Real Astronomy with Small Telescopes: Step-By-Step Activities for Discovery - Paperback

by Michael Gainer (Author)

This book demonstrates the use of an 80mm refractor and shows how it can be used as a real scientific instrument. Following step-by-step instructions users will find many activities and projects suitable for an 80mm refractor or 90mm reflector or Maksutov that have not been published elsewhere. Emphasis is on measurement and discovery activities rather than on casual observing. There are two objectives to these activities: to re-enact the process of discovery and to provide amateur observers with the knowledge and skill that will help them make genuine contributions to the field of astronomy. It is often said that users of small telescopes can conduct worthwhile scientific work, but 'how' is seldom explained except in the context of observations carried out by the most advanced amateur astronomers. This book provides the necessary introduction - derived from the author's many years of experience in teaching the subject - that will be the starting point for serious work.

Back Jacket

It's often said that astronomy is one of the very few sciences in which amateurs can make a contribution to real science. Even modest telescopes such as a small - 3-inch (80mm) - astronomical refractor or Maksutov can provide scientifically useful data.

This is certainly true, but where to start?

Real Astronomy with Small Telescopes tells you everything you'll need to know about how to get started on "real" astronomy using a small telescope (and ideally a digital camera), and make a real contribution to our scientific knowledge. This book is the necessary introduction to real astronomy - derived from the author's many years of experience in teaching the subject - that can be your starting point for serious work. Here, the emphasis is on what you can do with a small telescope, rather than just on what you can see through it.

Finally, owners of big telescopes shouldn't be put off - everything in this book applies equally (maybe more equally!) to larger instruments.