Venus and Mercury, and How to Observe Them (Astronomers' Observing Guides)

Venus and Mercury have long been regarded as difficult targets for amateur observers, but advances in commercially-made telescopes have brought them within the skills of observers of only moderate experience. Peter Grego’s fascinating book presents an up-to-date, detailed description of the history and geology of the so-called inferior planets, and provides the latest, most useful advice on observing and recording them with commercially-available telescopes and cameras. The book also offers a wealth of detailed practical information on every aspect of observing, from safely targeting the two planets, through visual observing, to sketching and electronic imaging. "Advances in imaging technology have enabled amateurs to secure detailed CCD images of Mercury and Venus. Certainly, these planets are by no means inferior in terms of visual delights, observing challenges ... and mystery. Venus and Mercury and How to Observe Them offers a wealth of detailed practical information on every aspect of observing, from safely targeting the two planets, through visual observing, to sketching and electronic imaging." "This is of course much more than a book about observing. We now know a lot more of the origin and evolution of Mercury and Venus, and Peter Grego describes the most recent theories of their probable formation, geology, and history. Not only does this include a great deal of information about the surface of the planets, but also their internal structure, magnetic fields, and atmospheres."--Jacket Venus and Mercury have always been regarded as difficult targets for amateurs, but advances in commercially-made instruments have brought them within range of only moderately experienced observers. The concept of this book is to present an up-to-date detailed description of the history and geology of the inferior planets, and also to provide the best information about observing and recording them with commercially-available telescopes and cameras.