| With the advent of inexpensive, high-power telescopes priced
at under $250, amateur astronomy is now within the reach of
anyone, and this is the ideal book to get you started. The
Illustrated Guide to Astronomical Wonders offers you a guide
to the equipment you need, and shows you how and where to
find hundreds of spectacular objects in the deep sky --
double and multiple stars as well as spectacular star
clusters, nebulae, and galaxies.
You get a solid grounding in the fundamental concepts and
terminology of astronomy, and specific advice about
choosing, buying, using, and maintaining the equipment
required for observing. The Illustrated Guide to
Astronomical Wonders is designed to be used in the field
under the special red-colored lighting used by astronomers,
and includes recommended observing targets for beginners and
intermediate observers alike. You get detailed start charts
and specific information about the best celestial objects.
The objects in this book were chosen to help you meet the
requirements for several lists of objects compiled by The
Astronomical League (http://www.astroleague.org) or the
Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (http://www.rasc.ca):
Messier Club.
Binocular Messier Club
Urban Observing Club
Deep Sky Binocular Club
Double Star Club
RASC Finest NGC List
Completing the list for a particular observing club entitles
anyone who is a member of the Astronomical League or RASC to
an award, which includes a certificate and, in some cases, a
lapel pin.
This book is perfect for amateur astronomers, students,
teachers, or anyone who is ready to dive into this rewarding
hobby. Who knows? You might even find a new object, like
amateur astronomer Jay McNeil. On a clear cold night in
January 2004, he spotted a previously undiscovered celestial
object near Orion, now called McNeil's Nebula. Discover what
awaits you in the night sky with the Illustrated Guide to
Astronomical Wonders.
|
Biting the hand that feeds IT 
Published by: O'REILLY & ASSOCIATES