Scientific American The Amateur Astronomer (Scientific American (Wiley)) [Paperback]

Scientific American (Author), Shawn Carlson (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 19, 2000 | ISBN-10: 0471382825 | ISBN-13: 978-0471382829 | Edition: 1

From the longest running column in Scientific American's history comes this collection of fascinating projects for amateur astronomers
For over seventy years, "The Amateur Scientist" column in Scientific American has helped people explore their world and make original discoveries. This collection of both classic and recent articles presents projects for amateur astronomers at all levels. Hands-on astronomy fans will find how to build inexpensive astronomical instruments using ordinary shop-tools. From making a telescope to predicting satellite orbits to detecting the chemical composition of faraway stars, this book has something for everyone interested in practical astronomy.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Founded in 1845, Scientific American is the oldest continuously published magazine in the U.S. Its much-loved column, "The Amateur Scientist," originated some 70 years ago, and now, in the first of a planned series of subject-oriented volumes, its riches are harvested in book form. Astronomy was the first topic the column's contributors focused on, and editor Carlson begins with a selection of how-to articles about building telescopes, most of which were written in the 1950s. In contrast, a set of articles about the Sun leaps forward into the 1990s, and as the collection continues with columns about observing the Moon, planets, comets, and stars, it seems to indicate that these two decades were pivotal ones for amateur sky gazers. Carlson provides fascinating assessments of both how much and how little was known 50 years ago, and he charts the evolution of theories and the rise and resolution of controversies, thus offering invaluable insights into the history of scientific thought and methodology. Technically precise yet always clear, these popular science columns remain vital and exciting. Donna Seaman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

An anthology of interest to the backyard astronomer, from America's leading science magazine. "The Amateur Scientist," as Carlson points out in his brief introduction, has run in Scientific American for over 70 years. From the Start, it has been written for the amateur interested in making observations of various celestial phenomena, often with homemade equipment. The collection of articles from those years is updated to reflect the changes both in technology and in society at large (many supply houses and research sources, for example are now most easily found online). Most of the pieces assume considerable dedication to the task at hand: grinding a telescope mirror (a frequent first project for young scientists), while comparatively inexpensive, involves a substantial investment of time to achieve a precision component. Technical and mathematical sophistication is a given here; readers uncomfortable with equations will soon find themselves at sea. But for those who want to do hands-on science, this is a gold mine: it offers several variations on the basic reflecting telescope, as well as tips on taking astronomical photos and designs for an ocular spectroscope. For those who want to explore beyond the visual spectrum, it gives plans for two homemade radio telescopes. The study of artificial satellites (unheard of in the early days of the column) occupies two chapters. Other projects include two novel sundials (one based on a globe of the earth), instruments to stimulate planetary orbits and pointers on observing specific objects (such as the moon or Jupiter). Where relevant (for example, in regard to solar observations) there are ample safety tip. The writing is for the most part clear, although technical terms are necessarily plentiful.

Certainly not for everyone, but for its intended audience this is an indispensable book.
--Kirkus Reviews, December 1, 2000

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (December 19, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471382825
• ISBN-13: 978-0471382829
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,484,722 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good starting point, February 1, 2009

By 

Francis J. Oreilly "Francis J. O'Reilly" (Mahopac, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Scientific American The Amateur Astronomer (Scientific American (Wiley)) (Paperback)

This book is a credible source of information for the budding amateur astronomer. Scientific American has been on the forefront of the amateur astronomy movement in America for well over one hundred years. With that type of a reputation, it is clear that they are seeking to keep their track record intact.

The Amateur Astronomer addresses fabrication of optical telescopes in Part One in a manner that is adequate to get someone with reasonable skills headed in the right direction. In Parts Two, Three and Four it goes into astronomy and explores various types of observations the amateur can make.

I highly recommend Scientific American's Amateur Astronomer for anyone who is seeking to enter the field of astronomy in a meaningful way.

Francis J. O'Reilly