Observing Our Solar System: a Beginner's Guide

Observing Our Solar System: a Beginner's Guide

Author: Tom Kerss

Publisher: Collins

Published: 2022-09

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780008532611

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Study the ever-changing face of the Moon, watch the steady march of the planets against the stars, witness the thrill of a meteor shower, or the memory of a once-in-a-generation comet. The sights in our Solar System are dynamic reminders of our planet's position as part of a larger neighborhood. Study the ever-changing face of the Moon, watch the steady march of the planets against the stars, witness the thrill of a meteor shower, or the memory of a once-in-a-generation comet. In a few short generations, scientists have taken us from wondering about the nature of the Solar System to exploring every corner of it with advanced robotic probes, and inexpensive but powerful telescopes have become ubiquitous, allowing all of us to follow in the footsteps of Galileo as explorers. In this guide, you will learn how the Solar System came to be understood - from ancient theories of its mechanics to the modern age of remote sensing, We'll then look at the significant targets for amateur astronomers - the Moon, Sun and planets - to see how they can be explored by eye and with telescopes. We'll discuss some of the more obscure but fascinating worlds, including asteroids and dwarf planets, and dazzling special events, such as meteor showers, conjunctions, occultations and eclipses.


Observing the Solar System

Observing the Solar System

Author: Gerald North

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2012-10-25

Total Pages: 507

ISBN-13: 0521897513

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Written by a well-known and experienced amateur astronomer, this is a practical primer for all aspiring observers of the planets and other Solar System objects. Whether you are a beginner or more advanced astronomer, you will find all you need in this book to help develop your knowledge and skills and move on to the next level of observing. This up-to-date, self-contained guide provides a detailed and wide-ranging background to Solar System astronomy, along with extensive practical advice and resources. Topics covered include: traditional visual observing techniques using telescopes and ancillary equipment; how to go about imaging astronomical bodies; how to conduct measurements and research of scientifically useful quality; the latest observing and imaging techniques. Whether your interests lie in observing aurorae, meteors, the Sun, the Moon, asteroids, comets, or any of the major planets, you will find all you need here to help you get started.


Observing the Sun

Observing the Sun

Author: Jamey L. Jenkins

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-07-19

Total Pages: 255

ISBN-13: 1461480159

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“Observing the Sun” is for amateur astronomers at all three levels: beginning, intermediate, and advanced. The beginning observer is often trying to find a niche or define a specific interest in his hobby, and the content of this book will spark that interest in solar observing because of the focus on the dynamics of the Sun. Intermediate and advanced observers will find the book invaluable in identifying features (through photos, charts, diagrams) in a logical, orderly fashion and then guiding the observer to interpret the observations. Because the Sun is a dynamic celestial body in constant flux, astronomers rarely know for certain what awaits them at the eyepiece. All features of the Sun are transient and sometimes rather fleeting. Given the number of features and the complex life cycles of some, it can be a challenging hobby. “Observing the Sun” provides essential illustrations, charts, and diagrams that depict the forms and life cycles of the numerous features visible on the Sun.


Observing our Solar System: A beginner’s guide

Observing our Solar System: A beginner’s guide

Author: Tom Kerss

Publisher: HarperCollins UK

Published: 2022-09-01

Total Pages: 219

ISBN-13: 000856230X

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The sights in our Solar System are dynamic reminders of our planet's position as part of a larger neighbourhood. Study the ever-changing face of the Moon, watch the steady march of the planets against the stars, witness the thrill of a meteor shower, or the memory of a once-in-a-generation comet.


