Astronomer's Computer Companion

Astronomer's Computer Companion

Author: Jeff Foust

Publisher:

Published: 2000-01

Total Pages: 474

ISBN-13: 9781886411227

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This guide to using computer technology for space exploration opens exciting new worlds to home computer users. The CD-ROM includes software demos, shareware, images and a list of links to resources mentioned in the book.


Astronomy with a Home Computer

Astronomy with a Home Computer

Author: Neale Monks

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2006-03-30

Total Pages: 208

ISBN-13: 184628077X

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Here is a one-volume guide to just about everything computer-related for amateur astronomers! Today’s amateur astronomy is inextricably linked to personal computers. Computer-controlled "go-to" telescopes are inexpensive. CCD and webcam imaging make intensive use of the technology for capturing and processing images. Planetarium software provides information and an easy interface for telescopes. The Internet offers links to other astronomers, information, and software. The list goes on and on. Find out here how to choose the best planetarium program: are commercial versions really better than freeware? Learn how to optimise a go-to telescope, or connect it to a lap-top. Discover how to choose the best webcam and use it with your telescope. Create a mosaic of the Moon, or high-resolution images of the planets... Astronomy with a Home Computer is designed for every amateur astronomer who owns a home computer, whether it is running Microsoft Windows, Mac O/S or Linux. It doesn’t matter what kind of telescope you own either - a small refractor is just as useful as a big "go-to" SCT for most of the projects in this book.


Astronomy on the Personal Computer

Astronomy on the Personal Computer

Author: Oliver Montenbruck

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2013-03-14

Total Pages: 323

ISBN-13: 3662033496

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It is said that a typical astronomer of the 19th century spent seven hours working at a desk for every hour spent at the telescope. That's how long the routine analysis of data took with pencil, paper, and logarithmic tables. Thus when Wilhelm Olbers discovered the minor planet Vesta in 1807 and gathered the necessary observations, his friend Gauss needed almost 10 hours to hand calculate its orbit. That achievement astonished many less gifted astronomers of the time, who might have labored days to work out the orbit of a newfound comet. How different things are today! Gauss's method of orbit determination, presented in Chap. 11 of this book, runs to completion on a home computer in a few seconds at most. The machine will issue its accurate results in less time than it takes to key in the observations. In this book, a landmark in the youthful literature of astronomical com puter algorithms, Oliver Montenbruck and Thomas Pfleger cover many topics of keen interest to the practical observer. For me its most remarkable feature is the library of interrelated program modules, all elegantly written in PAS CAL. Anyone who has tried to create such modules in interpreted BASIC soon runs into trouble: too few letters for variable names, not enough signifi cant digits, and so on. These PASCAL routines are invoked one after another in coordinate transformations and calendar conversions.


Scientific Astrophotography

Scientific Astrophotography

Author: Gerald R. Hubbell

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-11-09

Total Pages: 356

ISBN-13: 1461451736

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Scientific Astrophotography is intended for those amateur astronomers who are looking for new challenges, once they have mastered visual observing and the basic imaging of various astronomical objects. It will also be a useful reference for scientifically inclined observers who want to learn the fundamentals of astrophotography with a firm emphasis on the discipline of scientific imaging. This books is not about making beautiful astronomical images; it is about recording astronomical images that are scientifically rigorous and from which accurate data can be extracted. This book is unique in that it gives readers the skills necessary for obtaining excellent images for scientific purposes in a concise and procedurally oriented manner. This not only gets the reader used to a disciplined approach to imaging to maximize quality, but also to maximize the success (and minimize the frustration!) inherent in the pursuit of astrophotography. The knowledge and skills imparted to the reader of this handbook also provide an excellent basis for “beautiful picture” astrophotography! There is a wealth of information in this book – a distillation of ideas and data presented by a diverse set of sources and based on the most recent techniques, equipment, and data available to the amateur astronomer. There are also numerous practical exercises. Scientific Astrophotography is perfect for any amateur astronomer who wants to go beyond just astrophotography and actually contribute to the science of astronomy.


Eyewitness Companions: Astronomy

Eyewitness Companions: Astronomy

Author: Ian Ridpath

Publisher: Penguin

Published: 2006-04-03

Total Pages: 302

ISBN-13: 0756648459

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From origins of the universe to exploration of outer galaxies, this is the essential handbook for the amateur astronomer. Now is your chance to trace the history of astronomy, from the earliest human civilizations to the present day. Tour the Solar System, using a unique visual guide illustrated with the most recent images of the planets. This definitive visual guide will show you star charts and the guide to constellations to find your way around the night sky and locate stars, galaxies, and other objects. Profiles 88 constellations and a month-by-month guide 300+ star chart Includes latest equipment


Astronomy with Your Personal Computer

Astronomy with Your Personal Computer

Author: Peter Duffett-Smith

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 1990-06-29

Total Pages: 276

ISBN-13: 9780521389952

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The first edition of this very successful book was one winner of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific 'Astronomy Book of the Year' awards in 1986. There are a further seven subroutines in the new edition which can be linked in any combination with the existing twenty-six. Written in a portable version of BASIC, it enables the amateur astronomer to make calculations using a personal computer. The routines are not specific to any make of machine and are user friendly in that they require only a broad understanding of any particular problem. Since the programs themselves take care of details, they can be used for example to calculate the time of rising of any of the planets in any part of the world at any time in the future or past, or they may be used to find the circumstances of the next solar eclipse visible from a particular place. In fact, almost every problem likely to be encountered by the amateur astronomer can be solved by a suitable combination of the routines given in the book.


