Meteors and How to Observe Them (Astronomers' Observing Guides) (Paperback)

by Robert Lunsford (Author) "This chapter briefly discusses the process in which a meteoroid in space encounters Earth's atmosphere and becomes visible as a meteor..." (more)
Key Phrases: parent comets, radiant drift, radiant study, New York, Sirko Molau, Working List of Meteor Showers (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The focus of this book is to introduce the novice to the art of meteor observing. It explains in straightforward language how best to view meteor activity under a variety of conditions, regardless of the observer's location. Instead of focusing on just one region in the world, the book includes observing conditions for four different regions such as high northern latitudes, low northern latitudes, equatorial regions, and low southern latitudes. The observing conditions for each meteor shower are vastly different from these regions and this book would be valuable to any potential observer from Australia to Alaska.This will be a valuable tool for all observers, regardless of their experience level - and even those located in the southern hemisphere and the tropical areas of the world. The calendar chapters list activity as it occurs throughout the year. The list is limited to showers that the amateur observer can actually see (some sources list radiants that are impossible to observe without photographic or video methods). Not only are the annual showers discussed, but the random sporadic meteor activity is also included for each region. This is important, as there are many more nights throughout the year when the sporadic background will provide more activity than that provided by the annual showers!"Meteors, and How to Observe Them" contains many pictures of actual meteors against the stellar background, instead of (often-confusing) star charts. It presents meteor shower activity throughout the year in an appealing calendar-like format. Since fireballs are often the first experience many have with meteors (or even astronomy), this topic is discussed in detail, and includes fireball activity as it occurs throughout the year. While much of this activity is unpredictable, there are certain periods when the observer has a much better chance of seeing one of these spectacular events. Finally, the ultimate goal of this book is to kindle (or re-kindle) an interest in viewing meteor activity up to a level where the observer can effectively contribute to our knowledge of the subject by holding systematic observing sessions that accurately list the meteor activity observed in a particular night.

About the Author
Robert Lunsford has had forty years experience viewing meteors and meteor showers, and is a memberv of the American Meteor Society (AMS) and the International Meteor Organization (IMO).

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 1st edition (December 10, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0387094601
• ISBN-13: 978-0387094601
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,166,797 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best publicly available book on the subject, January 19, 2009

By	Troy Riedel (Williamsburg, VA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

METEORS AND HOW TO OBSERVE THEM is a treasure trove of information that provides the most up-to-date and complete volume of information a meteor shower observer/enthusiast could want. You won't find a better book on this subject on Amazon, guaranteed.

For example, the book starts with a very short introduction - from what meteors are to the definitions of Sporadic Meteors (e.g., random, antihellion, hellion, apex, etc.).

The next several sections cover Major Annual Showers (9), Minor Annual Showers (17), Variable Showers (11) and Daytime/Radio Showers (12).

If that wasn't enough, the latest information & research is presented on potentially new showers - a whopping 19 - that need more study and confirmation.

There is also a chapter on monthly meteor activity (sporadic/random meteors do typically vary month-by-month).

If I were to make one small complaint - and it's very, very minor - it would be that Chapter 8 (of 10 chapters) covers "how to observe" meteors. In my humble opinion, this chapter should have been in the beginning of the book - maybe after the definitions & types of meteors and before the detailed descriptions of individual meteor showers. For inexperienced observers, it seems to me they would want to know "how" to observe before learning "what" to observe. But the bottom-line: all of the information you could ever want or need is here, albeit in a slightly different order than I would have organized it.

Last but not least, the author is quite possibly the most respected American expert on meteors. He is the Coordinator of THE ASSOCIATION OF LUNAR AND PLANETARY OBSERVERS (A.L.P.O.) - METEORS SECTION (check the web site for the latest news & information).

If you are interested in observing meteors - and you're a hobbyist or amateur astronomer - this is the one and only book you need to own.

Note: Serious Meteor Observers, like those who submit detailed observations as scientific data to the AMS or IMO (American & International organizations, respectively), have journals & handbooks that would be a "step-up" from this publication. However, like my title indicates - this book is by far the best publicly available book that I have ever seen on the subject. It's one of, if not the best, title in Springer's "ASTRONOMERS' OBSERVING GUIDE" Series.

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant Guide to "Mother Nature's fascinating Fireworks", June 16, 2009

By	Busy Bee "Smiley" (Perth, Australia) - See all my reviews

Meteors are Mother Nature's fascinating Fireworks, I enjoy them when driving in the countryside away from city lights, and I even plan my flights during Moonless nights and spend the whole flight observing them from the airplane's little window. As for this book, it's simply enjoyable and well presented for amateur astronomers who want to observe Meteors or just read about them. It provides a "summary" of the various types of Meteors and their activities supported by maps and pictures of what to expect; gathered in one little book. References for more complete sources are included at the end of each chapter for those who want more. It's not a book for a novice as it assumes that you have the basic knowledge of how to locate the constellations and navigate your way around the stars. Visual observations of Meteors are fun, a good pair of binoculars for clearer viewing is recommended, many tips exist in the book for an enjoyable experience. With the multitude of books about stars and deep sky objects out there, this one stands out as one of the few references for amateurs about Meteors. Enjoy!!