PDF-(READ)-Using the Meade ETX: 100 Objects You Can Really See with the Mighty ETX (The Patrick

In 1996 Meade the worlds largest astronomical telescope manufacturer introduced the ETX a lowcost and genuinely portable instrument capable of results close to the theoretical limits of optical performance Since then several different models have been introduced most of them controlled by onboard computers that automatically point the telescope at objects selected from a database of 12000 Unfortunately not all these objects are visible when looking through the ETX They are included because they can be imaged with special equipment Mike Weasner is a world expert on the ETX range and describes the best 100 objects to start with and offers hints and tips about using and looking after the telescope to get the best possible results. objects outside the Earth (astronomical objects). Ancient Astronomy. “Ancient” means from . time long past, especially before the end of the Western Roman Empire in 476 A.D.. Many ancient peoples, including in ancient China and India, made detailed observations about the objects in the sky. Astronomy. , derived from the Greek words for . star law. , is the scientific study of all objects beyond our world. . Astronomy is not a “stand-alone” science. . It combines areas from a number of other fields, including mathematics, chemistry, geology, biology and physics. . . Astronomy. , derived from the Greek words for . star law. , is the scientific study of all objects beyond our world. . Astronomy is not a “stand-alone” science. It combines areas from a number of other fields, including mathematics, chemistry, geology, biology and physics. . Astrophysics is often -with some justification - regarded as incomprehensible without the use of higher mathematics. Consequently, many amateur astronomers miss out on some of the most fascinating aspects of the subject. Astrophysics Is Easy! cuts through the difficult mathematics and explains the basics of astrophysics in accessible terms. Using nothing more than plain arithmetic and simple examples, the workings of the universe are outlined in a straightforward yet detailed and easy-to-grasp manner. The original edition of the book was written over eight years ago, and in that time, advances in observational astronomy have led to new and significant changes to the theories of astrophysics. The new theories will be reflected in both the new and expanded chapters. A unique aspect of this book is that, for each topic under discussion, an observing list is included so that observers can actually see for themselves the concepts presented -stars of the spectral sequence, nebulae, galaxies, even black holes. The observing list has been revised and brought up-to-date in the Second Edition. For anyone artistically inclined, observing the Moon and attempting to sketch or paint it can easily become a passion. The Moon presents a broad array of tone, texture, and form. Capturing this in a painting or sketch at the eyepiece of a telescope - or even with binoculars - develops observational skills, leaves a record of the observation, and can also be a delightful and rewarding pastime. However, the choice of media available is extensive (acrylic paint, oils, pen, charcoal, etc., and even computer art programs), and there is no existing text that fully explains all lunar sketching and painting techniques in each respective medium. This beautiful and graphically rich book fulfills this requirement. It presents detailed step-by-step instructions, in the form of illustrated tutorials for every major medium employed to represent the Moon. It also provides practical advice on how to sketch outdoors at night (not ideal conditions for an artist!).This is easily the most extensive book on the subject of lunar art for amateur astronomers, particularly those observing through a telescope. The diverse features of the lunar surface will attract and entice readers to review the number of different media presented, exciting and inspiring them with the possibilities of learning to depict all of the fascinating aspects of Earth\'s very own satellite. Celestron\'s NexStar telescopes were introduced in 1999, beginning with their first computer controlled go to model, a 5-inch. More models appeared in quick succession, and Celestron\'s new range made it one of the two dominant manufacturers of affordable go to telescopes. Michael Swanson\'s online discussions with literally thousands of NexStar owners made it clear that there was a desperate need for a book such as this - one that provides a complete, detailed guide to buying, using and maintaining NexStar telescopes. Although this book is highly comprehensive, it is suitable for beginners - there is a chapter on Astronomy Basics - and experts alike. \"This book serves as a comprehensive guide for using a Nexstar Evolution mount with WiFi SkyPortal control, walking the reader through the process for aligning and operating the system from a tablet or smartphone. The next generation Go-To mount from Celestron, this is compatible not only with the Nextstar Evolution but also with older mounts. It is the ideal resource for anyone who owns, or is thinking of owning, a Nexstar Evolution telescope, or adapting their existing Celestron mount. Pros and cons of the system are thoroughly covered with a critical depth that addresses any possible question by users.

