Astronomy with a Home Computer

ISBN-13: 9781852338053 / Angielski / Miękka / 2005 / 212 str.

Neale Monks

Opis

Here is a one-volume guide to just about everything computer-related for amateur astronomers Today s amateur astronomy is inextricably linked to personal computers. Computer-controlled "go-to" telescopes are inexpensive. CCD and webcam imaging make intensive use of the technology for capturing and processing images. Planetarium software provides information and an easy interface for telescopes. The Internet offers links to other astronomers, information, and software. The list goes on and on. Find out here how to choose the best planetarium program: are commercial versions really better than freeware? Learn how to optimise a go-to telescope, or connect it to a lap-top. Discover how to choose the best webcam and use it with your telescope. Create a mosaic of the Moon, or high-resolution images of the planets... Astronomy with a Home Computer is designed for every amateur astronomer who owns a home computer, whether it is running Microsoft Windows, Mac O/S or Linux. It doesn t matter what kind of telescope you own either - a small refractor is just as useful as a big "go-to" SCT for most of the projects in this book. "

Recenzje

Aus den Rezensionen:

"In diesem Buch werden praktisch alle computer-relevanten Themen für Amateur-Astronomen behandelt. ... Ausführlich befasst sich der Autor ... mit der Auswahl und der Benutzung von Planetariumsprogrammen und anderer Astronomie-Software. ... Insgesamt ein sehr guter Überblick über die vielen Möglichkeiten, einen Computer in der Astronomie zu verwenden. Besonders gefallen haben mir die Überlegungen zur Auswahl der richtigen Soft- und Hardware sowie Tipps und Tricks für deren Verwendung."

(in: Weltraumfacts, 2006, Issue 3, S. 25)

Spis treści

Preface.- Chapter l: Introduction.- Chapter 2: Modern amateur astronomy and the Internet.- Chapter 3: Planetarium programs and other astronomical software .- Chapter 4: Buying a go-to telescope.- Chapter 5: Using and enjoying your telescope.- Chapter 6: Webcam and digital camera astrophotography.- Appendix 1: Reading & Resources.- Appendix 2: Seeing, transparency & darkness

O autorze

Almost all amateur astronomers now use computers. Today's astronomical telescopes, even relatively inexpensive models, are computer-controlled. Imaging and image processing is today mostly digital. And finally, there is a great deal of PC software available, for planetarium charts, controlling telescopes and cameras, for the calculations. Astronomy with a Home Computer is a practical introduction for amateurs at all levels of experience. It concentrates on low-cost accessible projects and will appeal to all amateur astronomers, regardless of their experience.