Astronomy with Small Telescopes: Up to 5-inch, 125 mm (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series) [Paperback]

Stephen F. Tonkin (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1852336293 | ISBN-13: 978-1852336295 | Publication Date: April 20, 2001 | Edition: 1st Edition.

Small telescopes, whether simple beginners' telescopes or refined computer-controlled instruments, are gaining popularity fast as technology improves and public interest increases. In this book the author has brought together the experience of small telescope users to provide an insightful look into just what is possible. It is written for newcomers to astronomy and experts. Topics covered include: refractors, reflectors, advanced catadioptric telescopes, and a simple radio telescope. Almost everyone with an interest in practical astronomy will want this book.

Editorial Reviews

Review

From the reviews: "Astronomy with Small Telescopes offers the amateur astronomer practical ‘how-to’ advice. Specifically, this book shows the amateur how to get the most performance out of a small telescope. … The chapter entitled ‘Visual Observation of Deep-sky Objects with Small Telescopes’ includes information that would be helpful to the novice amateur. … some readers will appreciate the convenience of having all of this information in one well written and easy to read book. Astronomy with Small Telescopes is recommended for public and school libraries." (Travis Dolence, E-STREAMS, Vol. 5 (10), 2002) "As a regular user of small telescopes to explore the night sky, I was keen to discover if Stephen Tonkin’s book would encourage the newcomer to astronomy and provide useful information for the more experienced observer. I am delighted to say that it succeeds admirably in both respects. … This is a well-produced, informative book which goes a long way to dispel the notion that you need an expensive, large-aperture telescope to enjoy or contribute to the world of astronomy." (Mike Ropelewski, The Deep Sky Observer Magazine, Issue 126, 2001) "This latest book summarizes the experiences of several authors who have used telescopes ranging from a simple 60 mm aperture refractor on an altazimuth mount, through to the workings of the fork-mounted ETX telescope and the portable C5. … the advice given in this book will certainly help to improve the performances of almost any instrument. … the individual chapters made very interesting reading … . I would warmly recommend this book to anyone thinking of buying a portable telescope for work or for pleasure." (Neil English, Astronomy Now, April, 2002) "This is a book concerned primarily with astronomical hardware. Each chapter is written by one of eight contributors, all users of small telescopes. … Kevin P. Daly’s account of his Celestron 114-mm reflector and favourite objects to observe is a pleasure to read, containing much that will be of interest to the newcomer. … this chapter should inspire even the most house-bound armchair astronomer to spend a night under the stars with the telescope." (Nigel Bannister, The Observatory, Vol. 121 (1165), 2001) "The book is part of ‘Patrick Moore’s Practical Astronomy Series’. It discusses the use of telescopes up to 5-inch aperture (125mm) and thus includes a number of modern popular instruments. … I found the chapter on the ETX telescopes very useful … . Apart from the equipment itself, the book contains suggested projects including deep sky and a chapter on ‘meteor observing with a small radio telescope’. A useful and very practical book for the amateur astronomer starting with a first scope." (The Astronomer, Vol. 38 (446), 2001)

Product Details

• Paperback: 172 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 1st Edition. edition (April 20, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1852336293
• ISBN-13: 978-1852336295
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,208,877 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #39 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Astronomy & Space Science > Telescopes
  • #98 in Books > Science & Math > Experiments, Instruments & Measurement > Scientific Instruments

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Ten telescope essays plus one, May 28, 2001

By 

Taras R. Hnatyshyn (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Astronomy with Small Telescopes: Up to 5-inch, 125 mm (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series) (Paperback)

This book is a collection of essays on experiences using small telescopes for observing the heavens. The discussions range from 60mm refractors thru 5 in. "go to" scopes, including a home made 4 in. Newtownian. There is also a short essay on radio astronomy which seems out of place in this text. This book would have been served by better organization. Some of the essays have good insights on observing with these small telescopes, but it pays to look through all the essays, even for those not dealing with the specific telescope one owns or is interested in. This book was published with beginners in mind, but the organization of the book may leave a beginner confused. This is a bit below the average of books in the "Practical Astronomy" series, but a good starting point for owners of telescopes 5 in. in diameter and smaller. The "Radio Telescope" essay, though out of place in this text, gives an insight into non-visual astronomy open to the amatuer astronomer.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Book, December 5, 2008

By 

W. Tang (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Astronomy with Small Telescopes: Up to 5-inch, 125 mm (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series) (Paperback)

This book has some interesting and intriguing ideas for owners of any telescope, not just ones that are 5 inches or less, as suggested by the book. I own an 8 inch Celestron Nexstar 8se, and I found the techniques for observation as suggested in the book to be very useful.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not what it say's on the tin., March 25, 2010

By 

Nigel Shuck (UK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Astronomy with Small Telescopes: Up to 5-inch, 125 mm (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series) (Paperback)

Another collection essays by a number of people that purports to be "by" Stephen Tonkin. "Edited by", and inexpertly at that, would be more accurate. Please don't buy this book.