Choosing and Using a Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope: A Guide to Commercial SCTs and Maksutovs

Amateur astronomy is becoming more and more popular, mostly because of the availability of relatively low-cost astronomical telescopes of superb quality - commercially-made Schmidt-Cassegrain and Maksutovs. Rod Mollise's book contains everything amateur astronomers need to know about these telescopes. Featuring (but not exclusively) the ubiquitous Meade and Celestron ranges, he describes what these instruments will do, how to use them, and which are the best to choose. This book includes everything! There are sections on accessories, observing techniques, and hints and tips gleaned from his 25 years experience with this type of telescope: cleaning, collimating, maintaining the telescope and mounting; using the telescope in various conditions; computer control; imaging (wet, digital and CCD). This is the perfect book for amateur astronomers who are about to invest in a new Schmidt-Cassegrain or Maksutov telescope, or for those who already have one and want to get the best out of it.

From the reviews of the first edition:

"This new addition to the growing collection of practical astronomy books in the Springer-Verlag Patrick Moore collection is devoted to the ubiquitous Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope (SCT). American author Rod Mollise has been using these telescopes for over 25 years and has provided an excellent primer for those intending to purchase an SCT or Maksutov telescope. Much useful information and advice is included ... . I’d certainly recommend this book to all current and prospective STC owners." (The Deep Sky Observer Magazine, Issue 128, 2002)

"I think it’s fair to say the Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope ... is one of the most popular in the world. It is immediately clear that the author does indeed have 25 years experience of SCTs; this book is very well written and one of the best of its kind that I have read. ... I wish this book had been available when I bought my first SCT and even though I now consider myself an experienced SCT user, I still found much useful advice." (Mark Armstrong, Astronomy Now, August, 2002)

"Rod’s book is extremely comprehensive; covering everything you need to know about what must be the most popular telescope configuration on this planet, the Catadioptric or CAT. ... I really enjoyed this book. I highly recommend it to any aspiring or experienced observer ... . The vast majority of the information on the book is applicable to any observer regardless of the scope she owns. ... the freshness of approach and the incredible sense of enthusiasm will energise the most jaded telescope user." (Kevin Berwick, Cloudy Nights Telescope Reviews, July, 2002)

"For Internet astronomy newsgroup readers, Rod Mollise needs little introduction. He is one of the most knowledgeable guys around on anything to do with Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes ... . It is not surprising that he has now put pen to paper and written this guide to commercial SCTs and Maksutovs. ... In my opinion, Choosing and Using a Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope is the most informative and authoritative guide to SCTs and Maksutovs available and is an absolute ‘must have’ for both prospective purchasers and existing owners." (Gordon Nason, Astronomy & Space, December, 2001)

"Astronomy magazines are full of advertisements for Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes. ... this book provides an excellent guide to all its various components, and the different accessories which can be added. ... There’s a sensible guide to the objects that can be observed, and a realistic assessment of what is likely to be seen. ... New owners, of a Schmidt-Cassegrain will learn almost everything they need to know; and old ones (like this reviewer) will be inspired to get out there again, with new techniques and goals." (Fiona Vincent, The Observatory, Vol.121 (1165), 2001)