Beginning with a brief history of Go-To telescopes and the genesis of this still new technology, the author covers every aspect of the newly expanding capability in observing. This includes the associated Sky Portal smartphone and tablet application, the transition from the original Nexstar GoTo system to the new SkyPortal system, the use of the Sky Portal application with its Sky Safari 4 basic software and Celestron WiFi adaptations, and discussions on the use of SkyPortal application using the Celestron adapter on older Celestron mounts. Comments and recommendations for equipment enable the reader to successfully use and appreciate the new WiFi capability without becoming overwhelmed. Extensively illustrated using actual screenshots from the program interface, this is the only guide to the Nextstar SkyPortal an observer will need.\" There are currently thousands of amateur astronomers around the world engaged in astrophotography at a sophisticated level. Their ranks far outnumber professional astronomers doing the same and their contributions both technically and artistically are the dominant drivers of progress in the field today. This book is a unique collaboration of individuals world-renowned in their particular area and covers in detail each of the major sub-disciplines of astrophotography. This approach offers the reader the greatest opportunity to learn the most current information and the latest techniques directly from the foremost innovators in the field today.Lessons from the Masters includes a brilliant body of recognized leaders in astronomical imaging, assembled by Robert Gendler, who delivers the most current, sophisticated and useful information on digital enhancement techniques in astrophotography available today. Each chapter focuses on a particular technique, but the book as a whole covers all types of astronomical image processing, including processing of events such as eclipses, using DSLRs, and deep-sky, planetary, widefield, and high resolution astronomical image processing. Recognized contributors include deep-sky experts such as Jay GaBany, Tony Hallas, and Ken Crawford, high-resolution planetary expert Damian Peach, and the founder of TWAN (The World at Night) Babak A. Tafreshi.A large number of illustrations (150, 75 in color) present the challenges and accomplishments involved in the processing of astronomical images by enthusiasts. This compilation of data on deep-sky objects covers Messier objects, New General Catalogue objects and Index Catalogue objects. These are classified as galaxies, clusters and nebulae of which 500 individual objects are listed. Observing the deep-sky beyond the limits of the Solar System is by far the most popular speciality for amateur astronomers. Two major catalogs of deep-sky objects are widely used: Messier\'s catalogue of 109 objects and the New General Catalog (NGC) which contains thousands of objects. This catalog has entries for each of more than 500 deep-sky objects - all the Messier objects plus selected NGC objects. As well as the usual astronomical data they also detail physical factors, astrophysical information, evolution, ans unusual features. The objects are all listed in NGC order, which were originally assigned in approximate order of location from west to east, convenient for reference because objects that can be seen on a given night will occur within a few pages of each other in the book. This is the first non-technical book on spectroscopy written specifically for practical amateur astronomers. It includes all the science necessary for a qualitative understanding of stellar spectra, but avoids a mathematical treatment which would alienate many of its intended readers. Any amateur astronomer who carries out observational spectroscopy and who wants a non-technical account of the physical processes which determine the intensity and profile morphology of lines in stellar spectra will find this is the only book written specially for them. It is an ideal companion to existing books on observational amateur astronomical spectroscopy. It is said that astronomy is one of the few remaining fields in which amateurs can make a real contribution to science, and nowhere is this more true than in the field of meteors and meteorites.Although meteors are isolated and unpredictable, it is possible to predict when meteor showers - usually associated with old comets - are due they last a couple of days, during which many meteors can be observed in a single night. Equipment for watching, counting and even measuring meteors can range from the simplest (a chair) to sophisticated all-sky cameras.What is unique about meteors in astronomical observation is that many survive entry into the Earth\'s atmosphere and impact the ground - the only easily-analysed extraterrestrial material available to science.What is unique about Richard Norton\'s book is that it is both a field guide to observing meteors, and also a field guide to locating, preparing and analysing meteorites. In addition to giving the reader information about observing techniques for meteors, this book also provides a fully detailed account of the types of meteorites, how and where to find them, how to prepare and analyse them. It is thus the only complete book on the subject available at present. There are many books covering different facets of astrophotography, but few of them contain all the necessary steps for beginners in one accessible place. Astrophotography is Easy! fills that void, serving as a guide to anybody interested in the subject but starting totally from scratch. Assuming no prior experience, the author runs through the basics for how to take astrophotos using just a camera?including cell phones and tablets?as well as a telescope and more sophisticated equipment.The book includes proven techniques, checklists, safety guidelines, troubleshooting tips, and more. Each chapter builds upon the last, allowing readers to master basic techniques before moving on to more challenging material. Also included is a comprehensive list of additional books and resources on a variety of topics so readers can continue expanding their skills.Astrophotography Is Easy! doesn’t simply teach you the basic skills for becoming an astrophotographer: it provides you with the foundations you will need for a lifelong pursuit. Astronomical Spectroscopy for Amateurs is a complete guide for amateur astronomers who are looking for a new challenge. After a brief overview of the development of spectroscopes and an introduction to the theory of stellar spectra, the book goes on to examine the various types of spectroscopes available to amateurs. Next, practical sections address all aspects of setting-up and using various types of commercially-available and home-built spectroscopes. A final part gives detailed instructions for the design and construction of three different spectroscopes, along with the necessary design theory (minimal math). The home-made spectroscopes have performance capabilities near or equal to commercial units but are constructed using basic hand tools for a fraction of the cost! This up-to-date practical spectroscopy book will enable amateur astronomers to develop the skills and equipment needed to prepare scientifically acceptable spectra data, and to make a valuable contribution to ProAm projects. Almost every practical astronomer eventually aspires to have a fixed, permanent observatory for his or her telescope. A roll-off roof or dome observatory is the answer for the most popular home observatory design. Building a Roll-Off or Dome Observatory will help you decide whether to embark on the venture and will certainly increase your enthusiasm for the project.The author, both an amateur astronomer and a professional landscape architect, answers many of the common questions asked about observatory construction, covering the following topics:- Zoning, and by-law requirements common to most states, towns and municipalities- Where to locate the observatory- How to tailor the observatory for your particular needs- Tools and structural components required- Possible variations in design- How to combine the structure with other structures (incorporating a garden patio under the gantry inthe roll-off roof observatory, for example)This fully detailed outlines step-by-step construction, with professional detailed diagrams for each phase of construction.