Observing Variable Stars: A Guide for the Beginner

ISBN-13: 9780521627559 / Angielski / Miękka / 1998 / 220 str.

David H. Levy; Janet A. Mattei

Opis

Variable star astronomy is one field that still allows amateur astronomers to make significant contributions to the advancement of science. Everyone can play a part in variable star observations, using a small telescope, binoculars, or even the naked eye. Written by an award-winning astronomer, Observing Variable Stars provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of variable star observation for the amateur. The book begins with advice on binoculars and telescopes, and on how and when to observe stars effectively. Levy then explains the ways in which to interpret variation in light output in terms of the life of a star, from birth to sometimes violent death. All the major variables are described and classified, as well as other variable objects such as active galaxies, asteroids, comets, and the sun. The book also illustrates how astrophysicists interpret variations in light output in terms of the evolution of stars. Observing Variable Stars contains a seasonal guide to the night sky usable in all latitudes. Throughout, practical observations serve to complement the text, making this an enjoyable, readable introduction to an exciting area of astronomy.

Recenzje

"...This is a quality book throughout. I recommend it highly to amateurs everywhere who feel that they have passed the 'star gazing' stage and now wish to make their own personal contribution to human knowledge. The publishers are to be commended for giving David Levy the chance to make it available to a wide audience..." The Reflector

Spis treści

Foreword; Opening thoughts; Acknowledgments; Part I. Getting To Know The Sky: 1. Beginning with the Big Dipper; 2. Magnitude, color, and distance; 3. A word on binoculars and telescopes; 4. Learning to see; Part II. Getting To Know The Variables: 5. Meeting the family; 6. Getting started with Cepheids; 7. Algol, the demon of autumn; 8. How to estimate a variable; 9. Names and records; 10. Observing hints; 11. Stately and wonderful; 12. Stars of challenge; 13. Bright, easy, and interesting; 14. Betelgeuse: easy and hard; 15. Not too regular; 16. Nova? What nova?; 17. Supernovae; 18. Three stars for all seasons; 19. A nova in reverse; 20. RU Lupi?; 21. Orion, the star factory; 22. Other variable things; 23. The Sun; Part III. Suggested Variables For Observation Throughout The Year: Introduction: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, Southern sky notes; Part IV. A Miscellany: 24. Stars and people; 25. The next generation; 26. Going further; Glossary and abbreviations; Index.