From Casual Stargazer to Amateur Astronomer: How to Advance to the Next Level (The Patrick Moore Practical Astronomy Series)

The beginning astronomical observer passes through a series of stages. The initial stage is hugely exciting and gives the beginner a real buzz as he discovers some of the faint fuzzy objects, markings on the planets, rings around Saturn and the craters on the Moon. But as the novice observer progresses, he or she wants to know what more there is than looking at faint fuzzy blobs or indistinct planet markings. Many jump to the conclusion – wrongly – that they need to spend lots of money on expensive equipment to progress. “From Casual Stargazer to Amateur Astronomer” has been written specifically to address this group of budding stargazers. Astronomy is much more than a quick sightseeing tour. Patient observers who can develop their skills will start to appreciate what they are seeing, and will know exactly what to look out for on any particular night. And equally important, they will learn what not to expect to see. “From Casual Stargazer to Amateur Astronomer” is for those who want to develop observing skills beyond mere sightseeing, and learn some of the techniques used to carry out enjoyable – and scientifically useful – observations. It will also direct readers to make informed choices about what can be seen and when. This book is for anyone keen to develop their skills as an amateur astronomer. The beginning astronomical observer passes through a series of stages.The initial stage is hugely exciting and gives beginners a real buzz as they discover some of the faint fuzzy objects, markings on the planets, rings around Saturn and the craters on the Moon. But as novice stargazers progress, they want to know what more there is than looking at faint fuzzy blobs or indistinct planet markings. Many novices jump to the conclusion – wrongly – that they need to spend lots of money on expensive equipment to progress. “From Casual Stargazer to Amateur Astronomer” has been written specifically to address this group of budding amateur astronomers. Astronomy is much more than a quick sightseeing tour. Patient observers who develop their skills will start to appreciate what they are seeing, knowing exactly what to look out for on any particular night. Equally important, they will learn what not to expect to see. This guide is for those who want to develop their observing skills beyond mere sightseeing, learning some of the techniques used to carry out enjoyable – and scientifically useful – observations. It will also direct readers to information to make informed choices about what can be seen and when. All beginners who are keen to develop their skills as an amateur astronomer can profit from the advice and gain much more from their time out observing. The beginning astronomical observer passes through a series of stages. The initial stage is hugely exciting and gives beginners a real buzz as they discover some of the faint fuzzy objects, markings on the planets, rings around Saturn and the craters on the Moon. But as novice stargazers progress, they want to know what more there is than looking at faint fuzzy blobs or indistinct planet markings. Many novices jump to the conclusion wrongly that they need to spend lots of money on expensive equipment to progress. From Casual Stargazer to Amateur Astronomer has been written specifically to address this group of budding amateur astronomers. Astronomy is much more than a quick sightseeing tour. Patient observers who develop their skills will start to appreciate what they are seeing, knowing exactly what to look out for on any particular night. Equally important, they will learn what not to expect to see. This guide is for those who want to develop their observing skills beyond mere sightseeing, learning some of the techniques used to carry out enjoyable and scientifically useful observations. It will also direct readers to information to make informed choices about what can be seen and when. All beginners who are keen to develop their skills as an amateur astronomer can profit from the advice and gain much more from their time out observing Front Matter....Pages i-xvi Front Matter....Pages 1-1 Accessing and Developing Your Observing Skills....Pages 3-20 Planning and Recording Your Observing Sessions....Pages 21-35 Equipment....Pages 37-45 Accessories....Pages 47-65 Front Matter....Pages 67-67 Constellations, Asterisms and Stars....Pages 69-88 Variable and Double Stars....Pages 89-106 The Solar System: The Sun....Pages 107-118 The Solar System: The Moon....Pages 119-132 The Solar System: Observing the Planets....Pages 133-155 The Solar System: Minor Solar System Bodies and Other Phenomena....Pages 157-175 The Solar System: Observing Comets....Pages 177-189 Beyond the Solar System: Deep Sky Objects....Pages 191-207 Basic Astrophotography....Pages 209-222 Front Matter....Pages 223-223 Online Resources....Pages 225-238 Star Maps, Sources of Information, Publications and Further Reading....Pages 239-250 Conclusion....Pages 251-253 Back Matter....Pages 255-258