Book Description
R.N. Wilson's two-volume treatise on reflecting telescope optics has become a classic in its own right. It is intended to give a complete treatment of the subject, addressing professionals in research and industry as well as students of astronomy and amateur astronomers. This first volume,
Basic Design Theory and its Historical Development, is devoted to the theory of reflecting telescope optics and systematically recounts the historical progress. The author's approach is morphological, with strong emphasis on the historical development. The book is richly illustrated including spot-diagrams analysing special systems in modern form. In this
second edition, the historical section has been revised. Also, various improvements to the text have been made, and new systems such as the 4-lens corrector of Delabre and the LADS corrector are now covered. The concluding Part II treats manufacture, testing, alignment, and modern techniques.
Customer Reviews:
A superb and most complete reference about telescope optics.......1998-01-01
Since the mid-19th century and the application by Foucault of chemical silvering to glass mirrors, reflecting telescopes have gradually taken over from refracting ones, to eventually become the dominant telescope concept over the entire 20th century. Reflecting Telescope Optics I (RTO I) is an unequaled reference for those who have interest in the field, be they students, telescope designers, professional or amateur astronomers. In Chapter 1 the author takes us on a short, fascinating and at times surprising, journey through the history of telescope design. A delightful story of men, ideas and fascinating machines. It stems from the account by the author that optics is one of those sciences whose progress is inescapably tied to the progress of experimentation and technology. Chapter I tells about great ideas which, sometimes, had to wait for centuries before being understood and recognized. The second and third chapters deal with Gaussian optics and aberration theory, respectively. Fundamental aspects of Gaussian optics are reviewed in a concise manner, albeit to a level of detail sufficient to make the book a valuable reference for an advanced course on geometrical optics. The same comment applies to the third chapter, which deals with aberration theory of telescopes -in the broadest sense. All relations necessary to set up a design, understand and evaluate its first order (paraxial) properties and third order aberrations are clearly demonstrated and their implications thoroughly analyzed. Section 2.2.5.2, in particular, will be invaluable to set up the basis for a two-mirror telescope design, while section 3.2.4 provides all necessary information to evaluate its aberrations. Tables and practical examples provide most useful illustrations to the theory, and serve as well for quick reference when reviewing properties of existing designs. A thorough review of one- and two-mirror design solutions is provided in sections 3.2.6 and 3.2.7, together with detailed illustrations and numerical examples. Section 3.3 provides much detailed and useful information on third order aberrations. A unique and most complete review of wide-field telescope designs, from Schmidt and Maksutov solutions to less known three- and four-mirror designs, is proposed in section 3.6; off-axis designs are addressed in section 3.7, together with a detailed analysis of the effects of decentering of 2-mirror telescopes. Even if this is certainly not its main purpose, there is little doubt that these sections will retain the attention of amateur telescope makers as well. Elaborating on a generalization of the Schwarzschild Theorem, the author demonstrates the relation between the number of optical surfaces and the achievable compensation of third order aberrations. The four-mirror designs with spherical primary and secondary mirrors derived in section 3.6.5.3 pave the way for giant telescopes beyond the 10-m range. Despace effects are reviewed in much detail (section 3.8), unfortunately in the restricted case of two-mirror designs only. As such effects can be of utmost importance with regards to preservation of optical quality and may come to play a role in a trade-off between otherwise equivalent designs, it seems to me that a broader -and, in view of its tremendous complexity, simplified- account would have usefully complemented the review of three- and four mirror designs of section 3.6. A brief but quite complete account of diffraction theory and its relation to aberrations is provided in section 3.10. This section is essential to the completeness of RTO I; it provides the key to understanding image formation and properties, and appeals to the broadest range of readers. Chapter 4 covers field correctors and focal extenders/reducers in great detail, and provides a brief account of atmospheric dispersion correctors, thereby adding to the completeness of RTO I. Finally, theory meets reality in chapter 5, which provides a delectable and most instructive account of major telescope projects -and ideas related to them- from the early 19th century until the mid-1980's. It should be pointed out that, although RTO I deals with telescope optics in a largely theoretical manner, realistic constraints and limitations are given due regard, a consequence of the author's impressive experience in telescope design and fabrication. This review would be incomplete if no acknowledgment were made to the rigorous and consistent formalism of the author, as well as to the useful indices, list of symbols, tables and figures, the most complete bibliography, and the unique portrait gallery of major figures in the field. Indeed, a unique reference in a superb presentation.
