Book 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
Publisher resources
Table of contents
- Astronomy Hacks
- Copyright
- Credits
- Preface
-
1. Getting Started
- Hacks 1–10
- Don’t Give Up
- Join an Astronomy Club
- Safety First
- Stay Warm
-
Don’t Violate Observing Site Etiquette
- Don’t Show a White Light After Dark
- Arrive Before Dark
- Plan Ahead When You Park
- Avoid Using Headlights After Dusk
- Dark Adapt Your Vehicle
- Don’t Crowd Others
- Be Careful in the Dark
- Ask Before You Touch
- Use Headphones for Music
- Have Consideration for Others If You Smoke
- Avoid Alcohol
- Leave Young Children and Pets at Home
- Don’t Be a Moocher
- Have Consideration for Others’ Time
- Don’t Criticize Others’ Equipment
- Police Up Your Trash Before You Leave
- Never Leave One Vehicle Alone
- Do a White-Light Check If You Are the Last to Leave
- Be Prepared
- Measure Your Entrance Pupil Size
- Choose the Best Binocular
- Choose the Best General-Purpose Telescope
- Equip Yourself for Urban Observing
-
2. Observing Hacks
- Hacks 11–32
- See in the Dark
- Protect Your Night Vision from Local Lights
- Describe the Brightness of an Object
- Identify Stars by Name
- Identify Stars by Catalog Designations
- Know Your Constellations
- Understand Celestial Coordinate Systems
- Print Custom Charts
- Keep Your Charts at the Eyepiece
- Locate Objects Geometrically
- Learn to Star Hop
-
Learn to See DSOs
- Learn Patience and Persistence
- Observe from a Dark Site
- Observe Objects When They Are High
- Dark Adapt Fully
- Use the Largest Instrument Available
- Use Averted Vision
- Keep Both Eyes Open
- Absorb Photons
- Tap the Tube
- Use Different Magnifications and Fields of View
- Focus Carefully
- Defocus Slightly to Locate Tiny Objects
- Use Nebula Filters to Increase Contrast
- Keep Looking
- Observe Shallow-Space Objects
- Slow Down, You Move Too Fast, You’ve Got to Make the Evening Last
- Learn Urban Observing Skills
- Sweep Constellations
- Maintain an Observing Notebook
- Develop an Organized Logging System
- Plan and Prepare for a Messier Marathon
- Run a Messier Marathon
- Photograph the Stars with Basic Equipment
- Discover and Name a New Planet
-
3. Scope Hacks
- Hacks 33–43
- Center-Spot Your Mirror
- Clean Your Primary Mirror
- Eliminate Astigmatism
- Eliminate Diffraction Spikes and Increase Contrast
- Build a Film Can Collimating Tool
- Tune Your Newtonian Reflector for Maximum Performance
- Collimate Your Primary Mirror Quickly and Accurately
- Star-Collimate Your Scope
- Counterweight a Dobsonian Scope
- Improve Dobsonian Motions with Milk Jug Washers
- Upgrade Your Dobsonian Bearings
-
4. Accessory Hacks
- Hacks 44–65
- Dark Adapt Your Notebook Computer
- Dark Adapt Your Vehicle
- Use a Barlow
- Determine Actual Barlow Magnification
- See More of the Sky
- Optimize Your Eyepiece Collection
- Chart Your Eyepiece Characteristics
- View Dim Objects in the Same Field as a Very Bright Object
- Clean Your Eyepieces and Lenses Safely
- Install a Unit-Power Finder
- Upgrade Your Optical Finder
- Align Your Finder
- Determine Your Optical Finder’s Field of View
- Determine Your True Field of View
- Enhance Lunar and Planetary Contrast and Detail
- Enhance Nebular Contrast and Detail
- Please Be Seated
- Stash Your Gear in a Photographer’s Vest or Fanny Pack
- Use a Voice Recorder for Logging
- Build or Buy an Equatorial Platform
- Make Your Computer Work for You
- Astronomy Software in the Palm of Your Hand
- Index
- About the Authors
- Colophon
- Copyright
Product information
- Title: Astronomy Hacks
- Author(s):
- Release date: June 2005
- Publisher(s): O'Reilly Media, Inc.
- ISBN: 9781491926246
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