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There are a large number of books available to help the amateur astronomer.  This section lists the books that I have used, what they have taught me and what I think of them. 

Introduction to amateur astronomy

0521444926.gif (15735 bytes) bluestar.gif (941 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes)greystar.gif (908 bytes)greystar.gif (908 bytes) The Guide to Amateur Astronomy (Jack Newton and Philip Teece).  This was one of the first astronomical books that I purchased and it is a useful book for those new to amateur astronomy.  It describes the basics of how to choose a telescope,  find objects and observe them.  As well as sections on how to observe the planets, sun and moon, it also describes the various other types of astronomical objects that can be seen and tells you which are visible during the various seasons. There are also sections that show the beginner how to photograph objects as well as take CCD images.  For the adventurous there is also a section on how to make your own telescope.  Order a copy today!

Advanced amateur astronomy techniques and theory

advastron.gif (14883 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes) Advanced Amateur Astronomy (Gerald North).   Once I had mastered the basics I found that I wanted more detailed information on telescope optics and photographic techniques.  This book proved ideal for this purpose and I still refer to it to this day.  It has a good introductory section on telescope optics that will soon allow you to understand and calculate f-ratios, image scales and magnification factors.  The reader is told how to recognise the various types of optical problems and what to do about them.  Later, there are sections on the techniques required for astrophotography and CCD imaging followed by detailed descriptions of how to observe, photograph and image the Sun, Moon, Planets, galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, double stars, supernovae, comets, meteors, auroras and variable stars.  There is also a section on how to do photometry, spectroscopy and radio astronomy.  Order a copy today!

0521420032.gif (11924 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes)greystar.gif (908 bytes)  Observing Comets, Asteroids, Meteors and the Zodiacal Light (Stephen J. Edberg and David H. Levy).  As well as describing the techniques required to search for comets and asteroids this book also shows ways to study them that will provide useful scientific data.  Visual and photographic observational techniques are described as well as advanced methods on making astrometric, spectroscopic and other electronic observations.  Order a copy today!

 

bluestar.gif (941 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes)greystar.gif (908 bytes)  Galaxy Morphology and Classification (Sidney van den Bergh).  A guide to the latest shape and classification schemes used for galaxies along with discussion on how galaxies may transmute from one type to another over time. Order a copy today!

CCD Imaging

bluestar.gif (941 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes) The Art and Science of CCD Astronomy (ed. by David Ratledge). This is a collection of contributions from 12 leading amateurs in the CCD field.  They describe their techniques and solutions and offer advice on choosing and using a CCD camera.  Order a copy today!

A Practical Guide to CCD Astronomybluestar.gif (941 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes) A Practical Guide to CCD Astronomy (Patrick Martinez and Alain Klotz). This book helps you understand how a CCD works and hence some of the key criteria on which you need to base your buying decision.  It also describes the various image processing techniques you will need to use to make the best of your images. Order a copy today!

 

 

bluestar.gif (941 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes) The Handbook of Astronomical Image Processing (Berry and Burnell).  This is a comprehensive guide to the theory behind the processing of astronomical images.  It comes complete with a comprehensive image processing software package AIP4WIN.  The book takes you through the features of AIP4WIN and shows you how to apply these to your images to get the best results.  Order a copy today!

Observation Handbooks

0521553326.gif (12936 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes) The Messier Objects (Stephen James O'Meara).   This excellent book reviews each Messier object in numerical order.  As well as giving you the background to each object there are maps and instructions on how to find it along with drawings and descriptions of what you can expect to see through the eyepiece.  There is also a monochrome CCD image of each object taken by the author.   This book is a must for anyone interested in building up their own catalogue of Messier object observations.  Order a copy today!

 

bluestar.gif (941 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes)greystar.gif (908 bytes)greystar.gif (908 bytes) Observing Handbook and Catalogue of Deep-Sky Objects (Christian B. Luginbuhl, Brian A. Skiff).  Taking each constellation in turn this book lists over 2000 galaxies, nebulae and star clusters.  Objects range from those visible in binoculars to faint objects requiring apertures of 30cm.  Charts to help locate the objects are provided for each constellation.  The description of each object includes its dimensions, its brightness and what you should look out for when observing it.   This is an excellent book for planning your deep-sky observation session.  Order a copy today!

bluestar.gif (941 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes) Stars and Planets (Ian Ridpath and Wil Tirion).  An indispensable pocket guide for field trips.  This book contains maps of the whole sky for each month of the year for both the Northern and Southern hemispheres.  For each constellation there is then a detailed map and a description of the most interesting astronomical objects to observe.  Maps of the moon are included as well as sections on each of the planets, the Sun and background to the major types of astronomical objects (e.g. variable stars, double stars, galaxies etc..)  Order a copy today!

Encyclopaedias of the Universe

0540077143.gif (11494 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes)greystar.gif (908 bytes)greystar.gif (908 bytes)  Atlas of the Universe (Patrick Moore).   An excellent 'Encyclopaedia of the Universe' for the beginner.  Starting with a history of astronomy through the ages, this book takes you on a tour of our solar system and then out into the Universe.  There is information, pictures and maps on all the planets and their satellites.  There is a section on the Sun followed by a description of the life and death of a star.  The major structural objects of the Universe are explained along with detailed maps of the constellations and descriptions of the most interesting objects to observe in them.  Order a copy today!

bluestar.gif (941 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes)bluestar.gif (941 bytes)greystar.gif (908 bytes)  Skywatching (David Levy).  This book contains much of the same information as the Atlas of the Universe.   However it also has a section on observing techniques, choosing a telescope and basic astrophotography.  All this is contained in a book which is a handy size for taking with you on field trips.   Order a copy today!

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