With the advent of inexpensive, high-power telescopes priced at under
$250, amateur astronomy is now within the reach of anyone, and this is
the ideal book to get you started. The Illustrated Guide to
Astronomical Wonders offers you a guide to the equipment you need, and
shows you how and where to find hundreds of spectacular objects in the
deep sky -- double and multiple stars as well as spectacular star
clusters, nebulae, and galaxies.
You get a solid grounding in the fundamental concepts and terminology of
astronomy, and specific advice about choosing, buying, using, and
maintaining the equipment required for observing. The Illustrated Guide
to Astronomical Wonders is designed to be used in the field under the
special red-colored lighting used by astronomers, and includes
recommended observing targets for beginners and intermediate observers
alike. You get detailed start charts and specific information about the
best celestial objects.
The objects in this book were chosen to help you meet the requirements
for several lists of objects compiled by The Astronomical League.
- Binocular Messier Club
- Urban Observing Club
- Deep Sky Binocular Club
- Double Star Club
- RASC Finest NGC List
Completing the list for a particular observing club entitles anyone who
is a member of the Astronomical League or RASC to an award, which
includes a certificate and, in some cases, a lapel pin.
This book is perfect for amateur astronomers, students, teachers, or
anyone who is ready to dive into this rewarding hobby. Who knows? You
might even find a new object, like amateur astronomer Jay McNeil. On a
clear cold night in January 2004, he spotted a previously undiscovered
celestial object near Orion, now called McNeil's Nebula. Discover what
awaits you in the night sky with the Illustrated Guide to Astronomical
Wonders.
