Synopses & Reviews
The Pocket Field Guide to Star Clusters is written for practical astronomers and is intended for use at the telescope (or binoculars). It is a succinct, easy to understand guide with some good information in a concise yet easily understood format suited to actually using the book while observing. Thus this book is principally about observing star clusters - how to see them, how to find them, and how to image them. The first half dozen pages contain a brief outline in simple terms as to what star clusters are, and in the next approximately 150 pages there are two-page spreads for each star cluster that include concise, easy to read descriptions, observing notes, and facts, as well as photography/imaging notes, and suggested instruments. 'Finder' star charts help observers easily locate the cluster. Digital images (by the renowned digital imager Jan Wisniewski) illustrate the book throughout.
Review
From the reviews: "An informative and easy to follow discussion about the life of stars sets the scene for the formation of star clusters themselves. This pocket guide then delivers a set of descriptions, images and charts for each of the 50 clusters covered. The charts are uncluttered and useful, and the descriptions interesting ... . ideal for a beginner ... ." (Steve Richards, Sky at Night Magazine, April, 2011)
Synopsis
I have spent many wonderful nights observing at a variety of places around the world, but many of my fondest memories come from those made at the Custer Observatory in Southold on Long Island, where I grew up. I was only perhaps a dozen years old when I started out, and now more than three decades later I have logged millions of miles on the various telescopes there. Some of the best memories are of observing and discussing astronomical topics with the many really terrific people who make up Custer. It truly holds a special place in my heart. Star clusters were always among my favorite objects to observe and discuss there. This book is the result of the exposure to these objects, many of which I observed for the first time at Custer. The Custer Institute Observatory was founded in the 1920s by local resident Charles W. Elmer of Perkin-Elmer Corp. fame. The original crew met at his house in Cedar Beach a few miles down the road from the institute. In the 1930s the group built an observatory complete with Mr. Elmer s donated 5 Alvan Clark refractor. Later the observatory expanded to include a 6 Clark refractor and other even larger instruments."
Synopsis
Star Clusters provides a succinct guide suited for observing star clusters in the field - how to see them, how to find them, and how to photograph them. Readers will find a definition of star clusters, easy-to-read descriptions, plus notes and facts for observation.
Synopsis
Star clusters are some of the most beautiful objects in the night sky and are prime targets for observational astronomers as well as astrophotographers. Using some of the newer technologies and larger and more powerful telescopes available today to amateur astronomers, many more of these dazzling groupings of stars can now be located and viewed throughout the year. In this field guide that will help you to decide what to look for and where to look for it, as well as what equipment to use, you will find what you need, whether you are a beginner in the field or an experienced observer. So on the next clear night, take your book and your binoculars or telescope and maybe your camera outside and see what new wonders can be revealed to you. You won't be disappointed!
About the Author
Charles Cardona has been a teaching assistant in Astronomy at SUNY Suffolk Community College in New York, a former observatory director, a Variable Star section director, and a chairman of the board at the Custer Institute Observatory. He also taught courses, lectures, and seminars in Astronomy, Optics, and Computer Science. He was also the publisher of the Observatory Report Newsletter. In addition to his astronomy work, Charles has been an entrepreneur and has built and sold several companies. During the past 10 years, he has donated more than $200,000 to astronomy, education, and related children's causes. He recently organized the installation of a new observatory dome and telescope equipment. He is currently involved in various educational programs and groups dedicated to finding missing children.
Table of Contents
Preface.- Part I: Background.- Chapter 1: Introduction.- Chapter 2: Understanding Stars and Star Clusters.- Chapter 3: How to Use This Book.- Part II: Star Clusters.- Chapter 4: Descriptions, Images, and Charts.- Index.