Green Witch Practical Observing Guides

Night Sky Tracker & Log Book Ref: B0713678070

A & C BLACK

A Handbook and Logbook for Amateur Astronomers

Suitable for any amateur astronomer, this work includes an introduction to home astronomy as well as a fill-in logbook for charting your discoveries. It teaches how to navigate the night sky, what equipment you need, and what to look for and when.

Price: £12.99

The Deep-Sky Observer's Year Ref: B1852332735

SPRINGER

A Guide to Observing Deep-Sky Objects Throughout the Year

Deep-sky observing - that's looking at the stars, nebulae and galaxies - is easily the most popular field for amateur astronomers. The big problem faced by non-professional observers is what to look at - what's visible at a paticular time of year. The Deep-sky Observer's Year is a month-by-month guide to the best objects to view. Objects are given a "star rating" according to how difficult they are to observe or image (i.e. photograph) with a particular size of telescope. The book includes many images produced by amateur astronomers, as well as photographs from NASA, ESA and ESO. There is also some background information about the objects that can be seen, along with lots of useful tips, hints, and resources (especially about what's available on the Internet) for deep-sky observers.
Price: £23.00

Astronomy with Small Telescopes Ref: B1852336293

SPRINGER

Up to 5-inch, 125 mm

Small telescopes have a lot to recommend them.

Cost is of course a consideration, but their most positive feature is sheer portability. Some manufacturers have tried to make large telescopes more portable (with mixed success), but the opposite approach, that of making small telescopes more effective, is what this book is all about. Good 2-inch (60mm) telescopes are now available for beginners, and major American manufacturers now offer small, affordable computer-controlled instruments that are capable of superb results.

Stephen Tonkin has gathered the experience of users of small telescopes to provide an insight into just what is possible - for newcomers to astronomy or experienced observers who simply want to use a small, really portable telescope.
Price: £19.00

Field Guide to the Deep Sky Objects Ref: B1852336307

SPRINGER

Field Guide to the Deep Sky Objects is a uniquely usable guide for observers. Following detailed descriptive summaries of each class of object, it includes extensive lists of deep-sky targets which are classified according to type of object: - Stars (bright, coloured, double, triple, quad, multiple); - The spectral sequence; - Clusters; - Globular clusters; - Stellar associations; - Stellar streams; - Nebulae (emission, dark, reflection, planetary); - Supernovae remnants; - Galaxies (spiral, elliptical, irregular).

Each of these groups is organised by month of best visibility, and within that by ease of observing. Simply, this means that you can choose a class of object, and for any month of the year find an observing list that begins with easiest through to progressively more difficult targets! Amateur astronomers of all levels of ability will find this book invaluable for its broad-ranging background material, its lists of fascinating objects, and for its application as "graded exercises" to improve practical observing skills while viewing many different types of deep-sky object.
Price: £25.50

Visual Astronomy in the Suburbs Ref: B1852337079

SPRINGER

Most amateur astronomers, because they live in or near cities, have to carry out their observing from relatively light-polluted sites. It is possible to reduce the effects of a poor location by the use of CCD imaging, but many observers prefer to look at astronomical objects rather than photograph them. Skill, observing techniques, and modern technology - such as image intensifiers - can now be used to astonishing effect to observe the night sky in real-time. Illustrating the book with images and some of his own superb drawings, Antony Cooke explains how to observe some of the most spectacular objects from less than perfect observing sites.
Price: £25.50

Astronomy of the Milky Way Ref: B1852337427

SPRINGER

Part 2: Observer's Guide to the Southern Sky

One of the wonders of the universe we live in is the Milky Way. It spans the entire sky and can be seen every night of the year from anywhere on Earth. This is the first book that deals specifically with what can be seen within the Milky Way from a practical observer's point of view. Astronomy of the Milky Way covers every constellation that the Milky Way passes through, and describes in detail the many objects that can be found therein, including stars, double and multiple stars, emission nebulae, planetary nebulae, dark nebulae and supernovae remnants, open and galactic clusters, and galaxies. It also describes the one thing that is often left out of observing guides - the amazing star clouds of the Milky Way itself. It is one of a two-volume set that deal with the entire Milky Way - this second volume looks at what can be seen predominantly from the Southern skies In addition to the descriptive text there are many star charts and maps, as well as the latest up-to-date images made by observatories around the world and in space, as well as images taken by amateur astronomers. Equipped with this book, an amateur astronomer can go out on any clear night of the year and observe the galaxy we live in - The Milky Way.
Price: £19.95

The Observer's Year Ref: B1852338849

SPRINGER

366 Nights in the Universe

This is a night by night account of the stars. For every night of the year Sir Patrick Moore gives the reader details of interesting objects that can be seen from earth. It is a book for people with a wide interest in astronomy, those who may not have specialised in a specific area of astronomy and wish to expand their knowledge in all areas. This second edition is updated for astronomical events through until 2010.
Price: £24.95

Visual Astronomy Under Dark Skies Ref: B1852339012

SPRINGER

A New Approach to Observing Deep Space

Modern astronomical telescopes, along with other advances in technology, have brought the deep sky – star clusters, nebulae and the galaxies – within reach of amateur astronomers. And it isn’t even necessary to image many of these deep-sky objects in order to see them; they are within reach of visual observers using modern techniques and enhancement technology.

