Telescopes and Techniques: An Introduction to Practical Astronomy (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series)

Telescopes and Techniques: An Introduction to Practical Astronomy (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series)

by Chris Kitchin (Author)

Synopsis

"Telescopes and Techniques" has proved itself in its first edition, having become probably one of the most widely used astronomy texts, both for numerate amateur astronomers and for astronomy and astrophysics undergraduates. The first and second editions of the book were widely used as set texts for introductory practical astronomy courses in many universities. This book guides the reader through the mathematics, physics and practical techniques needed to use telescopes (from small amateur models to the larger instruments installed in many colleges) and to observe objects in the sky. Mathematics to around Advanced Placement standard (US) or A level (UK) is assumed, although High School Diploma (US) or GCSE-level (UK) mathematics plus some basic trigonometry will suffice most of the time. Most of the physics and engineering involved is described fully and requires no prior knowledge or experience. This is a 'how to' book that provides the knowledge and background required to understand how and why telescopes work. Equipped with the techniques discussed in this book, the observer will be able to operate with confidence his or her telescope and to optimize its performance for a particular purpose. In principle the observer could calculate his or her own predictions of planetary positions (ephemerides), but more realistically the observer will be able to understand the published data lists properly instead of just treating them as 'recipes.' When the observer has obtained measurements, he/she will be able to analyze them in a scientific manner and to understand the significance and meaning of the results. "Telescopes and Techniques, 3rd Edition" fills a niche at the start of an undergraduate astronomer's university studies, as shown by it having been widely adopted as a set textbook. This third edition is now needed to update its material with the many new observing developments and study areas that have come into prominence since it was published. The book concentrates on the knowledge needed to understand how small(ish) optical telescopes function, their main designs and how to set them up, plus introducing the reader to the many ways in which objects in the sky change their positions and how they may be observed. Both visual and electronic imaging techniques are covered, together with an introduction to how data (measurements) should be processed and analyzed. A simple introduction to radio telescopes is also included. Brief coverage of the most advanced topics of photometry and spectroscopy are included, but mainly to enable the reader to see some of the developments possible from the basic observing techniques covered in the main parts of the book.

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 258
Edition: 2nd ed.
Publisher: Springer
Published: 15 Aug 2003

ISBN 10: 1852337257
ISBN 13: 9781852337254
Book Overview: Springer Book Archives

Media Reviews
From the reviews: The stated aim of this publication is to introduce aspiring astronomers, be they students or amateurs, to the basic techniques required for using telescopes and accessories and finding objects in the night sky. ... Throughout are numerous black-white drawings which well illustrate the text. ... Exercises appear at the end of each appropriate chapter, the answers to be found at the back of the book. ... a publication which can be confidently recommended to aspiring astronomers setting out on their journey to the stars. (Richard Chambers, The Observatory, Vol. 124 (1181), 2004) From the reviews of the second edition: Chris Kitchin's updated Telescopes and Techniques is described as '... an introduction for anyone wanting a firm grounding in the essentials of astronomy'. The author has aimed the book primarily for first-year astronomy or physics students ... . The book itself is beautifully presented ... . For the student or armchair astronomer this book is a must have, and a worthwhile investment for more actively minded amateurs who are starting out in astronomy ... . has a place in any budding astronomer's library. (Cameron Jack, Southern Stars, 2004) In 1995 Chris Kitchin set out to provide an introduction for undergraduates and the interested layman that covered the basic techniques in astronomy ... . This 2nd edition covers a wide range of subjects from types of telescope through visual observing, data reduction and radio astronomy to spectrometry ... . I found his account of 'aberrations' and 'positions and motions' particularly interesting, and it was impressive to see the different types of polarisation summed up so succinctly. ... a book well worth reading. (Grant Privett, Astronomy Now, May, 2004)