Gerald North's complete practical guide and resource package instructs amateur astronomers in observing and monitoring variable stars and other objects of variable brightness. Descriptions of the objects are accompanied by explanations of the background astrophysics, providing readers with real insight into what they are observing at the telescope. The main instrumental requirements for observing and estimating the brightness of objects by visual means and by CCD photometry are detailed, and there is advice on the selection of equipment. The book contains a CD-ROM packed with resources,...

..".one could be forgiven for dismissing her as a rather dismal, unqualified heroine." Catherine Morland, an awkward young lady enchanted by gothic novels and their promise of adventure, finds those promises unexpectedly fulfilled. Her simple holiday to Bath has taken quite the turn, becoming a contest against vampires, hellhounds, supper invitations, and usuriously priced muslin. The reluctant Catherine takes up cross and stake to pursue the vampire-hunting trade in as ladylike a fashion as she can. But she is herself pursued by a blood drinker as enamoured of her as he is of history and...