Choosing and Using a New CAT: Getting the Most from Your Schmidt Cassegrain or Any Catadioptric Telescope (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series) (Paperback)

~ Rod Mollise (Author) "Since you're reading this, I'm guessing you have made an exciting decision: You want a telescope..." (more)
Key Phrases: dew shield, Making Friends, Taking Pictures, Taking Yctures (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

From the reviews:

"This book covers a huge subject: catadioptric telescopes. … It’s an invaluable resource describing what equipment is available, including Schmidt-and Maksutov-Cassegrains and their Newtonian variants. … Mollise includes details of brands such as Sky-Watcher and Orion Optics, increasing the book’s value to a wider audience. … overall this is an enjoyable and very informative book … ." (Steve Richards, Sky at Night Magazine, September, 2009)

Product Description

Choosing and Using the New CAT will supercede the author’s successful Choosing and Using a Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope, which has enjoyed enthusiastic support from the amateur astronomy community for the past seven years.

Since the first book was published, a lot has changed in the technology of amateur astronomy. The sophistication and variety of the telescopes available to amateurs has increased dramatically. Computerized SCTs, Maksutov-Cassegrains, and most recently Meade’s new and acclaimed Ritchey-Chrétiens have come to dominate the market. That means that all amateurs considering the purchase of a new telescope (not only a SCT, and not just beginners) will benefit from this detailed guide. Choosing the right telescope for particular kinds of observation (or even for general work) is far from easy – but Rod Mollise gives invaluable advice and guidance.

Today’s commercially-made astronomical telescopes are more complex than ever, and a new owner will swiftly discover that the manuals shipped with these telescopes leave much to be desired. Further guidance is a must. Choosing and Using the New CAT provides the missing information in a friendly but authoritative fashion, including imaging the solar system and deep space with the CCD cameras, video, and webcams that have almost completely supplanted ‘film’ cameras.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 335 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 1 edition (December 12, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0387097716
• ISBN-13: 978-0387097718
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #225,201 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for SCT beginners, January 30, 2009

By	Douglas Bailey "doug76" (Franklinton, LA. USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I am familiar with "Uncle" Rod Mollise's writing from several astronomy websites he owns or is a member of. Most deal with the type telescope known as the "SCT", short for Schmidt Cassegrain Telescope.
He is an acknowledged guru of this scope type, and I have found his advice to be very good.
If you are just thinking of getting your first SCT, or have already bought one, but are swimming in deep water, this is the book for you. It covers most of the subject matter you would be asking about, and even includes a profile of certain scope makes and models, plus a section on eyepieces and accessories to use in them. I highly recommend this book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Choosing and Using a New CAT: Gettig the Most from Your Schmidt Cassegrain, June 11, 2009

By	Trevor R. Klaproth (Australia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you want to buy a CAT or already own one this book is fantastic. It is up to date and has a great amount of useful data for the future or current owners of these telescopes.

A must have book for possible buyers or owners of CATs.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential reading for CAT lovers, June 10, 2009

By	Bill (Michigan) - See all my reviews

Uncle Rod is THE expert on CAT's and this book does not disappoint. Much down-to-earth advice on these telescopes, written in the author's readable, conversational style. My only regret: Wish I'd read this before I bought my own CAT.