is when you know very little about telscopes and accessories and every review you see is praising every telescope you look at. Where do you start? You start here.

Good book for amateur astronomers.......2007-05-06

I highly recommend this book to the serious amateur astronomer wanting to get the most from the night sky.

Probably The Best Single Reference For Stargazers.......2007-04-23

In one volume, Dickinson and Dyer have managed to cover about 95% of what amateur astronomers want to know to get a solid start in this fascinating hobby. From naked-eye observing to binocular astronomy, through sophisticated telescopes and astrophotography, this book provides solid info in an easy-reading, photo-filled format that will be a good companion on those cloudy nights when you're restricted to armchair astronomy. Especially helpful to me were the extensive tips on how to comfortably observe using lawnchairs and tripod-mounted binoculars. Your neck will thank you, too.

Enthisiastically recommended.

A History of Ancient Mathematical Astronomy (Studies in the History of Mathematics and Physical Sciences) 3 volume set

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The Theory of The Heavens

A History of Ancient Mathematical Astronomy (Studies in the History of Mathematics and Physical Sciences) 3 volume set
O. Neugebauer
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 354006995X

Book Description

From the reviews: "This monumental work will henceforth be the standard interpretation of ancient mathematical astronomy. It is easy to point out its many virtues: comprehensiveness and common sense are two of the most important. Neugebauer has studied profoundly every relevant text in Akkadian, Egyptian, Greek, and Latin, no matter how fragmentary; [...] With the combination of mathematical rigor and a sober sense of the true nature of the evidence, he has penetrated the astronomical and the historical significance of his material. [...] His work has been and will remain the most admired model for those working with mathematical and astronomical texts. D. Pingree in Bibliotheca Orientalis, 1977 "... a work that is a landmark, not only for the history of science, but for the history of scholarship. HAMA [History of Ancient Mathematical Astronomy] places the history of ancient Astronomy on a entirely new foundation. We shall not soon see its equal. N.M. Swerdlow in Historia Mathematica, 1979

Customer Reviews:

The Theory of The Heavens.......2005-10-23

This three volume set is precious to me. Each time I dip into these books, I find new treasures. Since Galileo, astronomy has become an observational science, but, as Neugebauer observes: "Ancient Astronomy was overwhelmingly mathematical astronomy." He shows us how the ancients took the few and uncertain observations they had and worked out such things as the relative longitudes of Carthage and Arbela, the secne of Alexander's great victory over Darius III in 331 BC, (Ptolemy's work), the distance to the Moon (Hipparchus' work), and the length of the year.

If you want to know what the ancients knew, and how they knew it, this is the place to look. Specialists will plow through these books. Those of us with an interest in ancient science will find browsing these volumes rewarding. And, if you get hooked, there are copies on Amazon.

Average customer rating:

No Heavy Math, Partial DE's don't come in until Page 5

Black Holes: An Introduction
Derek Raine , and Edwin Thomas
Manufacturer: Imperial College Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Astronomy | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

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An Introduction To Black Holes, Information And The String Theory Revolution: The Holographic Universe
Exploring Black Holes: Introduction to General Relativity
An Introduction to Modern Cosmology
String Theory and M-Theory: A Modern Introduction
Warped Passages: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Universe's Hidden Dimensions

ASIN: 1860945864

Product Description

This introduction to the fascinating subject of black holes fills a significant gap in the literature which exists between popular, non-mathematical expositions and advanced textbooks at the research level. It is designed for advanced undergraduates and first year postgraduates as a useful stepping-stone to the advanced literature. The book provides an accessible introduction to the exact solutions of Einsteins vacuum field equations describing spherical and axisymmetric (rotating) black holes. The geometry and physical properties of these spacetimes are explored through the motion of particles and light. The use of different coordinate systems, maximal extensions and Penrose diagrams is explained. The association of the surface area of a black hole with its entropy is discussed and it is shown that with the introduction of quantum mechanics black holes cease to be black and can radiate. This result allows black holes to satisfy the laws of thermodynamics and thus be consistent with the rest of physics.

