Choosing and Using a New CAT: Getting the Most from Your Schmidt Cassegrain or Any Catadioptric Telescope (The Patrick Moore Practical Astronomy Series) [Paperback]

Rod Mollise (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 12, 2008 | ISBN-10: 0387097716 | ISBN-13: 978-0387097718 | Edition: 2009

Choosing and Using the New CAT will supersede the author’s successful Choosing and Using a Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope, which has enjoyed enthusiastic support from the amateur astronomy community for the past seven years. Since the first book was published, a lot has changed in the technology of amateur astronomy. The sophistication and variety of the telescopes available to amateurs has increased dramatically. Computerized SCTs, Maksutov-Cassegrains, and most recently Meade’s new and acclaimed Ritchey-Chrétiens have come to dominate the market. That means that all amateurs considering the purchase of a new telescope (not only a SCT, and not just beginners) will benefit from this detailed guide. Choosing the right telescope for particular kinds of observation (or even for general work) is far from easy – but Rod Mollise gives invaluable advice and guidance.

Editorial Reviews

Review

From the reviews: "This book covers a huge subject: catadioptric telescopes. … It’s an invaluable resource describing what equipment is available, including Schmidt-and Maksutov-Cassegrains and their Newtonian variants. … Mollise includes details of brands such as Sky-Watcher and Orion Optics, increasing the book’s value to a wider audience. … overall this is an enjoyable and very informative book … ." (Steve Richards, Sky at Night Magazine, September, 2009) “If you frequent online discussion areas for astronomical assistance or amusement, you’ve no doubt seen a message or 20 from ‘Uncle Rod’ Mollise. … His latest book tackles one of his favorite subjects: the compact … powerful catadioptric telescope (a ‘CAT’), which comes in Schmidt-Cassegrain, Maksutov, and Ritchey-Chrétien configurations. … Mollise walks you through everything you need to know about these scopes … you can make an informed decision to buy one and operate it effectively.” (Sky & Telescope, April, 2009)

From the Back Cover

Catadioptric telescopes (CATs), such as the Schmidt Cassegrains, are increasingly popular with today’s amateur astronomers and are capable of showing even the novice observer thousands of beautiful deep space wonders. Modern CATs, though, have become increasingly reliant on computers. This allows them to automatically point to and track celestial objects, making astronomy more accessible to more people than ever before. Unfortunately, because of the high-tech nature of these telescopes, selecting one and learning how to use it is often a difficult experience for stargazers both old and new. That’s where Choosing and Using the New CAT comes in. This book guides even the most greenhorn astronomer past the pitfalls encountered on the path to enjoying the beauties and mysteries of the universe. Here you will learn not just which telescope is right for you but how to set up, operate, and maintain the most complex and electronics-laden CAT. There are plenty of tips for keeping the new CAT happy and working correctly, and there is even guidance on advanced applications, such as hooking computers to CATs and using these telescopes to take gorgeous pictures of planets and deep space objects. This book gives readers the benefit of the author’s thirty-five years experience using and enjoying catadioptric telescopes and solving the problems that inevitably crop up. If you dream of owning a telescope or are frustrated by the telescope you already own, this is the book for you!

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Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 2009 edition (December 12, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0387097716
• ISBN-13: 978-0387097718
• Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 0.6 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #152,988 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #38 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Astronomy & Space Science > Star-Gazing

More About the Author

"Uncle" Rod Mollise is familiar to amateur astronomers as the author of numerous books and magazine articles on every aspect of astronomy. He is most well-known, however, for his books on SCTs; especially his latest one, _Choosing and Using a New CAT_ (Springer), which has become the standard reference for these popular instruments.

Rod's previous book, _The Urban Astronomer's Guide_ was designed to help the many amateurs who must do most of their observing from light polluted urban and suburban backyards enjoy the deep sky, and has proven to be very popular with both novice and veteran astronomers.

Rod's writings can also be found in astronomy magazines including _Sky and Telescope_, Amateur Astronomy Magazine, Astronomy Technology Today, and on numerous online forums including his website, Rod's Astro Land:

http://skywatch.brainiac.com/astroland

Uncle Rod is an engineer by profession, but he also finds time to teach astronomy to undergraduates at the University of South Alabama in Mobile.

When he's not on the road speaking at star parties and astronomy clubs, Rod shares a rambling old Victorian home,"Chaos Manor South," in Mobile's historic Garden District, with his wonderful wife, Dorothy, three cats and, at last count, twelve telescopes.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for SCT beginners January 30, 2009

By Doug B

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I am familiar with "Uncle" Rod Mollise's writing from several astronomy websites he owns or is a member of. Most deal with the type telescope known as the "SCT", short for Schmidt Cassegrain Telescope.
He is an acknowledged guru of this scope type, and I have found his advice to be very good.
If you are just thinking of getting your first SCT, or have already bought one, but are swimming in deep water, this is the book for you. It covers most of the subject matter you would be asking about, and even includes a profile of certain scope makes and models, plus a section on eyepieces and accessories to use in them. I highly recommend this book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Everything you need to know before jumping in. September 9, 2011

By Houston here

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is a no-nonsense book that tells all. Telescope brands by name are compared, giving strengths and weaknesses. Techniques for success are described in detail. The author leaves nothing to guesswork. He evens covers the psychology of making the commitment to become an amateur astronomer. If it is not for you, do not make the financial investment. It is rare to fined as balanced a guide, especially considering the scope (so to speak) of the topic. Very highly recommended. (And the basis for MY financial commitment for a hobby to last me the rest of my life.)

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read! January 15, 2010

By James L. Wise

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I had become familiar with "Uncle Rod's" wealth of experience from his entries on Cloudy Nights forums. Then I discovered his online "Used CAT" guide. Wow, what a lot of information for an equipment junkie or anyone interested in astronomy. Then the coup-de-gras, this updated guide on Cat scopes and almost every other topic of interest to an amateur astronomer! I have read every word several times over. If I had only read it BEFORE I whipped out the old credit card and bought that last scope trying to reach observing nirvana I would have saved a lot of money and frustration. I am a CEO of a popular educational publishing company and I know how much work and love goes into such a tome. It is extremely up to date and that is not easy in such a fast moving hobby.