Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #781309 in Books
• Published on: 2000-10-26
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 448 pages

Review
‘… [contains] a tremendous amount of useful information, and helpful advice … a definite success … valuable both to the beginner and to the serious planetary observer. I strongly recommend it.’ Patrick Moore, New Scientist

‘… [contains] many pearls of information … presented concisely with excellent illustrations … a synopsis of historical observations provides excellent foundations for planning observational programs...’ Donald Parker, Sky and Telescope

‘This first-class introductory book … is one of the best … A great deal of invaluable information, factual and historical, has been condensed into this handbook …’. Irish Astronomical Journal

‘… contains a wealth of information … an excellent handbook on the planets. Recommended.’ Reference Book Review

‘The Planetary Observer’s Handbook is a valuable source of information and advice for anyone interested in our planetary neighbours. It is an enthusiastic and well written work and I recommend it to both the beginner and the serious planetary observer.’ Antony Brian, Astronomy Now

‘Whether your interest is in simple visual observation, scientifically useful observing projects or anywhere in between The Planet Observer’s Handbook is the book for you.’ Astronomy and Space

Customer Reviews

This book rocks the universe!!!
This is a fantastic concise astronomical guide to the planets. The Solar System is broken down into it`s various components and guidance on locating, viewing, and documenting are all given. Excellent advice on choosing the right telescope the first time for all budding beginners. This guide is one of the best beginners tools that I could ever recommend. All the necessary information is there and there is plenty more for the intermediate to expert level astronomer.