Customer Reviews:

No Heavy Math, Partial DE's don't come in until Page 5.......2006-04-01

This rather small (only 168 pages is pretty small for a college text) book is aimed at the advanced undergraduate or early graduate student in astronomy or astrophysics. It is a non-heavy-math introduction to black holes, but at times it says that things would be easier to explain if you had another half dozen math classes.

This is not your basic introduction for the layman. The first chapter is on Relativistic Gravity. And while the mathematics may not be as complex as it can get, the partial differential equaions start on page 5. And there aren't many pages from then on that don't have at least one equasion.

The surprising thing about the book is the caliber of the writing. These guys write like people speak. Reading the book is interesting. (I skipped the math, it's been too many years since I got a degree in physics.) And you get an understanding of where the current understanding of black holes is. You also get a feeling of where research is headed and some hints of what might be found.

Astronomy: A Visual Guide (Visual Guides)

Average customer rating:

Easy To Follow, Beautiful Photos ............

Astronomy: A Visual Guide (Visual Guides)
Mark A. Garlick
Manufacturer: Firefly Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Astronomy | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

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Weather: A Visual Guide (Visual Guides)
Astronomy: A Self-Teaching Guide, Sixth Edition
Universe
The Astronomy Encyclopedia
Guide to Stars and Planets (Firefly Pocket Reference)

ASIN: 155297958X

Book Description

An introductory illustrated and comprehensive guide to observing and understanding the night sky.

This book provides a survey of science's growing understanding of space and includes details of the latest space probes. The most recent photographs from the world's finest observatories and space-based cameras capture the wonder and beauty of the universe.

Astronomy covers a wide variety of heavenly phenomenon:

Distant stars
Planets of the Solar System
Comets and shooting stars
Eclipses
Black holes.

Vivid cross-sections of the planets with a concise description and a chart of their relative distance from the sun provide at-a-glance information. A series of monthly sky charts point out constellations, star clusters, galaxies, nebula and more.

The sky maps use easy-to-read symbols to identify open and globular star clusters, galaxies and planetary nebula. The constellations are labeled and diagramed. Spectacular images of space phenomenon are further explained with colorful digital graphics.

Nebula, clusters, galaxies, etc. are profiled with color images and short descriptions. A pictograph tells whether binoculars or a telescope is required.

Astronomy is a fascinating and easy-to-use illustrated reference for amateur astronomers of all levels.

Customer Reviews:

Easy To Follow, Beautiful Photos ...................2004-11-29

This book is not only full of gorgeous photos , but very easy to understand . Over 295 pages, describing in detail, everything from the planets in our solar system , to galaxies, to helpful info on buying a telescope, and more, including :
* Detailed description of every planet in our solar system.

* Development of Astronomy tools, from B.C to present day

* Major Space Centers & Observatories

* Several kinds of Galaxies, including spiral,elliptical,lenticular ....

* Dates of solar eclipses, Past, Present AND future !!

*Constellation Facts , and their meaning...

The list could go on and on , this is an excellant book for any one interested in the night sky . I wish I had it as a textbook when I was in school , it covers everything without being too scientific or dull . It truly takes you on a journey into space . Highly recommended !!

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Very High Energy Cosmic Gamma Radiation
Felix A. Aharonian
Manufacturer: World Scientific Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Astronomy | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

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Very High Energy Gamma-Ray Astronomy (Astronomy and Astrophysics Series)
High Energy Cosmic Rays (Springer Praxis Books)

ASIN: 9810245734

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Firefly Atlas of the Universe
Patrick Moore
Manufacturer: Firefly Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Atlases | Atlases & Maps | Reference | Subjects | Books

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The Firefly Encyclopedia of Astronomy
The Astronomy Encyclopedia
Serenity Official Visual Companion
Firefly Episode Guide: An Unofficial, Independent Guide to Joss Whedon's Firefly
Serenity - The Future is Worth Fighting For (Pocket Star Books Media Tie-In)

ASIN: 1552978192

Book Description

The ultimate reference to the worlds beyond.

