Synopses & Reviews
'The planets have long exerted an unusual fascination on observers of the night sky. This handbook provides the first thorough, practical guide to observing the planets for amateur astronomers. Stressing practical advice, Price shows the reader in detail how to choose and operate a telescope, how to observe and record planetary observations, and how to make useful contributions to astronomical knowledge. He also provides a clear explanation of nomenclature, map and planisphere construction, and detailed instructions on how to photograph and video the planets. In clear, nontechnical language he demonstrates how to make use of the latest technological advances in planetary photography such as video-assisted drawing and the revolutionary, new charge-coupled devices (CCDs). Fully illustrated, the book also contains detailed histories of all the planets and the asteroids.L The Planet Observer\'s Handbook is the indispensable guide to the planets for beginners and more experienced amateur astronomers alike. Fred W. Price is president of the Buffalo Astronomical Association and a frequent speaker on planetary and lunar observation. He is the author of The Moon Observer\'s Handbook (CUP, 1989).'
Synopsis
This is an informative and well-illustrated guide to planetary observations for amateurs. After a brief description of the solar system and a chapter on the celestial sphere, readers are shown how to choose, test and use a telescope with various accessories and how to make observations and record results. For each planet and the asteroids, details are given of observational techniques, together with suggestions for how to make contributions of scientific value. From a general description and detailed observational history of each planet, observers can anticipate what they should see and assess their own observations. The chapter on planetary photography includes the revolutionary use of videography, charge coupled devices and video-assisted drawing. There are also chapters on making maps and planispheres and on photoelectric photometry.
Synopsis
This is an informative and well-illustrated guide for amateur astronomers who wish to make effective observations of the solar system planets and asteroids. Highly detailed practical instructions are provided to observational techniques and the recording and analysis of data.
Synopsis
An informative and well-illustrated practical guide to planetary observations for the amateur astronomer.
Synopsis
This is an informative and well-illustrated guide for amateur astronomers who wish to make effective observations of the solar system planets and asteroids. Highly detailed practical instructions are provided to observational techniques and the recording and analysis of data.
Table of Contents
Introduction: why observe the planets?; 1. The solar system; 2. The celestial sphere; 3. Telescopes and accessories; 4. The atmosphere and seeing; 5. Mercury; 6. Venus; 7. Mars; 8. The minor planets (asteroids); 9. Jupiter; 10. Saturn; 11. Uranus; 12. Neptune; 13. Pluto; 14. Constructing maps and planispheres; 15. Planetary photography and videography; 16. Photoelectric photometry of the minor planets, planets and their satellites; Name index; Subject index.