Customer Reviews

Observing the Moon (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Wlasuk's book is a useful reference for amateur observers and contains specific information about many lunar surface features. Illustrations are clear although some of the photography (b&w only) is inferior compared to other similar books. The book contains several observer report templates and are especially useful if the amateur is hunting for so-called Transient Lunar Phenomena, most likely venting of volcanic gas. A CD-ROM (termed a 'lunar atlas') is included. However, several features I wanted to look out were not on the CD! (I.e., the important volcanic crater Aristarchus--possibly still an active area of vulcanism on the Moon). I personally did not agree with the orthodox recounting of how the Moon formed. Fission is still a workable hypothesis. And it is clear the Apollo missions created more questions than answers about the Moon. One unresolved question not mentioned in this book is the tektite controversy. Some evidence (Apollo 12 specimen and Apollo 16 volcanic glasses) points to at least one type of tektite found on Earth as being lunar in origin. Despite these points, I still recommend this volume for your favorite "lunatic." : )

Peter Wlasuk takes us on a tour of the moon and shows us how to see the sights. The one thing that disappointed me was that the included CD-ROM was PC-only. It mostly contains a collection of TIFF formatted images and PDF files, very easy to adapt for multiple platforms.

The first list review is for a different book. Same title, different author (Gerald North).

Wlasuk's book, _Observing the Moon_ is OK if you have nothing else, but there are better references available, for less money. His illustrations are so-so and his explanations somewhat hard to follow. In many cases, his descriptions of lunar features are not illustrated, so one cannot see what he is describing. A better book for the serious lunar astronomer is Ernest Cherrington's _Exploring the Moon With Binoculars and Small Telescopes_, available on Amazon.com for about 1/3 the price of Wlasuk's book.

Gerald North is a prominent and accessible lunar expert who draws upon his experience and expertise in Observing The Moon: The Modern' Astronomer's Guide to provide the reader with some of the most fascinating phenomena on the moon's surface, including practical information on how to find them and explore them. North also offers useful viewing advice that will prove invaluable for both the novice stargazer and the dedicated moonwatcher. He also discusses telescopes, cameras, computer hardware and software for every budget range as he guides the reader in getting the maximum out of his or her available equipment. Observing The Moon includes everything a backyard astronomer needs to know about shooting photos of the moon, addressing time exposures, high-resolution photography and slow films, as well as the optimal processing techniques, equipment and types of film to use. A virtual travel guide to the moon, Observing The Moon is a "must" for personal, professional, academic, and community library astronomy reference collections.