Average customer rating:
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Compton Gamma Ray (Aip Conference Proceedings)
Neil Gehrels
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ASIN: 1563961040 |
Book Description
Hubble: 15 Years of Discovery forms a key element of the European Space Agency's 15th anniversary celebration activities for the 1990 launch of the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope.
As an observatory in space, Hubble is one of the most successful scientific projects of all time, both in terms of scientific output and its immediate public appeal.
Hubble continues to have an enormous impact by exploiting a unique scientific niche where no other instruments can compete. It consistently delivers super-sharp images and clean, uncontaminated spectra over the entire near-infrared and ultraviolet regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. This has opened up new scientific territory and resulted in many paradigm-breaking discoveries.
To mark the 15th anniversary on 24 April 2005, the European Space Agency presented a series of unique activities in collaboration with partners all over Europe. This included an exclusive, full-length DVD film (one of the most widely distributed documentary films ever); please see the link to info about the film below:
ttp://www.spacetelescope.org/projects/anniversary/
Customer Reviews:
Hubble review.......2007-06-02
The pictures are stunning, as one would expect. The naritive is pretty good but a bit basic. Not only is it a good coffee table book it is a nice reference book to have on the shelf.
Beautiful imagery from the world's premier astronomical instrument.......2007-05-07
I can't say if fifteen years seems like a long or short time. In one sense, it doesn't seem like that long ago that Hubble went up. In another, it seems as if Hubble has been a fixture in American life, as if it's always been there. It's hard to remember a time when fantastic Hubble imagery didn't come down every few weeks or so.
And of course that's what Hubble is known and, someday, will be remembered for. The astronomers know it as a fantastically useful tool, but everyone else knows it for the stunning imagery. And that's about the way this book handles it. Coffee-table-sized, it contains all the breathtaking photos you could ask for, with text explaining the science behind the photos. But you're going to remember the book - and want it - for the photos, not the text. But that's reason enough.
Fantastic voyage.......2007-03-10
One of most beautifull pictura that I ver seen. If you can travell to the unverse this is the guide.
Latest Hubble book.......2007-01-08
I bought Postcards from Mars and this Hubble book right before Christmas. Both were pretty fascinating to read and were well written. I gave this book 4 stars because I thought the pictures should have been larger to emphasize the grandeur. More pages and more text would justify the price.
Fun Picture Book.......2007-01-04
While undertaking a graduate-level course recently to understand big science project development using the Hubble Space Telescope as a classic example, I ran across this book. The images from HST are as meaningful to me as the Apollo 8 Earthrise. In fact, the younger generations will probably give me awe to the HST images than those stunning first pictures of Earth from Apollo 8 and Apollo 17 published so frequently around the globe. The profound images from the HST are many. This book captures much of the soul-searching visualizations that the HST science team has provided us. It is not a full-blown text of the technical aspects of the HST, but it is a high-qaulity picture book of results of BIG science.
Average customer rating:
- good pics
- Beautiful Book
- Breathtaking photos of our Solar System
- Look At the Stars & What Do You See?
- Gorgeous!!! Nothing Comparable.
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Beyond: Visions Of The Interplanetary Probes
Michael Benson
Manufacturer: Harry N. Abrams
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Magnificent Universe
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Hubble: The Mirror on the Universe
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Full Moon
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Saturn: A New View
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Orbit: NASA Astronauts Photograph the Earth
ASIN: 0810945312 |
Book Description
"These images are a spectacular reaffirmation that we are privileged to live in the greatest age of exploration the world has ever known."-From Arthur C. Clarke's foreword
Since the 1960s the National Aeronautics and Space Administration has been sending unmanned satellites to explore the planets, moons, and sun. These probes have amassed a stunning visual record of other worlds, revealing not one but scores of new frontiers, from rust-red Mars to the ethereal rings of Saturn.