Viewing and Imaging the Solar System

Viewing and Imaging the Solar System

Author: Jane Clark

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2014-09-24

Total Pages: 265

ISBN-13: 1461451795

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Viewing and Imaging the Solar System: A Guide for Amateur Astronomers is for those who want to develop their ability to observe and image Solar System objects, including the planets and moons, the Sun, and comets and asteroids. They might be beginners, or they may have already owned and used an astronomical telescope for a year or more. Newcomers are almost always wowed by sights such as the rings of Saturn and the moons of Jupiter, but have little idea how to find these objects for themselves (with the obvious exceptions of the Sun and Moon). They also need guidance about what equipment, besides a telescope, they will need. This book is written by an expert on the Solar System, who has had a lot of experience with outreach programs, which teach others how to make the most of relatively simple and low-cost equipment. That does not mean that this book is not for serious amateurs. On the contrary, it is designed to show amateur astronomers, in a relatively light-hearted—and math-free way—how to become serious.


Firefly Solar System Observer's Guide

Firefly Solar System Observer's Guide

Author: Peter Grego

Publisher: Richmond Hill, Ont. : Firefly Books

Published: 2006

Total Pages: 258

ISBN-13: 9781554071326

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An introduction to observing the solar system with binoculars or small telescopes. Includes information on the moon, sun, meteors, comets, asteroids and nine planets.


Observing the Moon

Observing the Moon

Author: Gerald North

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2007-07-05

Total Pages: 21

ISBN-13: 1139464949

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Written by an experienced and well-known lunar observer, this is a hands-on primer for the aspiring observer of the Moon. Whether you are a novice or are already experienced in practical astronomy, you will find plenty in this book to help you raise your game to the next level and beyond. In this thoroughly updated second edition, the author provides extensive practical advice and sophisticated background knowledge of the Moon and of lunar observation. It incorporates the latest developments in lunar imaging techniques, including digital photography, CCD imaging and webcam observing, and essential advice on collimating all common types of telescope. Learn what scientists have discovered about our Moon, and what mysteries remain still to be solved. Find out how you can take part in the efforts to solve these mysteries, as well as enjoying the Moon's spectacular magnificence for yourself!


Mars and How to Observe It

Mars and How to Observe It

Author: Peter Grego

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-06-06

Total Pages: 251

ISBN-13: 1461423023

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Mars, popularly known as the Red Planet because of its distinct color, is visible with the naked eye and is one of very few planets in the Solar System in which it is possible to see weather phenomena and surface features and thus is a favorite for amateur and practical astronomers. Commercially made telescopes can reveal its dusty surface markings, brilliant polar ice caps, and atmospheric phenomena. Many of Mars's features appear to change shape and intensity with the seasons: its polar caps grow and shrink cyclically, clouds billow above the Martian surface, and sometimes great dust storms obscure vast sections of the planet. The first part of Mars and How to Observe It sets out our current knowledge of Mars as a planet - its orbit, physical characteristics, evolution over time, and current geology. A planet-wide tour of Mars's topography is featured, along with clearly labeled maps and close-up images of a variety of features. The second part of the book explains how amateur and practical astronomers can observe Mars successfully. Many aspects are considered in depth, including preparing to observe, calculating phase and tilt, and making observational sketches and drawings. There are also plenty of details about how best to make high-resolution CCD images. Since Mars changes in its apparent size in the sky according to its position in relation to Earth, it is best observed during its closest approaches. Future apparitions (appearances of the Red Planet) are therefore featured.


The Planet Observer's Handbook

The Planet Observer's Handbook

Author: Fred W. Price

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2000-10-26

Total Pages: 452

ISBN-13: 9780521789813

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This is an informative, up-to-date and well-illustrated guide to planetary observations for amateurs. After a brief description of the solar system and a chapter on the celestial sphere, readers are shown how to choose, test and use a telescope with various accessories and how to make observations and record results. For each planet and the asteroids, details are given of observational techniques, together with suggestions for how to make contributions of scientific value. From a general description and detailed observational history of each planet, observers can anticipate what they should see and assess their own observations. The chapter on planetary photography includes the revolutionary use of videography, charge coupled devices and video-assisted drawing. There are also chapters on making maps and planispheres and on photoelectric photometry.