Setting-Up a Small Observatory: From Concept to Construction

ISBN-13: 9780387345215 / Angielski / Miękka / 2007 / 256 str.

Opis

Two books in this series, Small Astronomical Observatories, have been widely read and used. This new book by David Arditti gives the full story how to chooseatelescope, howtoconstructanobservatoryforit, andhowtomakethe bestofitwhencompleted. Astronomyisthebestofallhobbies;itcantakeupasmuchtimeasyoulike or as little. In any case, you will make many friends, and give yourself endless enjoyment. Tobeaproper astronomer youneedanobservatory, andthisbook tells you how to set about making one. Follow David Arditti s advice, and you willnotregretit. Here stoclearskies PatrickMoore ix Author sPreface Books on amateur observatories are quite rare, and most, if not all of them, in the past, have taken the form of collections of articles on particular obser- tories authored by their builders. The two books on observatories in this series already published, Small Astronomical Observatories, and More Small Ast- nomical Observatories are of this type. While useful, a danger of this approach is that it leaves gaps, and can be inconsistent in style and coverage. Discussing it with John Watson, the UK astronomy editor for Springer, we considered that it might be time for a more systematic and logical approach to be taken to the subject. Discussing it with other practical astronomers, there was also a feeling that the coverage of the subject in print had not kept pace with the technical developments that have transformed amateur astronomy, at least for some, in the last couple of decades, and that the examples in print now seemed rather old-fashioned. This book is the result of these considerations."

Recenzje

From the reviews:

"David Arditti's book is the fourth volume in Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy series that spotlights how to construct telescope enclosures. ... If you want a quick overview of the pros and cons of erecting your own, as well as a practical guide to the different designs, construction techniques, and building codes and zoning requirements, then this book will prove ... handy. ... this book will help you get started on the right path." (Edwin Aguirre, Sky and Telescope, Vol. 116 (3), September, 2008)

"David Arditti takes a whole new and practical approach to planning and building a permanent home for your telescopes. ... In step-by-step fashion he walks the reader through how his very impressive, yet practical, observatory was set-up. ... In short, it's superbly written, with great anecdotal 'short stories' complementing the hard facts and authoritative black and white images where needed. This book is a true 'must have' for anyone who is in the process of, or considering, setting up a small observatory." (Nick Howes, Astronomy Now, August, 2008)

"The book addresses all the aspects of this complex problem, even the most technical ones ... . A detailed Index is also helping in locating the various subject occurrences. ... The book is clearly written for England and the United States. ... This makes it a treasure for the interested reader and evidently a highly needed and recommended addition ... ." (Jean-Marie Gilles, Physicalia Magazine, Vol. 30 (4), 2008)

"It covers various telescopes and mounts available to the amateur, types of observatory both run-off and domed, and their siting within the owners' gardens. ... A positive bonus of this volume is the author's writing style that makes for very easy reading, with some complex concepts well conveyed without the use of diagrams - quite a feat in itself. This is a comprehensive overview of all the options and considerations needed for a permanent observatory, and any observer considering building one should consult this book." (Maurice Gavin, Journal of the British Astronomical Association, Vol. 118 (4), 2008)

Spis treści

-Introduction. -Telescopes and techniques. -The observatory site: fitting-it in. -Types of observatories. -To build or buy. -Techniques of construction. -Some case studies. -Finishing the observatory. -Organising the observatory. -Comfort and convenience. -Getting the best from equipment. -Appendices.

O autorze

A physicist by training and specializing in materials science, David Arditti earns his living as a music writer and classical musician. He is a member of the British Astronomical Association and a committee member of the West of London Astronomical Society. He has written papers for the BAA Journal on the construction of small observatories.

Blurb

Every amateur astronomer who is considering a purpose-built observatory will find this book absolutely invaluable during both the planning and the construction stages. Drawing on David Arditti’s practical experience and that of many other amateur astronomers, it gives invaluable help in making all the important decisions.

To begin with, Setting up a Small Observatory addresses what you really need from an observatory, whether to build or buy, what designs you should consider, and where you should site it. Uniquely, it also considers the aesthetics of an amateur observatory: how to make it fit in with your home, garden, and yard, even disguising it as a more common garden building if necessary.

There’s also a wealth of practical details for constructing and equipping your small observatory – everything from satisfying local planning laws and building codes through to making sure that your completed observatory is well-equipped, convenient, and comfortable to use.

Whether you are considering a simple low-tech DIY approach to a fixed observatory, or aspiring to a sophisticated domed building, there is something here for you.