Visual Astronomy in the Suburbs: A Guide to Spectacular Viewing (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series) [Paperback]

Antony Cooke (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1852337079 | ISBN-13: 978-1852337070 | Publication Date: September 12, 2003 | Edition: 1st Edition.

The only practical guide to observing truly spectacular astronomical objects from less than perfect locations. The only book to deal in depth with the application of image intensifiers to real-time astronomy. Gives advice on viewing objects, and on making realistic images by drawing or video. Includes extensive catalogs of spectacular objects that can be seen from suburban sites in both hemispheres.

Editorial Reviews

Review

From the reviews: "This book is clear, well laid out … and is divided into sections on equipment, techniques for seeing and results of actual observations and captured images. … It is good in what it sets out to do … ." (David Fox, Astronomy & Space, May, 2005) "In a series of ten chapters, the author describes how the Moon, planets and deep sky objects can be observed in real time by using a telescope equipped with auxiliary equipment designed to counteract the deleterious effects of light pollution. As the many excellent images in the book attest, it is now possible to enjoy the thrills of deep space exploration from the comfort of your urban backyard … . This book is a must buy for the city astronomer." (Neil English, Astronomy Now, May, 2004) "Visual Astronomy in the Suburbs is aimed squarely at today’s observer who is often confined to the rosy glow of city living. It is a comprehensive guide to getting the most out of your evenings under the stars. The book is dedicated purely to ‘real time’ observing. … is a fantastic companion to a good star atlas and should be considered an essential for today’s amateur who has to endure light pollution. … Buy the book and take your observing to the next level." (Cameron Jack, Southern Stars, Vol. 43 (1), March, 2004) "Because the whole gamut of observing is so huge, the author has restricted the content to ‘live’ visual observing only, and expressly visual observing from a typical light polluted suburban environment. … The author has very definite ideas about these subjects, and these are expressed clearly throughout. … this distinctive book remains full of great ideas and insight relevant to visual observers who are keen to use a bit of technology in support of their hobby/obsession, for observers at all locations." (Roger Feasey, AAS - Auckland Astronomical Society Journal, April, 2004) "Every backyard skygazer cherishes skies so dark they look deep, deep gray due to unresolved, faint starlight. But the reality for most of us is a suburban site full of compromises. California amateur astronomer Anthony Cooke has written a valuable book that accepts these limitations and shows how you can explore the heavens from home." (www.Astronomy.com, August, 2004)

Product Details

• Paperback: 277 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 1st Edition. edition (September 12, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1852337079
• ISBN-13: 978-1852337070
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 5.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,056,251 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Mistitled; should be: Image intensifiers and 18" newts and how to use them, October 23, 2005

By 

Kitkat (Seattle WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Visual Astronomy in the Suburbs: A Guide to Spectacular Viewing (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series) (Paperback)

That should be the title to this book-- because it addresses little else applicable or useful to those using different equipment in an urban observing program. Frankly, this book reads like an infomercial for Collin's image intensifiers--who wrote the forward and the only technical chapter in the whole volume, an appendix chapter detailing the specifications of his image intensifiers. Other specialized urban observing techniques and problems/solutions are covered sketchily or not at all--light pollution filters get *one* page total! Weather patterns and their effect upon urban seeing and transparancy are only mentioned in passing. That's all fine *if* a text on the capabilities of image intensifiers as used with large aperture newtonians--on the California seaside, the author's sole observing locale-- is all one is after, but for the majority of urban observers--those not possessing or planning to aquire this type of equipment--there is precious little useful information contained between the covers of this book.

Much space is devoted to examinations of sketching techniques and live video with a large section devoted to a sort of grab bag of lunar and planetary features. These expansions have nothing to do with the purported subject of this book and are in any case much better addressed in the many excellent books devoted to those specific subjects.

In the deep sky sections the many drawings and video captures are virtually all illustrate the view to be had through use of an image intensifier, rendering them less than useful for a typical visual urban observer not using such costly devices.

In sum, this book probably represents the best text available concerning the capabilities of image intensifier use on large aperture telescopes--but communicates little of value to the urban/suburban observer otherwise.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Really Helpful Book ! His Advice Works!, January 25, 2007

By 

Kathryn Wilson "Surfybroad" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Visual Astronomy in the Suburbs: A Guide to Spectacular Viewing (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series) (Paperback)

GREAT BOOK - REALLY HELPFUL With practical advice that assisted in my viewing techniques. I had previously considered only a few deep space objects to be viewable from my home. Instead, by combining all of the options available today, the writer shows that our viewing potential is now less limited in poor locations. Plus, not only did he open my eyes to new ways to look at things in deep space, but runs the entire gamut to include new insights on the moon and planets, staples of the city dweller.

Cooke offers many solutions, and image intensifiers and huge scopes are certainly not the only ones, as I have read in more than one place! He merely tries to explore every possibility at these locations, so it baffles me that one reader was not more open to the various ideas, Cooke presents. Plus, there are also loads of illustrations. I particularly liked the catalogs of potential deep space objects for miserable skies.

Highly recommended, this book is probably already a classic to those who have it; essential reading for every suburban astronomer.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good read, December 6, 2005

By 

JR - See all my reviews

This review is from: Visual Astronomy in the Suburbs: A Guide to Spectacular Viewing (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series) (Paperback)

At last a book with some real options and solutions for suburban viewing, other
than the futile task of trying to persuade the rest of the world to turn down the
lights! The author makes a valiant effort to cover as many bases as possible, and
there's something for everyone in this book. Everything from equipment and
accessories to practical observing are tackled; it is clear some things remain
unaffected, while others have become virtually impossible without some of the more
radical solutions the author describes. The illustrations are also particularly
appropriate in providing visual clues for a wide range of equipment possibilities.