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Astronomy Hacks Tips and Tools for Observing the Night Sky

By Robert Bruce Thompson, Barbara Fritchman Thompson
June 2005
Pages: 410
Series: Hacks
ISBN 10: 0-596-10060-4 | ISBN 13: 9780596100605
starstarstarstarstar (Average of 5 Customer Reviews)

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Description

Why use the traditional approach to study the stars when you can turn computers, handheld devices, and telescopes into out-of-this-world stargazing tools? Whether you're a first timer or an advanced hobbyist, you'll find Astronomy Hacks both useful and fun. From upgrading your optical finder to photographing stars, this book is the perfect cosmic companion.
Full Description

Why use the traditional approach to study the stars when you can turn computers, handheld devices, and telescopes into out-of-this-world stargazing tools? Whether you're a first timer or an advanced hobbyist, you'll find Astronomy Hacks both useful and fun. From upgrading your optical finder to photographing stars, this book is the perfect cosmic companion. This handy field guide covers the basics of observing, and what you need to know about tweaking, tuning, adjusting, and tricking out a 'scope. Expect priceless tips and tools for using a Dobsonian Telescope, the large-aperture telescope you can inexpensively build in your garage. Get advice on protocols involved with using electronics including in dark places without ruining the party. Astronomy Hacks begins the space exploration by getting you set up with the right equipment for observing and admiring the stars in an urban setting. Along for the trip are first rate tips for making most of observations. The hacks show you how to:
  • Dark-Adapt Your Notebook Computer
  • Choose the Best Binocular
  • Clean Your Eyepieces and Lenses Safely
  • Upgrade Your Optical Finder
  • Photograph the Stars with Basic Equipment
The O'Reilly Hacks series has reclaimed the term "hacking" to mean innovating, unearthing, and creating shortcuts, gizmos, and gears. With these hacks, you don't dream it-you do it--and Astronomy Hacks brings space dreams to life. The book is essential for anyone who wants to get the most out of an evening under the stars and have memorable celestial adventures.

Featured customer reviews

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Quite a nice book for newcomers as for advanced observers,  February 15 2008
Rating: StarStarStarStarStar
Submitted by André Cajolais   [Respond | View]

I'm an amateur astronomer for 20 years plus and I must say that I learned a lot from Astronomy Hacks. The Thompson are passionate and experienced observers, that's obvious and very nice writers. This book is fun to read, informative for the newcomer, and thoughtful for
the more advanced observer.

Beginners will find informative tips and tricks about observing etiquette, they'll learn to recognize the constellations, how to star hop, even get tips on choosing the best star atlas for them. And of course, they'll get many useful observing tips.

The more advanced observer will find interesting hacks on how to improve the performance and accuracy of their scope, how to plan a rewarding observing session, and selecting equipment.

I particularly enjoy thoses hacks on the software you can use to help you get the most of your observing time, on selecting the best eyepieces for your equipment, observing strategies, and nice information on the famous Messier marathon.

All in all, 65 chapters packed with hacks that will be usefull to any amateur from beginning to advanced astronomer. Give it a look, you'll be surprised. A useful book and a very nice addition to you astronomy
bookshelves.


Useful Astronomy Tips,  November 17 2007
Rating: StarStarStarStarStar
Submitted by John Smith   [Respond | View]

This is a good book to read if you are starting out in astronomy and are beginning to purchase your equipment. It will lead you down the correct path to make wise decisions, just keep in mind that there is many other brand name equipment to choose from other than what is stated in the book. They do mention this after giving a brand name preference, do your homework. The tips are vary helpful and are almost required when purchasing an Asian dob. I like how the book explains how to avoid inferior equipment and give a wiser choice. This book will enhance the novice’s enjoyment of amateur astronomy.




Highly Recommended,  August 27 2005
Rating: StarStarStarStarStar
Submitted by Mike   [Respond | View]

This book covers a wide range of subjects related to Astronomy. It is well written and thought out. It is a must have for any newbie and even experienced astronomers will benefit from it too. I was one of those people who spent a lot of money on a telescope and after a few uses let it sit for over a year in a corner collecting dust out of discouragement from not seeing the spectacular DSO’s found on most web sites. This book explains what you can expect to see along with techniques to see them. It has helped me locate objects I have never been able to find before and given me information on care of my telescope. It has given me the comfort and confidence to do maintenance on my telescope I was too afraid to do out of my own lack of knowledge. It has re-sparked my interest in the hobby and I found I am using my 8” DOB more and more.

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simply refreshing,  August 20 2005
Rating: StarStarStarStarStar
Submitted by astrola   [Respond | View]

I really liked that book, maybe cause I'm a dob user and the book it is (mainly) towered to our side of the sky.
Some books are boring, verbose and politically correct but not this one! Strong opinions, love it or hate it!
The photo of R.B.Thompson smoking the pipe while preserving the night vision is a must.
Congrats from Italy



A really good resource,  July 20 2005
Rating: StarStarStarStarStar
Submitted by RPH   [Respond | View]

In a word, wow. I like to actually read all of a book before making comments, and there is a lot of content in this book, so it took me a while to get all the way through it. As someone with a very minimal background and marginal interest in astronomy, I would feel very comfortable using this as my primary guide if I was going to start observing at most any level; I had no trouble following the text, even the technical information and tables looked like I would be able to understand and use them if I had the need to do so. Well written. This strikes me as an essential resource for any neophyte, one that includes useful information for experienced folks as well.

Media reviews
"The book contains 65 hacks--each a short article about a particular topic in amatuer observing. A wide range of topics is covered, from selecting equipment, to guidance on observing tactics, to software you can use to enhance your experience. Some of my favorite topics included selecting the right set of eyepieces for your scope, working your way through a single constellation to become more familiar with that particular piece of sky, tips for completing a successfule Messier marathon, and recommendations on how to get the best scope without breaking your bank. You'll find useful information regardless of whether you've got a lot or a little to spend."
-- Daniel Hanks, The BrainShed


"If you've ever wanted to learn astronomy as a hobby or as a serious amateur you'll find everything you need to get started and well along the path in this book...Astronomy Hacks is highly recommended to anyone interested in astronomy, and can move you from novice to advanced amateur."
-- Harold McFarland, Midwest Book Review

The Expert's Edge

"If you're just starting out in observing, you probably won't need (or
understand) everything in the book, but as you learn, you're sure to glean
much help from this folksy, no-nonsense guide to stargazing."

Night Sky Magazine


"If you've ever wanted to learn astronomy as a hobby or as a serious amateur you'll find everything you need to get started and well along the path in this book."

Read all reviews

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"If you've ever wanted to learn astronomy as a hobby or as a serious amateur you'll find everything you need to get started and well along the path in this book...Astronomy Hacks is highly recommended to anyone interested in astronomy, and can move you from novice to advanced amateur."
--Harold McFarland, Midwest Book Review