Sky Atlas for Small Telescopes and Binoculars: The Beginners Guide to Successful Deep Sky Observing [Paperback]

David S. Chandler (Author), Billie E. Chandler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1995

Anyone who uses a telescope needs a sky atlas as a guide to finding star clusters, nebulae, galaxies, double stars, etc. The problem is most sky atlases assume the user has at least a 6-inch diameter telescope, whereas the vast majority of beginners start with small 2.5 inch to 4-inch telescopes. Beginners may meet with frustration attempting to view objects too faint for their equipment. Sky Atlas for Small Telescopes and Binoculars fills the literature vacuum for users of telescopes in this size range.

With two polar charts and six vertical gores (reminiscent of the classic Norton's Star Atlas) Sky Atlas for Small Telescopes and Binoculars covers the whole sky down to 6th magnitude stars and maps nearly 200 deep sky objects, with accompanying descriptions and small detail maps on the facing page. Every object shown here is visible (in dark skies) with either a 2.5 inch diameter telescope or a common pair of binoculars. This atlas will help the beginner with minimal equipment.

In addition introductory material discusses how to observe the sky, selection of equipment, an overview of what is visible in the Milky Way and beyond, instructions for using the atlas, and recommendations for the next steps in observing. A resource list of books, software, and periodicals for the observer is included.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"For small telescopes and binoculars, these charts and reference materials provide a fine selection of objects that can be seen and appreciated in the night sky, "our window to the universe." Here are deep sky objects, celestial objects beyond our solar system. By starting small (the moon and planets first), the viewer progresses into open star clusters, globular star clusters, nebulae, supernova, galaxies, and binary stars.... A step by step approach, the drawings are clear and details, and a table is present on many pages.... In clear prose, the Chandlers offer a vast array of knowledge from their own experience. And some good advice for supplementing current knowledge with astronomical software which the Chandlers also provide. A distinguished excursion." -- The Book Reader, Fall 1996

About the Author

David Chandler has taught astronomy, physics, and mathematics at the high school and college levels since the early 1970's and is an active amateur astronomer. He has built telescopes ranging from 6 inches to 25 inches diameter and has helped found the Pomona Valley Amateur Astronomers and the Tule River Amateur Astronomers. He has a BS in Physics from Harvey Mudd College, an MA in Education from Claremont Graduate School, and an MS in Mathematics from California Polytechnic University. Besides teaching he writes astronomy software, does custom star mapping and consulting for science toy companies, and has published a number of charts and books designed to help beginners become successful in observational astronomy.
[e-mail]

Billie Chandler became interested in astronomy when her children were given a telescope by a relative. She subscribed to astronomy periodicals, took an astronomy course at a local college, and started looking into what could be seen with amateur-sized equipment. About the time Halley's Comet (1985-86) she bought a 10" Dobsonian telescope and started observing regularly, first with the Idyll Gazers in Idyllwild CA, then with the Pomona Valley Amateur Astronomers. There she met, and later married David Chandler. She is one of the first women in the United States to earn the Herschel award from the Astronomical League. She has sketched hundreds of astronomical objects at the eyepiece. Most of the descriptions in Sky Atlas for Small Telescopes and Binoculars are based on her observing notes. She currently operates David Chandler Company, which publishes astronomy software, and astronomy-related charts and literature. [e-mail]

Product Details

• Paperback: 24 pages
• Publisher: David Chandler Co. (January 1, 1995)
• ISBN-10: 0961320729
• ISBN-13: 978-0961320720
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,716,729 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)