Astronomy Hacks

Astronomy Hacks

Author: Robert Bruce Thompson

Publisher: "O'Reilly Media, Inc."

Published: 2005-06-17

Total Pages: 412

ISBN-13: 1491926244

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Why use the traditional approach to study the stars when you can turn computers, handheld devices, and telescopes into out-of-this-world stargazing tools? Whether you're a first timer or an advanced hobbyist, you'll find Astronomy Hacks both useful and fun. From upgrading your optical finder to photographing stars, this book is the perfect cosmic companion.This handy field guide covers the basics of observing, and what you need to know about tweaking, tuning, adjusting, and tricking out a 'scope. Expect priceless tips and tools for using a Dobsonian Telescope, the large-aperture telescope you can inexpensively build in your garage. Get advice on protocols involved with using electronics including in dark places without ruining the party.Astronomy Hacks begins the space exploration by getting you set up with the right equipment for observing and admiring the stars in an urban setting. Along for the trip are first rate tips for making most of observations. The hacks show you how to: Dark-Adapt Your Notebook Computer Choose the Best Binocular Clean Your Eyepieces and Lenses Safely Upgrade Your Optical Finder Photograph the Stars with Basic Equipment The O'Reilly Hacks series has reclaimed the term "hacking" to mean innovating, unearthing, and creating shortcuts, gizmos, and gears. With these hacks, you don't dream it-you do it--and Astronomy Hacks brings space dreams to life. The book is essential for anyone who wants to get the most out of an evening under the stars and have memorable celestial adventures.


Scientific Astrophotography

Scientific Astrophotography

Author: Gerald Hubbell

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2012-11-09

Total Pages: 333

ISBN-13: 9781461451747

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Scientific Astrophotography is intended for those amateur astronomers who are looking for new challenges, once they have mastered visual observing and the basic imaging of various astronomical objects. It will also be a useful reference for scientifically inclined observers who want to learn the fundamentals of astrophotography with a firm emphasis on the discipline of scientific imaging. This books is not about making beautiful astronomical images; it is about recording astronomical images that are scientifically rigorous and from which accurate data can be extracted. This book is unique in that it gives readers the skills necessary for obtaining excellent images for scientific purposes in a concise and procedurally oriented manner. This not only gets the reader used to a disciplined approach to imaging to maximize quality, but also to maximize the success (and minimize the frustration!) inherent in the pursuit of astrophotography. The knowledge and skills imparted to the reader of this handbook also provide an excellent basis for “beautiful picture” astrophotography! There is a wealth of information in this book – a distillation of ideas and data presented by a diverse set of sources and based on the most recent techniques, equipment, and data available to the amateur astronomer. There are also numerous practical exercises. Scientific Astrophotography is perfect for any amateur astronomer who wants to go beyond just astrophotography and actually contribute to the science of astronomy.


Deep-Sky Companions: Hidden Treasures

Deep-Sky Companions: Hidden Treasures

Author: Stephen James O'Meara

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2007-04-12

Total Pages: 584

ISBN-13: 113946373X

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Stephen O'Meara's new and exciting observing guide spotlights an original selection of 109 deep-sky objects that will appeal to sky-watchers worldwide. His 'hidden treasures' include a wonderful assortment of galaxies, open clusters, planetary nebulae and more, all of which have been carefully chosen based on their popularity and ease of observing. None of these objects are included in either the Messier or the Caldwell catalogs, and all are visible in a 4-inch telescope under dark skies. Stunning photographs and beautiful drawings accompany detailed visual descriptions of the objects, which include their rich histories and astrophysical significance. The author's original finder charts are designed to help observers get to their targets fast and efficiently.


Observing the Deep Sky

Observing the Deep Sky

Author: Darren Bushnall

Publisher: Crowood Press (UK)

Published: 2005

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781861267856

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The deep sky consists of unlimited clusters, nebulae and galaxies. This practical book explains how to observe and record what you see, whether you are using the simplest optical instrument or large astronomical telescopes.; Advice on which telescope to buy, how to keep it well maintained and which accessories are really needed.; Guide to how to set up and record observations.; Covers star atlases, deep sky catalogues, computer software and GO TO telescope systems.; Detailed observing lists with descriptions of the sky's best multiple star systems.; Deep sky objects listed by constellation.