The Urban Astronomer: A Practical Guide for Observers in Cities and Suburbs (Wiley Science Editions) - Softcover

Matloff, Gregory L.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 047153143X ISBN 13: 9780471531432

Publisher: Wiley, 1991

Synopsis

A complete guide for the amateur astronomer living in an urban or suburban center. The Urban Astronomer If you think a trip to the country is necessary to observe celestial objects, take a second look. Viewing the sky from an urban location can be just as fun and educational -- if you know how to go about it. The Urban Astronomer shows amateur and more advanced astronomers the best ways and times to observe celestial objects from a city or suburban environment. Complete with detailed illustrations, The Urban Astronomer:
* Shows readers how to overcome the special problems of viewing the sky from cities and suburbs, such as light pollution
* Describes in detail those objects most easily viewed from a city location
* Includes many sky activities that can be enjoyed by novice and experienced urban astronomers
* Provides helpful tips and checklists for preparing your own stargazing outing
* Covers objects for naked-eye observation as well as those that need binoculars or telescopes and describes the best equipment for the urban stargazer

About this title

From the Publisher

Designed for amateur astronomers living in or near large urban centers. It offers a comprehensive and thorough discussion of astronomical observing, including the observation of our nearest neighbors in the heavens as well as those farther away--some constant and some only appearing every hundred years or so. Topical coverage includes discussions of the problem of seeing the night sky in cities, the wonders of naked eye astronomy, the ``seeing'' instruments necessary for observation in an urban setting, planning an observing session in a city park and looking at the moon, planets, spacecraft, meteorites, comets, solar and lunar eclipses, unusual phenomena such as variable and double stars and the sun. The final chapter stresses the importance of astronomy as an invaluable educational tool and presents a number of projects that can be performed by the urban amateur astronomer.

From the Inside Flap

With congestion in both urban and suburban areas on the rise, amateur astronomers face special challenges in observing celestial objects. Light and air pollution are only two of the factors that impede urban skywatching. The Urban Astronomer is the first observation handbook for the amateur astronomer living in an urban or suburban center. From the phases of the Moon to the polar ice caps of Mars, The Urban Astronomer describes not only the planets, stars, comets, meteors, and asteroids most easily viewed from city locations, but the best ways and times to observe them. You’ll discover objects that are visible to the naked eye as well as those that require binoculars or telescopes. And you’ll learn how to choose the best equipment for sky-gazing from your rooftop, local park, or backyard. Beginning with a historical perspective on the subject and an introduction to astronomical mythology, The Urban Astronomer goes on to discuss patterns in the sky, including many simple activities to enjoy during each of the four seasons. You’ll learn how to observe the Moon and its relationship to Earth and tides. Venus, Mars, Jupiter’s Galilean Moons, Saturn’s rings, and more will become regular stops on your nightly sky tour. Unusual stars like Delta Cepheus, Mira, and Alcor and deep sky objects like the Great Nebula in Andromeda, the Orion Nebula, and the Pleiades can become familiar night sights. The Urban Astronomer also takes you to where you’ll monitor sunspots and solar flares. A detailed discussion of eclipses and associated phenomena shows you how to conduct an observation that is both exciting and safe. You’ll also find predictions of planet positions and eclipses through the year 2000; handy checklists that help you plan skywatching outings; and star charts specifically developed for urban and suburban observation that guide your voyage through the nighttime skies. Written in an easy, nontechnical style that makes stargazing both easy and fun and replete with checklists, activities, and illustrations, The Urban Astronomer is must reading for anyone who wants to explore the astronomical vistas from within the confines of civilization.

Edition details

• Publisher: Wiley
• Publication date: 1991
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 047153143X
• ISBN 13: 9780471531432
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 224