Jupiter: and How to Observe It (Astronomers' Observing Guides) [Paperback]

John W. McAnally (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 16, 2008 | ISBN-10: 1852337508 | ISBN-13: 978-1852337506 | Edition: 1

ASTRONOMERS’ OBSERVING GUIDES provide up-to-date information for amateur astronomers who want to know all about what it is they are observing. This is the basis of the first part of the book. The second part details observing techniques for practical astronomers, working with a range of different instruments.

Editorial Reviews

Review

From the reviews:

"McAnally gives you the background to make real contributions to our knowledge of Jupiter. He discusses how to make scientifically meaningful visual records as well as CCD images. … The book is a great read: McAnally’s enthusiasm and experience shine through each page, and it’s generously illustrated with color images and diagrams. As the latest addition to Springer’s Astronomers’ Observing Guide series, its scientific accuracy is assured by author, astrophysicist, and series editor Mike Inglis. … is an impeccable must-read for Jupiter enthusiasts!" (Jennifer Birriel, Sky and Telescope, August, 2008)

"Jupiter and How To Observe It by McAnally (Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers) is intended for amateur observers and beginning astronomy students … . The book’s convenient thin size and glossy pages are perfect for easy desktop or telescope-side browsing. … a user-friendly manual for beginners and advanced amateurs. … Helpful images ranging from basic black-and-white to color diagrams, graphs, and pictures aid readers’ understanding of both the science topics and the practical observing concepts. … Summing Up: Recommended. General readers; lower-division undergraduates; practitioners." (J. H. Murphy, CHOICE, Vol. 45 (11), August, 2008)

"It is a book … written by an amateur astronomer who has been analysing Jupiter data for the Association of Lunar & Planetary Observers for several years. … This will prove a very useful book for those new to the giant planet." (Richard McKim, The Observatory, Vol. 128 (1207), December, 2008)

"This is the latest in a long line of … books from Springer. Targeted at amateur astronomers, they aim to combine a résumé of the current state of knowledge … with detailed practical information for the observer. … it may be a worthwhile buy for the experienced planetary observer … ." (David Arditti, Astronomy Now, January, 2009)

From the Back Cover

Jupiter is one of the most spectacular observing targets for amateur astronomers.  There are various books about observing the planets, and several about Jupiter itself, but this is the only book to deal with the giant planet - its formation, structure, and incredible physics - as well as with the practical aspects of observation of the planet and its moons. The concept of the book - and of the series - is to present an up-to-date detailed physical and astrophysical description (part one); and then (part two) to consider how best to observe and image the giant planet. Jupiter and How to Observe It is a mine of information for all levels of amateur observers, from the beginning to the experienced, and will be fascinating reading for all practical amateur astronomers.

Product Details

• Paperback: 218 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 1 edition (January 16, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1852337508
• ISBN-13: 978-1852337506
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #866,361 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars Thorugh, but not complete along with a misconception., October 31, 2011

By 

Ken the Astronomer - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Jupiter: and How to Observe It (Astronomers' Observing Guides) (Paperback)

Thorough, but by no means complete. McAnally's statement(s) that any telescope of less than four inches of aperture is inadequate for serious observation of Jupiter is totally incorrect and clearly biased toward larger observatory based instruments as demonstrated by his repeated use of photographs depicting him at medium to large aperture telescopes. McAnally also neglects to mention that many fine planetary observations were made by serious amateurs in the late 19th and early 20th century employing instruments of three inches aperture and that it is still possible to make such observations with telescopes such as three inch refractors, provided their optical quality is outstanding.

5.0 out of 5 stars Oh, Jupiter [Zeus], the protector or Earth!!, November 5, 2009

By 

Busy Bee "Smiley" (Perth, Australia) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Jupiter: and How to Observe It (Astronomers' Observing Guides) (Paperback)

Browsing through the heavens, I get the familiar warm feeling when seeing my favourite objects out there looking down on me, nothing given me this feeling more than Jupiter. Without Jupiter the night sky looks a bit empty, it's my observing companion on many nights and on early mornings when I'm walking to work.

No doubt, Jupiter has a special place in Earth Civilizations as do many other planets, but this particular one has earned the name god of all gods; and the protector of sky. Seeing this magnificent object in the sky with its visible moons [I managed to view 4 of them]; is a sight to remember. That said; I have to pin point that viewing an object like Jupiter or any other object once you get to know more about its make-up and history leads to a breathtaking appreciation of its might and beauty. This book is a step in the right direction for any one aspiring to learn about this planet and enjoy viewing it and maybe even be one of the fortunate few who will contribute to its science.

Section I: Science of Jupiter

Physical Characteristics, Terminology and Nomenclature, Belts and Zones are all included in exquisite details, you no longer will struggle to describe a feature on Jupiter, you now have in your hands the ability to indicate were each feature is located and how does it look in simple standard terminology that you can transcribe easily and effectively to any one and record it correctly. No more cryptic descriptions like "that strange looking dot with curve around the middle, maybe a bit north or south blah blah"; now you can precisely say "NNTB - North North Temperate Belt" and "GRS - Great Red Spot" and it makes sense to everyone. Chemical Composition, Atmosphere and Electromagnetic field around Jupiter are sufficiently articulate. If the electromagnetic field around earth has ever intrigued you, then get ready to be astounded with the details of the field around Jupiter. Its Moons "The Jovians" are mentioned with satisfactory details; IO, Europa, Ganymede and Calisto; there are books out there dedicated to these moons if desired.

Section II: How to Observe Jupiter

Approximately 50 pages are in three chapters covering equipment, sky conditions and Recording your observations. This is the part that guides you through your observation, both visual and imaging and recording what you see in a useful Logbook and even reporting your observations the correct way which is very important considering the recent events of more Comets Splashing into Jupiter. There is enough information to efficiently enjoy this planet and satisfy your scientific curiosity and make it a pleasurable reading.

Summary: Practical, Informative, Well Illustrated and Enjoyable.

More: July 2009, a "Sharp-Eyed" amateur by the name of Anthony Wesley observed and reported a new dark spot on Jupiter, many professionals in the field of astronomy listened and looked, Amateur Astronomers can still make valuable contributions.