Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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.

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.

What a unique approach - I didn't imagine what was really possible from my own backyard. The detail in this book is incredible, and put forth in such understandable and compelling terms - it is beautifully presented and the images are fantastic. Everything is covered, from light pollution to image intensifiers. A whole new level of possibility is opened up to us amatuers - this is very exciting!

Great book! Packed with useful information, incredibly thorough and well researched. Cooke is obviously passionate about his subject, and conveys this on every page. Forget sleep, nights are for galaxy gazing, wherever you live.

Visual Astronomy in the Suburbs is expertly written and well punctuated with helpful photographs and illustrations. The author has created the perfect companion for backyard stargazing.

The book is filled with great information! I highly recommend it.