Author Michael Benson has spent years compiling and digitally processing the best of these images. In Beyond this "deskbound cosmic pilgrim" (Atlantic Monthly) has pulled together the most spectacular of them into one volume that presents these photographs for the first time as art. The resulting book consists of two parts: the first is a spectacular visual tour of the solar system, with views every bit as compelling as the work of the great landscape photographers on earth; the second is a series of beautifully written essays that explain the story behind these photographs: the history of the probes' journeys, how they work, and why they were built. This book shows us how modern science has revealed the astonishing beauty and mystery of the solar system and its awe-inspiring worlds far beyond any places human beings have ever directly observed.
Customer Reviews:
good pics.......2007-10-02
this has a lot of good pictures in it. It is well worth the purchase if you are looking for a reasonable compilation of planetary images. The one problem is that is does not have any of the Cassini-Huygens images of Saturn. This is extremely unfortunate because the book would have benefited greatly by these images. Other than then that it is mostly pictures without a lot of explanation. So if you have a decent knowledge of the planets or you are in the mood to do some internet research on the things that you see, it is a great book.
Beautiful Book.......2007-05-09
beautiful coffee table book. not the sort of thing you sit and read, but great to have out when guests come over. fantastic images.
Breathtaking photos of our Solar System.......2007-01-05
I am floored every time I open this book of pictures of our Solar System. The images are so amazing and clear. I sometimes wonder that these are actually our neighboring planets.
The main planets themselves are mind-blowing in and of themselves. Io is perhaps the single most jaw dropping moon - a planet in its own right - and evokes so much imagination. Gallisto is also a fascinating moon with its craters coming to life.
Only two regrets with this book. First, the pictures of the moon were not satisfying at all. They didn't portray the moon in any way that is as beautiful as the rest of the solar system. Instead the pictures focus on close up pictures of its surface, which is interesting as well, yet I would have still liked to see whole far off pictures of the moon. And lastly, one of Saturn's moons is mentioned in passing - Titan - as perhaps the most interesting and fascinating of the solar system, and yet it isn't included. Why? Because they didn't want to detract from Saturn and its rings! Including Titan, if it is as fascinating as they are saying, would only add more to Saturn.
Both are trivial and it doesn't in any way change my view of this fantastic collection of pictures of our Solar System. This is a must for all households. A definite recommend.
5 stars.
Look At the Stars & What Do You See?.......2005-10-28
Have you looked up into the night sky or early morning to see the plethora of stars in their stark beauty. On a clear day, it is a spectacular sight, as on this morning's. Mars is getting closer to the Earth, but that is not the sight you will get if you go out and observe the solar system in all its glory.
Near the outer reaches, the second largest planet hovers like a shimmering star with its rings; Saturn is 250,000 miles wide and formed of minute to boulder-size particles held in the gravitational grip of a rapidly spinning central sphere. Jupiter, the largest, has two moons as discovred by the Galileo probe in its fourteen year mission.
Galileo Galilei made telescopic discoveries of the universe; Johannes Kepler used meticulous mathematical charting of the planets; and NASA's 'Spunik' and 'Ranger' spaceflights of the past four decades shows the beauty of the spheres as they appear "suspended in space like weightless jewels." Venus is out nearest and Mars the other next-door neighbor. The 'Mariner 9' probe showed the vastness of the "grandest canyon in the entire solar system and as wide as the continental United States." Venus is the brightest planet we can see from Earth.
Mercury speed around the Sun every 88 days faster than any other planet. It is forty percent larger and far denser than our Moon. It has an overall magnetic field and an iron core, like Earth. Jupiter and Neptune have also been closely obsrved by NASA's 'Voyager 2.' Jupiter is the largest planet with fourteen moons; no, make that sixty-one, according to the 'Voyager 1' probe.
Once upon a time, some years ago, I gave a tour of the Solar System to a literary group. Being a new member, I had stuck with travel books until I got a firm footing and learned what the others were reviewing. So, I began, "Today I will take you on a tour, but not like one you've ever been on before -- we will soar out into the sky and view the Universe as man knows it today." Much has been discovered since then, as the photographs Michael Benson uses in this book show in detail. He confesses that he retrieved most from NASA's Planetary Photojournal web site. They are "out-of-this-world" in every aspect.