The Firefly Guide to the Universe is an encyclopedic examination of the stars, planets, and universe with the latest, most comprehensive information currently available. The book features the latest images from the Hubble Space Telescope which are put into context with clear and detailed text.

In seven extensive sections, the book illustrates and explains:

Exploring the Universe: the history and current state of astronomy and space exploration
The Solar System: Earth and other planets, mapped and imaged using data from the most recent mission probes
The Sun: astrophysical phenomena from sunspots to eclipses
The Stars: movements and life cycles, novae and supernovae, black holes, and more
The Universe: the origin and nature of the universe, our galaxy, local and remote galaxies, quasars, the question of alien life
Star Maps: whole sky maps with 22 alphabetized chapter listings of stars and constellations, and seasonal charts for north and south
The Practical Astronomer: Tips for beginner and advanced astronomers including equipment selection and how to build a backyard observatory.

The Firefly Guide to the Universe is a lively and useful reference illustrated with spectacular color photographs and illustrations. It is the ideal guide for discovering the vast richness of the universe.

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Dark Matter in the Universe
J. Bahcall
Manufacturer: World Scientific Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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In search of Dark Matter (Springer Praxis Books/ Space Exploration)
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An Introduction To Black Holes, Information And The String Theory Revolution: The Holographic Universe

ASIN: 9812388419

Book Description

If standard gravitational theory is correct, then most of the matter in the universe is in an unidentified form which does not emit enough light to have been detected by current instrumentation. This book is the second editon of the lectures given at the 4th Jerusalem Winter School for Theoretical Physics, with new material added. The lectures are devoted to the "missing matter" problem in the universe, the search to understand dark matter. The goal of this volume is to make current research work on unseen matter accessible to students without prior experience in this area and to provide insights for experts in related research fields. Due to the pedagogical nature of the original lectures and the intense discussions between the lecturers and the students, the written lectures included in this volume often contain techniques and explanations not found in more formal journal publications.

The Solar System (Astronomy and Astrophysics Library)

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The Solar System (Astronomy and Astrophysics Library)
Thérèse Encrenaz , Jean-Pierre Bibring , Michel Blanc , Maria-Antonietta Barucci , Francoise Roques , and Philippe Zarka
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Astronomy | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 3540002413

Book Description

This text treats our knowledge of the solar system from an astrophysical point of view. Part 1 deals with the formation of the solar system and its interaction with the interplanetary medium. Part 2 presents its various objects: planets and satellites, asteroids, comets, trans-neptunian objects and interplanetary dust. The final sections on extrasolar planetary systems and on the search for life in the Universe round off an introduction to a field that has grown dramatically following the space missions of the last twenty years. Over the last decade many exciting observations have helped to reshape our understanding of the solar system and planetary science. In the third corrected and revised edition of this classic on the astrophysics of our solar system, students and lecturers in astronomy and planetary science as well as planet observers will find a mine of up-to-date information.

Firefly Astronomy Dictionary (Firefly Pocket Reference)

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Firefly Astronomy Dictionary (Firefly Pocket Reference)
John Woodruff
Manufacturer: Firefly Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Book Description

Complete guide to astronomers and astronomical terms and theories.

The Firefly Astronomy Dictionary is an invaluable reference for understanding the major terms and theories used in astronomy. There are 1,000 up-to-date entries that are extensively cross-referenced. This dictionary also provides concise coverage of the many new developments in space exploration.

Two hundred color illustrations and 35 tables provide concise details about the planets and stars. Written in a style that is both interesting and accessible, its compact size is ideal for a handy reference and study guide. As well as defining scientific terms and explaining theories, the dictionary provides brief biographies of over 100 famous astronomers including Ptolemy, Galileo, Johann Kepler, Copernicus and Edwin Hubble. An appendix provides tables of symbols and mathematical units and calculations used in astronomy.

From aberration to Zwicky, the Firefly Astronomy Dictionary is an invaluable reference for active observers, armchair enthusiasts and students.

Astronomie (L'Encyclopedie Diderot & D'Alembert)

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Astronomie (L'Encyclopedie Diderot & D'Alembert)
Diderot , and D'Alembert
Manufacturer: Art Stock
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 2914239769

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