Advanced Amateur Astronomy [Paperback]

This book, first published in 1997, is for telescope owners wanting to improve their skills and make observations of real and lasting scientific value.For the amateur astronomer who is bored with constellation spotting and elementary observing, this indispensable guide will put new zest into nights under starlit skies. It takes the observer onto more detailed and advanced practical work in astronomy,with chapters on astrophotography, electronic imaging, spectroscopy and radio astronomy. The specialised knowledge is applied to the full range of celestial bodies accessible by telescope: the solar system, stars and galaxies.For the amateur astronomer who is bored with constellation spotting and elementary observing, this indispensable guide will put new zest into nights under starlit skies. It takes the observer onto more detailed and advanced practical work in astronomy,with chapters on astrophotography, electronic imaging, spectroscopy and radio astronomy. The specialised knowledge is applied to the full range of celestial bodies accessible by telescope: the solar system, stars and galaxies.Written by an accomplished amateur astronomer and available for the first time in North America, this advanced guide is designed to take your evening explorations to new heights. Beginning with an explanation of the fundamental principles of practical astronomy, author North provides essential information on telescope optics, the atmosphere, astrophotography, electronic imaging, and telescope hardware (including how to select equipment and diagnose faulty telescopes). This knowledge is then applied to the full range of celestial bodies accessible by telescope: the solar system, stars and galaxies. For those amateur astronomers who are bored with making simple observations, chapters on photometry, spectroscopy and radio astronomy bring observational astronomy to a level where data of real scientific value can be acquired. This book is a must for any amateur astronomer wanting a newl“µ