The first requirement is truly dark skies; if you are observing from a light-polluted environment you need Tony Cooke’s book, Visual Astronomy in the Suburbs. Given a site with clear, dark night skies everything else follows… this book will provide the reader with everything he needs to know about what to observe, and using some of today’s state-of-the-art technique and commercial equipment, how to get superb views of faint and distant astronomical objects.
Price: £24.95

Observer's Guide to Stellar Evolution Ref: B1852334657

SPRINGER

The Birth, Life and Death of Stars

Stellar evolution - the birth, development and death of stars - is central to our current understanding of astronomy, but surprisingly the majority of amateur astronomers lack a full understanding of the physics of stars. Current books on the market tend to be highly theoretical and off-putting, in Observer's Guide to Stellar Evolution, Mike Inglis brings this subject to life in a unique way. By combining a step-by-step introduction with suggestions for practical observations of stars at different stages in their evolution, amateur astronomers regardless of their current level of knowledge, will find this book fascinating and informative. -Accessible to every amateur astronomer, regardless of background knowledge. -Step-by-step introduction to the theory of stellar evolution. -Includes many examples of stars at different stages in their evolution, that the reader can observe for him/herself. -Mathematics is made accessible by being presented in 'boxes'that readers can skip over if they prefer!
Price: £29.00

The Practical Astronomer's Deep-sky Companion Ref: B1852334746

SPRINGER

A Practical Astronomer's Deep-sky Companion is an essential read for deep-sky observers, whether they are interested in imaging or just sightseeing. This beautiful large-format full-colour book is designed to be taken out into the field during observing to provide all the information necessary for finding and imaging interesting deep-sky objects. There is a vast amount of information packed into each spread - photographs, position, maps, recommended exposure times, and much, much more. Every amateur astronomer will want a copy of this! -The only book to provide all the observational information needed for field use by deep-sky observers! -Large-format, full-colour spreads for ease of use. -Images as well as data for all the most interesting deep-sky objects. -Finder maps for all objects. -Recommended exposure times for imaging. -Organised by constellation.
Price: £29.00

Practical Amateur Spectroscopy Ref: B1852334894

SPRINGER

Because today's amateur astronomical telescopes are both powerful and affordable, spectroscopy - once the province of professionals - is becoming more and more popular. Various spectroscopes, at prices to suit everyone, are now available "off the shelf". Practical Amateur Spectroscopy contains everything an amateur needs to grasp the basic principles, to begin observing, and to understand just what the spectra show. Contributions by leading practical amateurs from America and Europe cover a very wide range of amateur equipment and techniques. One even describes how an audio CD can be used to show solar emission and absorption lines!
Price: £25.50

Observing Variable Stars Ref: B1852334983

SPRINGER

Observing variable stars is one of the major contributions amateur astronomers make to science. There are 36,000 variable stars listed in the General Catalogue of Variable Stars, so it is clearly impossible for the limited number of professional observatories to target even the majority of them. That's where amateur astronomers come in - thousands of them turning their telescopes to the sky every night. Variable star observing is the most popular of "real science" activities for amateurs, and Gerry Good's book provides everything needed. The first part of the book provides a highly detailed account of the various classes of variable star, with examples, illustrations and physical descriptions. The second section covers practical aspects of observing, everything from preparation and planning, through observing techniques, to data management and reduction.
Price: £25.50

Observing and Measuring Visual Double Stars Ref: B1852335580

SPRINGER

"I recommend it to anyone with an interest in binary stars who wants to learn more about these fascinating objects." (Jocelyn Tomkin, The Observatory, April 2005)
Price: £26.00

Deep Sky Observing Ref: B1852336277

SPRINGER

The Astronomical Tourist

Steve Coe has been watching the deep sky from locations near his home in Arizona for almost 20 years. During that time he has accumulated a wealth of knowledge, observations, hints and tips that will help every deep sky observer, regardless of experience.

This, his first book, gives detailed practical advice about how to find the best observing site, how to make the most of the time spent there, and what equipment and instruments to take along. There are comprehensive lists of deep sky objects of all kinds, along with Steve's own observations describing how they look through telescopes with apertures ranging from 8 to 36 inches (0.2 - 0.9 m). Most of all, this book is all about how to enjoy astronomy. Steve's enthusiasm and sense of wonder shine through every page as he invites you along on a tour of some of the most beautiful and fascinating sites in the deep sky.
Price: £19.00

Guide to Northern Constellations Ref: B0540084530

PHILIPS

This is a beginner's guide to the major stars and constellations visible with the naked eye in the northern hemisphere. This brief introduction will help the novice to get his or her bearings in the night sky.
Price: £3.50

Night Sky Atlas Ref: B0540087009

PHILIPS

Price: £14.99

Guide to Stars and Planets Ref: B0540084778

PHILIPS

Written by one of the world's most famous astronomers, this comprehensive handbook contains colour star charts of all 88 constellations, plus new up-to-date location charts for the planets.
Price: £9.99

Deep Sky Observer's Guide Ref: B0540085855

A guide to observing the deep sky from Philips.
Price: £9.99

Observing Variable Stars, Novae, and Supernovae Ref: B0521820472

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS

Instructs amateur astronomers in observing and monitoring variable stars and other objects of variable brightness.

'If you are interested in this fascinating and practical branch of amateur astronomy, Observing Variable Stars, Novae, and Supernovae is the best place to start.' Astronomy & Space
Price: £30.95