Gorgeous!!! Nothing Comparable........2005-07-11
This book is really a space buff's wet dream. I mean, there is not a single book on the market, anywhere, that has such gorgeous, exquisite and detailed pictures of the planets and moons of our solar system as this book has (made by Voyager, Galileo, Maggelan and the like). You just won't believe your eyes. And the essays of Benson (and those of Arthur C. Clarke and Lawrence Weschler) are also splendid, one by one. Convince yourself and surf to the website of Kinetikon Pictures to behold some of the photographs offered in this book and to read some of the essays (and even more). Robotic planetary photography made into (abstract expressionist and impressioinst) art, that is what Beyond is all about. Buy this hefty beast of a book before it is sold out.
Book Description
This book provides a unified treatment of the characteristics of telescopes of all types, both those whose performance is set by geometrical aberrations and the effect of the atmosphere, and those diffraction-limited telescopes designed for observations from above the atmosphere. The emphasis throughout is on basic principles, such as Fermat's principle, and their application to optical systems specifically designed to image distant celestial sources.
The book also contains thorough discussions of the principles underlying all spectroscopic instrumentation, with special emphasis on grating instruments used with telescopes. An introduction to adaptive optics provides the needed background for further inquiry into this rapidly developing area.
* Geometrical aberration theory based on Fermat's principle
* Diffraction theory and transfer function approach to near-perfect telescopes
* Thorough discussion of 2-mirror telescopes, including misalignments
* Basic principles of spectrometry; grating and echelle instruments
* Schmidt and other catadioptric telescopes
* Principles of adaptive optics
* Over 220 figures and nearly 90 summary tables
Customer Reviews:
Not one of the better Textbooks I've read.......2007-05-13
I'm afraid I can't give this book a very good review. The title should be "Mathematical Analyst of Telescope Aberrations." Even then, unless you are in the process of designing either a Cassegrain Telescope or a Schmidt Camera, the book does little except tell you what papers to consult. For my current project of building a lens based camera for my university's telescope, I found maybe 30 pages out of the entire book which were relevent. And John David Jackson's "Classical Electrodynamics did a better job of explaining most of those topics.
Good book that allows one to understand optical aberrations........2006-03-22
Good, comprehensive book that explains both basics and advanced aspects of optics used in telescopes. Most of the book focuses on optical aberrations and shows how to construct various telescopes and other optical devices like spectrographs with minimized coma, astigmatizm or spherical aberration. The book has chapters about spectrographs, CCDs and active optics which may be helpful to anyone who considers to add such elements to his/her telescope.
Good.......2005-09-13
Talk a lot about instrument. I think it's very helpful for those who want to know how telescope work. But little about data processing.
Good for Spectrometer Optics.......2000-08-12
This book has some unique features. It treats the subject matter carefully, and in detail. The content is very useful. The treatment of spectrometer optics is particularly useful. The weakness of the book is that the diagrams are not well done, and the notation can be confusing. Overall, a useful book.
Book Description
With more than 4800 copies of the previous edition in use, this best-selling, comprehensive text documents the fundamental theoretical developments in astrodynamics and space navigation that led to Man's ventures into space. It includes the essential elements of celestial mechanics, spacecraft trajectories, and space navigation, as well as the history of the underlying mathematical developments.
The material presented in the text represents a 25-year evolution in course material developed by Dr. Battin. Former students who benefited from this material include three of the astronauts who walked on the moon.
The text format offers flexibility for the user. Chapters are largely independent of each other and may be read or taught in any order, offering the opportunity to organize an undergraduate or graduate course that meets the needs of students having various levels of background and preparation. Further, the book covers more subject matter than is covered in a single course of instruction, thereby motivating students to stray from the beaten path of the classroom.
Customer Reviews:
From a Student of Astrodynamics.......2003-07-05
The following comments refer to 1987 edition. Some of these comments were communicated to Professor Battin, who, very kindly, acknowledged them.
The book by Richard H. Battin, Adjunct Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA, covers essential mathematical background needed to work with astrodynamical problems. Topics covered include hypergeometric functions, elliptic integrals, continued fractions, coördinate transformations as well as essentials of two-body-central-force motion.
