The Sky Observer's Guide

by Mayall, R. Newton; Mayall, Margaret; Wyckoff, Jerome; Polgreen, John

• ISBN13: 9781582381558
• ISBN10: 1582381550
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-04-14
• Publisher: Golden Guides from St. Martin's Press

Summary

Filled with practical information for the amateur astronomer, this Golden Guide explains: -How to select and use binoculars and telescopes -How to best observe stars, the moon, planets, comets, meteors, and other celestial objects -How to use star charts Profusely illustrated with photographs, diagrams, charts, and tables, this guide is recommended by leading astronomers. Golden Guides first appeared in 1949 and quickly established themselves as authorities on subjects from Natural History to Science. Relaunched in 2000,Golden Guides from St. Martin's Pressfeature modern, new covers as part of a multi-year, million-dollar program to revise, update, and expand the complete line of guides for a new generation of students. Filled with practical information for the amateur astronomer, this guide explains: How to select and use binoculars and telescopes How to best observe stars, the moon, planets, comets, meteors, and other celestial objects How to use star charts Profusely illustrated with photographs, diagrams, charts, and tables, this guide is excellent for classroom use. Using clear text and detailed illustrations, Golden Guides from St. Martin's Press present accurate information in a handy format for the beginner to the expert. These guides focus on what your students are really going to see. They are easy to use: detailed, full-color illustrations, text, and maps are all in one place. They are easy to understand: accurate, accessible information is simplified without being misrepresented. They are authoritative, containing up-to-date information written experts and checked by specialists. And they are portable: handy and lightweight, designed to fit in a pocket and be carried anywhere. Golden Guides from St. Martin's Press have been updated and revised to revitalize the complete line of guides for a new generation of students.

Author Biography

Golden Guides first appeared in 1949 and quickly established themselves as authorities on subjects from Natural History to Science. Relaunched in 2000, Golden Guides from St. Martin's Press feature modern, new covers as part of a multi-year, million-dollar program to revise, update, and expand the complete line of guides for a new generation of students.

Table of Contents

Becoming a Sky Observer	5	(10)
The Observer's Equipment	10	(11)
Understanding the Sky	21	(8)
First Steps in Observing	29	(6)
Using a Telescope	35	(10)
Star Charts and Setting Circles	45	(10)
The Moon	55	(11)
The Sun	66	(8)
Sky Colors	74	(4)
The Planets and Asteroids	78	(16)
Comets	94	(4)
Meteors	98	(4)
Stars	102	(15)
Nebulas	117	(5)
Drawing Sky Objects	122	(3)
The Sky Observer's Camera	125	(10)
Using Astronomical Time	135	(3)
Accessories and Maintenance	138	(8)
Incidental Information	146	(2)
Maps of the Heavens	148	(10)
Index	158