Astronomy Hacks: Tips and Tools for Observing the Night Sky Summary and Reviews

Astronomy Hacks: Tips and Tools for Observing the Night Sky
by Robert Bruce Thompson, Barbara Fritchman Thompson

Astronomy Hacks: Tips and Tools for Observing the Night Sky
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Book Summary Information

Author: Barbara Fritchman Thompson, Robert Bruce Thompson
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2005-06-24
ISBN: 0596100604
Number of pages: 416
Publisher: O'Reilly Media
Product features:
  • ISBN13: 9780596100605
  • Condition: New
  • Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!

Book Reviews of Astronomy Hacks: Tips and Tools for Observing the Night Sky

Book Review: "To the Stars, and beyond!"
Summary: 5 Stars

Wife and I are both 75, have 3 'scopes, belong to 2 Star gazing clubs and we've read most of the literature available for beginners.

This is not a book for a cold winter's evening by the fire when you could be outside gazing at the stars. You will refer time and again to the various parts of this book as you grow in the complicated and facinating practice of Astronomy.

Star gazing is a very complex sport! The science of optics must be somewhat understood. Ancient mythology and foreign languages need to be appreciated. One needs to consider strained muscles, enduring long dark chilly nights surrounded by strange persons peering into canon like objects and speaking in cryptic patois with great delight and enjoyment all holding little red lights.

This book lifts the veil of mystery and frustration which confronts a newbie to the infinity of space and the plethora of equipment presently available to observe it. Complexity is respected but everything is laid out in a conversational manner that welcomes you into the circle of star gazers!

Assisting the beginner, enriching the amateur and supporting the more experienced observer is successfully accomplished by the authors. Beginning with encouragement not to be overwhelmed by it all, proceeding through field protocols and the choice of a telescope, they move on with suggestions for finding the stars as well as mechanical improvements for various kinds of equipment.

This hand book will carry you from how to behave at your first night outing (turn out the white lights!) thru your first purchase of binoculars, star charts, a first `scope and then the next! You can pick it up and find all that you need to know in one place.

Excellent precautions are raised regarding comfort and safety while out in the dark, the dangers of inexpensive equipment and the perils of over-enthusiastic purchase of hyped products you really do not need.

The authors are computer savvy and suggest software programs for both PC and Mac OS X machines. Their recommendations of handheld planetariums - programmed "Palms" or "PDAs" - is very specific and complete. The application while using it with a telescope is well described.

If you are looking to enjoy clear skys and cool nights, this will be your best investment in Astronomy's wonders.

CAB

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