The author's way of discussing these topics with historical introduction and personal narrative makes the book interesting to read. There are minimal typographical errors, probably, because the book was, personally, typeset by the author. However, there are a few omissions and oversights. For example, on page 172 captions are given for Fig. 4.15 and Fig. 4.16, whereas the actual figures are missing (The author has rectified this omission in the 1999 edition). In addition:
a) On page 7, it is stated:
(DELTA)r[VECTOR] = v[VECTOR](SUB)g x s(SUB)g/v(SUB)g
where
s(SUB)g = (INTEGRAL)v[VECTOR](SUB)g dt
In this equation, a scalar on the left-hand side is equated to a vector on the right-hand side. The equation should be modified as:
s(SUB)g = MOD[(INTEGRAL)v[VECTOR](SUB)g dt]
b) On pages 10-11 it is stated: "If you want to drive a vector to zero, it is sufficient to align the time rate of change of the vector with the vector itself." This is not true, in general, but only if time rate of change is negative.
c) On page 13 the author tries to show that constant in the equation:
[(DEL) x v(SUB)c]/(RHO) = constant
vanishes by the following argument. "The demonstration concludes with an argument that the fluid is converging on the target point r(SUB)T so that the density in the vicinity r(SUB)T of is becoming infinite. Hence, the constant is zero." There are 2 problems in this line of argument: (i) The statement, "Hence, the constant is zero" is true, only if the numerator is finite. B = infinity, implies A/B = 0, only if A is not equal to infinity. Otherwise, one has to apply l'Hospital rule; (ii) even if the constant is supposed to be zero, this does not imply that the curl is everywhere zero. A/B = 0, where B = infinity does not imply that A = 0. In fact, a could have any finite value.
d) On page 109 equation of motion in a frame of reference moving with acceleration -a(SUB)1 is written as:
m(SUB)2[a(SUB)2 - a(SUB)1] = ...
Since the frame is noninertial (accelerated) Newton's second law, F = ma, is not applicable in his frame.
e) On page 223 it is stated: "When we compare Eqns. (5.57) and (5.58), it is clear that we must have
sinE = SQRT[6(E - sinE)/sinE]."
This is not the only choice for sinE, which reduces (5.58) to (5.57) in the limit E tends to 0. The word "must" is inappropriately used here.
I would recommend this book very strongly to anyone seriosly interested in learning astrodynamics.
Book Description
Leading experts explain the discoveries of modern astrophysics in an illustrated companion to the American Museum of Natural History's newly renovated Rose Center for Earth and Space. Cosmic Horizons illuminates the most recent discoveries of modern astrophysics with essays by leading astronomers, including NASA scientists. The book also features profiles of astronomers such as Carl Sagan and Georges Lemaître (father of the Big Bang theory), case studies that cover the controversial evidence for the possibility of life on Mars, and stunning four-color photographs throughout. Written for the general reader, Cosmic Horizons makes the complex, abstract areas of astronomy and astrophysics—from the Big Bang to black holes—accessible and comprehensible to the public. Complementing the museum's acclaimed new Frederick Phineas and Sandra Priest Rose Center exhibition, the book investigates how the universe expands to produce galaxies, stars, and planets, and, perhaps, life on other worlds. It also examines some of the emerging technologies that make these discoveries possible. With more than eighty full-color images and a resource section that includes a bibliography and an extensive glossary, Cosmic Horizons offers a new appreciation of the complexities of time and space and a greater understanding of our fragile planet and the universe beyond. Four-color illustrations throughout.
The New Press is pleased to announce the publication of this new title with the American Museum of Natural History, a collaboration that began with the publication of Epidemic! in 2000.
Founded in 1869, the American Museum of Natural History in New York City is one of the world's preeminent institutions for scientific research and education, visited by more than four million people annually. Three new titles, Earth, The Biodiversity Crisis, and Cosmic Horizons, are companion volumes to three major new permanent exhibitions at the museum: the David S. and Ruth L. Gottesman Hall of Planet Earth, the Hall of Biodiversity, and the Frederick Phineas and Sandra Priest Rose Center for Earth and Space.
Amazon.com
The third edition of Nightwatch continues its tradition of being the best handbook for the beginning astronomer. Terence Dickinson covers all the problems beginners face, starting with the fact that the night sky does not look the way a modern city-dweller expects. He discusses light pollution, how to choose binoculars and telescopes, how to pronounce the names of stars and constellations, telescope mounts, averted vision, and why the harvest moon looks especially bright. Most of the lovely photographs in the book were taken by amateurs, which gives the section on astrophotography a particularly inspirational gleam.
