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.