1,001 Celestial Wonders to See Before You Die: The Best Sky Objects for Star Gazers

ISBN-13: 9781441917768 / Angielski / Miękka / 2010 / 479 str.

Bakich

Opis

1,001 Celestial Wonders is a guide to the night sky's brightest and most fascinating objects. Each target is accessible to amateur astronomers using medium-sized telescopes from a dark site. In fact, many are so bright they remain visible under moderate light pollution, as from the outskirts of a city or the suburbs of a town. The book provides a chronological target list, making it easy to use. No matter what night you choose, this book will show you many of the most memorable objects to observe, whether you are using a small telescope or even binoculars, or an instrument of larger aperture. This is far more than just a list of interesting objects. It is structured so that objects of various observing difficulty are included, which will help readers become better observers, both encouraging beginners and challenging long-time amateur astronomers. This book is designed to be easy-to-use at the telescope, and observers will appreciate each object's standardized layout and the book's chronological organization. Finally, many amateur astronomers function best when presented with a list Even the Meade Autostar(R) controller features a 'best tonight' list (although the list is far less comprehensive and detailed than the catalog provided in this book), a feature that has proved extremely popular. 1,001 Celestial Wonders offers a life-list of objects any observer would be proud to complete.

Recenzje

From the reviews:

"Astronomy writer/journalist Bakich ... presents a 'bucket list' for astronomers--celestial wonders to observe before one 'kicks the bucket.' ... this book so interesting ... . The book is ideal for amateur observers from beginning to experienced. ... For professional astronomers, especially those who may not have looked through a telescope for most of their careers, actually observing some of these gems can remind them why they got interested in astronomy in the first place. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All public and undergraduate libraries." (R. R. Erickson, Choice, Vol. 48 (6), February, 2011)

"One thousand and one celestial wonders is a lot of objects to cover while maintaining your interest ... . The book is, rather conveniently, laid out in month order so navigating through the many objects on offer should be a breeze. ... a beginner looking for inspiration or a more advanced observer looking for new challenges, you'll no doubt enjoy this book." (Steve Richards, BBC Sky at Night Magazine, June, 2011)

"This is a splendid gazetteer aimed at the keen amateur astronomer, written by an author with many years of experience. ... the guide would be very appropriate in a university collection where an observing programme is in place ... . a handbook that ought to be included as part of the reading list for undergraduates so that they can view the real universe as well as learning those essential theoretical aspects of the subject. ... an excellent guide that no observatory should be without." (Sean Lawrence, Reference Reviews, Vol. 25 (6), 2011)

Spis treści

January.- February.- March.- April.- May.- June.- July.- August.- September.- October.- November.- December.

O autorze

Michael E. Bakich lives in Milwaukee, and is a Senior Editor at "Astronomy" magazine. He has previously published "The Cambridge Guide to the Constellations" (1995), "The Cambridge Planetary Handbook" (2000), and "The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Amateur Astronomy" (2003). In addition he has written and edited the following "Astronomy" 'bookazines' of around 100 pgs., each: "Atlas of the Stars" (2006), "Hubble's Greatest Pictures" (2007), and "The 100 Most Spectacular Sky Wonders" (2008). He is also the author of many recent articles.

Blurb

Many deep-sky objects that can appear quite wonderful in photographs can be hard to observe in the telescope. This book is your guide to the more interesting nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies, objects that will bring gasps when you see them through a telescope. Author Michael E. Bakich shows you how to spot constellations you’ve heard of but haven’t been able to find. He gives you lists of bright deep-sky objects to target on clear nights. And he guides your search for the famous named splendors you’ve heard of — and perhaps seen a picture of — and would like to see through your own telescope. Bakich, an observer since he was in third grade, knows the sky better than most. In his current position as senior editor and also photo editor for the highly regarded Astronomy magazine, he has the technical expertise and finely honed communication skills to help you easily locate the best sites in the sky. His more than 250 astroimages help you identify the detail in these sky wonders. Bakich organizes his 1,001 objects according to their best viewing months, so anytime is a good time to pick up this book and start observing. As long as you know what month it is, just head for that chapter, set up your scope, and off you go!