Dickinson's star charts are very handy, each covering a reasonable field of view and mapping the most interesting amateur objects. He gives good advice for planet watching, which he notes "is one of the few astronomical activities that can be conducted almost as well from the city as from dark rural locations."
Altogether, the watchword for Nightwatch is indeed "practical"--this is a book to be used, not just read. Spiral-bound to lie flat or to fold back undamaged, it's a field guide that pulls its own weight in the field. Author Timothy Ferris says, "Like a good night sky, Nightwatch is clear and wind-free. Try it and see for yourself." --Mary Ellen Curtin
Book Description
With 250,000 copies in print since its initial publication in 1983,
NightWatch has become a standard reference guide for stargazers throughout North America.
The new Third Edition expands on that success with a completely revised and updated text, more than 100 new color photos and diagrams and 16 additional pages that cover such! new astronomical pursuits as computerized telescopes, reviews of new telescope designs and accessories, and astronomy on the Internet.
All charts, tables and diagrams have been updated and, in some cases, redesigned for easier use. Improved spacecraft measurements of the distances to the stars (recently released by the European Space Agency) are included in the charts, along with additional observing tips for stargazers using binoculars and telescopes. An expanded chapter on Astrophotography lists the best modern films and cameras for skyshooting.
The new
NightWatch is faithful to the "ultra-simplified, no jargon" philosophy of the original, and at the same time, offers substantially more practical information for the novice and intermediate-level amateur astronomer. The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada called the first edition "the best of its kind"- the new Third Edition is better still. It is still an abundantly illustrated, wide-sized volume designed for easy reference during many starlit nights.
Customer Reviews:
Best book for the budding astronomer. .......2007-10-06
I have owned a previous version of Nightwatch and purchased the latest version for updated information on when to view the planets and star charts. For those looking to purchase their first telescope, there is essential information on how to choose and care for your first telescope. The amount of new material and much improved printing and binding were a wonderful plus. This Guide is the best place to start your adventure into astronomy. Highly recommended.
NightWatch A practicle Guide to Viewing the Universe.......2007-10-01
This is the best comprehensive guide to nightime "skylooking" that I have in my library. I have the previous edition and this is much improved and very readable. I have several sky charts, astronomy books and this is the best, hands down.. Thanks Terence Dickinnson.
A wonderful introduction to backyard astronomy.......2007-08-07
This is probably the best book out there for the beginner stargazer. It explains all about the different options for binoculars and telescopes (for instance, you may want to start out with "just" binoculars, and find you enjoy it more!)
Love the star charts, the illustrations, the writing...it's just great. Spiral-bound, we take it with us to every star party.
Excellent guide but the book has a more personal meaning to me........2007-05-24
I consider myself an amateur astronomer although the last time I actively kept an observation journal was nearly 40 years ago. I do follow all events astronomical. It boggles my mind at the discoveries that science has made in the last decade. Imagine, at last count, 277 exosolar planets!
This book was ordered by my father. I bought it and received another one. This book was half of the incident that changed my life. The one I received unexpectedly was the other half.
Anyway, this is a well-illustrated and well-written guide.
buy this book before buying your first telescope.......2007-04-30
I bought this book because of the great reviews amazon costumers were giving. Thanks amazon costumers, I'm glad I bought it! It gives such great information about chosing telescopes. People who have a small telescope (under 4 inches in aperture) may be a little peived about this book because the author doesn't talk very highly of small refractors bought in department stores. Not many authors do. I wish I bought this book first before buying any telescope. I say this in my review title because i highly stress it. I first bought a 70mm refractor when I knew absolutely NOTHING about telescopes (because I did no prior reading), and I ended up sending it back within a month because I started to learn more about them through websites and books. So I bought the spaceprobe 130mm (5.1 inch) by Orion, but the equatorial mount was not my favorite gadget to work with, but it's still a great tool, and it has great reviews, so I'm not going to totally trash it. This book recommends beginner scopes with great aperture and ease of use. He explains a variety of scopes, and what he considers a great buy. I sold my spaceprobe to my colleague and got a 6inch Newtonian Dob. It hasn't arrived yet, but I'm positive I made the right choice based on this book. He goes into eyepeices and everything you need to know about what to buy. Once you've read this book, you've done your homework, and you'll be more confident in buying the right items. If you're going to spend hundreds on a telescope plus accessories, make sure you're not wasting it on the wrong things. I love the glossy pages and colorful images. I highly recommend this book with "Left Turn at Orion". Buy them together if you're totally new at this. One will complement the other. If you have a small rafractor, you will love "Left Turn at Orion" because that is one of the few books that don't insult the small refractors, but tells you how to use them.
