Visual Astronomy Under Dark Skies: A New Approach to Observing Deep Space [Paperback]

Antony Cooke (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1852339012 | ISBN-13: 978-1852339012 | Publication Date: May 26, 2005 | Edition: 1st Edition.

Provide the reader with everything he needs to know about what to observe, and using some of today’s state-of-the-art technique and commercial equipment, how to get superb views of faint and distant astronomical objects. Only guide to live observation of deep space, utilizing modern image enhancement techniques (image intensifiers and CCD video monitors) Detailed information supplied on the image intensifiers and CCD video monitors Explains how to select and prepare sites for live viewing.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Cooke is 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. Highly recommended for visual observers who want to push their eyeball observing to the limit.                 --Roger Feasey, in the Journal of the Auckland Astronomical Society

From the Back Cover

Patrick Moore’s Practical Astronomy Series VISUAL ASTRONOMY UNDER DARK SKIES A New Approach to Observing Deep Space     Modern astronomical telescopes, along with other advances in technology, have brought the deep sky – star clusters, nebulae and the galaxies – within visual reach of amateur astronomers. It isn’t necessary to image deep-sky objects in order to see them; you look at them in real-time by using modern observing techniques and enhancement technology. The first requirement is a truly dark observing site. Given a location with clear, dark night skies everything else follows… this book contains all you need to know about what to observe, how to get superb views of faint and distant astronomical objects, and how to use the best of today’s commercial equipment for visual observing.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 1st Edition. edition (May 26, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1852339012
• ISBN-13: 978-1852339012
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,036,734 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #69 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Astronomy & Space Science > Telescopes

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Misleading Title, September 4, 2010

By 

Nomad (lost) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Visual Astronomy Under Dark Skies: A New Approach to Observing Deep Space (Paperback)

I found the title of the book to be misleading. A better title would have been "Using Video Astronomy Equipment in the Desert." The author is certainly keen on using image intensifiers (night vision eyepieces) and video cameras attached to his scope. Had I known what the book was really about; I wouldn't have purchased it.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars I3 Image intensifier fans only, January 2, 2012

By 

Charles Hall (Raleigh, NC USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Visual Astronomy Under Dark Skies: A New Approach to Observing Deep Space (Paperback)

The other reviewer is correct, the title of this book is woefully misleading. By "visual" the author appears to mean live electronic imaging as opposed to time-exposure images.

In particular, this book is about using the Collins I3 image intensifier, by itself and in conjunction with a Stellacam II. I've never seen any mention of the I3 image intensifier, so if you have this gadget the book is probably one you should have.

There's a little on the Stellacam II, but really you would do better with Deep-Sky Video Astronomy (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series) Here it's exclusively paired with the I3.

The author includes a lot of other general information about packing up for a trip to a dark site and includes photos (captured via Stellacam) of what you can see with his giant Dobsonian. But the writing style is pretty wordy and the photos are not very exciting.

So I rate this as a kind of niche book, not something for the general reader.

For more on this technology, see the Collins website at [...], as of Jan. 2012 they're showing a price tag of $3000 for the I3 image intensifier!