
Observing the Solar System
The Modern Astronomer's Guide
Gerald North(Author)
Cambridge University Press
Published on 25. October 2012
Book
Hardback
511 pages
978-0-521-89751-8 (ISBN)
Description
Written by a well-known and experienced amateur astronomer, this is a practical primer for all aspiring observers of the planets and other Solar System objects. Whether you are a beginner or more advanced astronomer, you will find all you need in this book to help develop your knowledge and skills and move on to the next level of observing. This up-to-date, self-contained guide provides a detailed and wide-ranging background to Solar System astronomy, along with extensive practical advice and resources. Topics covered include: traditional visual observing techniques using telescopes and ancillary equipment; how to go about imaging astronomical bodies; how to conduct measurements and research of scientifically useful quality; the latest observing and imaging techniques. Whether your interests lie in observing aurorae, meteors, the Sun, the Moon, asteroids, comets, or any of the major planets, you will find all you need here to help you get started.
Reviews / Votes
'... engagingly written, and the author's enthusiasm constantly shows through ... an attractive book that will serve as a useful guide to those about to enter this complex field.' The Observatory: A Review of Astronomy 'This book is about observing the Solar System and, to be honest, it does what it says on the tin! ... I would recommend [it] for an interested amateur astronomer.' Journal of the British Astronomical Association 'This book provides useful information which will interest both the observer and the armchair "student" of practical astronomy.' SpaceflightMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Illustrations
3 Tables, black and white; 16 Plates, color; 220 Line drawings, unspecified
Dimensions
Height: 253 mm
Width: 196 mm
Thickness: 28 mm
Weight
1290 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-521-89751-8 (9780521897518)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
11/2012
1st Edition
Cambridge University Press
€36.99
Available for download

E-Book
10/2012
Cambridge University Press
€34.49
Available for download
Person
Gerald North graduated in physics and astronomy. He was a former teacher and lecturer in both subjects and a former Guest Observer at the Royal Greenwich Observatory, and is now a freelance astronomer and writer. He is a long-term member of the British Astronomical Association and has served in several senior posts in their lunar section. He has published widely over the years and is the author of this book's popular companion volume Observing the Moon: The Modern Astronomer's Guide, 2nd Edition (Cambridge University Press, 2007).
Content
1. Earth and sky; 2. Moon and planet observer's hardware; 3. The Solar System framed; 4. Stacking up the Solar System; 5. Our Moon; 6. Mercury and Venus; 7. Mars; 8. Jupiter; 9. Saturn, Uranus and Neptune; 10. Small worlds; 11. Comets; 12. Our daytime star; Appendices; Index.