Book Description
This volume is concerned essentially with the modern developments in reflecting telescope optics. In the last twenty years, modern technology has revolutionized not only manufacturing and test procedures but also the whole area of quality specification with the introduction of active control into the functioning telescope. Other subjects covered here are alignment of telescope optics, atmospheric optics, including adaptive optics, reflecting coatings and ancillary equipment (adapters and baffles). Although an independent work, Vol. II is heavily cross-referenced with Vol. I. It is richly illustrated and gives, together with Vol. I, the most complete list of references available; it can also therefore be regarded as a source book.
Book Description
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.
Customer Reviews:
really good book for nexstar owners!.......2007-09-27
I am from Holland and I love this book. I own a nexstar se 5 and could not find so much technical information or user's tips about this scope on the internet. The user's guide deliverd with the scope isn't so good. So when I bought this book I was happy to get so much useful information about how to use my nexstar and all the things you can do with it. The user's tips are great and after reading this book you know that using a go- to -telescope isn't so easy as being advertised. This book gives you the answers you need to really enjoy your nexstar instead of getting frustrated and losing the motivation to use it. This book inspires you to try different thing with your nexstar and is honest about the accesoires that you can buy next to your type of nexstar ( such as eyepieces, filters, telrad, focal reducer, etc ) that are really useful.
Just read the book and find out for yourself...........
Good book but limited on Celetron ASGT.......2007-08-23
I found that the NexStar User's Guide was not very helpful to me since I purchased the Celestron ASGT Advanced Series mount with a 9.25 SCT, which uses the NexStar system. The book did not address this specific configuration, its 3-star alignment programming, or the alignment bug that currently plagues the ASGT system. Also, I had already spent so much time trying to solve the go-to alignment bug that a forced learning curve made the book of marginal value. Therefore, I ended up returning it. I will say that it is otherwise a good book, but it really does not address all NexStar applications. Therefore, I would not necessarily recommend the Guide to ASGT owners until the book as been updated to include the Celestron ASGT Advanced Series mount and the alingment problems.
Invaluable companion for "Little NexStar" users.......2007-08-20
I recently purchased a NexStar 130 SLT telescope and NexImage CCD imager to progress fifty years of armchair interest in amateur astronomy toward observing the southern skies more effectively from rural Australia. Before buying, I had downloaded the Celestron manual for this scope, and thought that would be enough. Wrong! I rapidly discovered that I had to know more to get anywhere. This book arrived within ten days of ordering it from Amazon. It is magnificent, like having a friendly, patient yet enthusiastic, expert on hand to guide me. Published in 2004 (2nd printing 2005), it doesn't have the NexStar 130 in, but since the only difference from the NexStar 114 which is included is aperture, that's not a problem. Very highly recommended.
The NexStar User's Guide.......2007-02-24
If you own a Celestron NexStar telescope and you are not "GoTo" savvy
like most of us, this book will walk you through it and then some.
I have the SLT 102, which is not covered in this book because the three SLT
models are new and did not come to market until after this book was
published. Nevertheless, it does cover the former models which operate
almost identically. I had no problem following his explanations of
operating my scope. There are many tips and illustrations on the NexStar
line of scopes to give you the confidence needed to get the most out
of your investment. There are trouble shooting guides, suggested acessories,
software reccomendations, power sources, and what you can see in the sky
with your scope. The author has a web site for the most recent information
and tips on the NexStars. You will never feel like you are alone. Mr. Swanson
will answer your questions directly or via the Yahoo NexStar newsgroup
pages. It is a good investment and resource for your telescope.
Nextstar Users Guide............2007-01-04
While I am an experienced user of a Nexstar telescope and found some of the information to be a little basic, over all it is a very good book and worth having, especially for a new to the Nexstar telescope owner.
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