The NexStar User's Guide (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series)

SKY & TELESCOPE (DECEMBER 2004)

I knew all I needed to know about my scope, didn't I? ... The NexStar User's Guide by Michael Swanson answers that question with a resounding No. ... Swanson includes thorough, model-specific descriptions of the all the telescope functions, care and maintenance, accessories, and numerous advanced topics. You'll find advice on how to fine-tune your alignment so that a new target will fall within the eyepiece's field of view every time you slew. I used to be pleased if that happened two or three times in a night. And are you tormented by backlash? Do you hit the hand paddle's arrow keys to nudge the aim and have to count to four before the scope actually moves? I was vaguely aware that my 8-inch had backlash compensation settings, but I had never bothered trying to adjust them. And now? Oh, the joy of (almost) backlash-free observing! I was surprised by the difference these small improvements made in the pleasure of my observing experience. Besides owning two NexStars, Swanson's major credential for writing this book is his NexStar Resource Site (www.nexstarsite.com), which is the precursor to the Guide ... The author suggests, and I concur, that the book and the Web site be used in tandem. ... [The book's] true advantage comes from its friendly approach and sound advice based on the personal experiences of the author and other avid NexStar users.