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Astronomy Hacks (Paperback)

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Key Phrases: altitude hubs, altitude pads, azimuth pads, Accessory Hacks, Observing Hacks, Getting Started (more...)
4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (59 customer reviews)

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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Why use the traditional approach to study the stars when you can turn computers, handheld devices, and telescopes into out-of-this-world stargazing tools? Whether you're a first timer or an advanced hobbyist, you'll find Astronomy Hacks both useful and fun. From upgrading your optical finder to photographing stars, this book is the perfect cosmic companion.

This handy field guide covers the basics of observing, and what you need to know about tweaking, tuning, adjusting, and tricking out a 'scope. Expect priceless tips and tools for using a Dobsonian Telescope, the large-aperture telescope you can inexpensively build in your garage. Get advice on protocols involved with using electronics including in dark places without ruining the party.

"Astronomy Hacks" begins the space exploration by getting you set up with the right equipment for observing and admiring the stars in an urban setting. Along for the trip are first rate tips for making most of observations. The hacks show you how to:

Dark-Adapt Your Notebook Computer

Choose the Best Binocular

Clean Your Eyepieces and Lenses Safely

Upgrade Your Optical Finder

Photograph the Stars with Basic Equipment

The O'Reilly Hacks series has reclaimed the term "hacking" to mean innovating, unearthing, and creating shortcuts, gizmos, and gears. With these hacks, you don't dream it-you do it--and "Astronomy Hacks" brings space dreams to life. The book is essential for anyone who wants to get the most out of an evening under the stars and have memorable celestial adventures.



About the Author

Thompson buys, builds, upgrades, and repairs hundreds of PCs for himself, employers, customers, friends, and clients. He is the author of numerous online training courses and computer books.


Thompson worked for 20 years as a librarian before starting her own home-based consulting practice, Research for Authors, She has been a PC power user for 15 years.

Product Details

  • Paperback: 388 pages
  • Publisher: O'Reilly Media; illustrated edition edition (June 1, 2005)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0596100604
  • ISBN-13: 978-0596100605
  • Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (59 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.com Sales Rank: #52,633 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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    #15 in  Books > Outdoors & Nature > Ecology > Star-Gazing

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Customer Reviews

59 Reviews
5 star:
 (51)
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Average Customer Review
4.8 out of 5 stars (59 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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64 of 68 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, but very biased, January 21, 2006
I have been doing Astronomy since I got my first scope (Edmund Scientific 3" reflector) in 1954, and I teach Astronomy at the college here. I still found a lot of useful tips and tricks in this book. The reason for my rating is the author's complete bias toward Dobsonian scopes (and Orion). Plus, they don't like computerized scopes at all. In a field like Astronomy, where the technology is flying forward, it is all too easy for old-timers to get caught up in the "always been good enough for me" syndrome. Just because I learned to find that elusive object by star hopping doesn't mean everyone should. I was particularly struck by their comparison of go-to scopes with auto transmissions in cars. It was obvious they prefer stick shifts as well as Dobsonian scopes. If the Schmidt and Mak scopes were so bad, why are so many experienced astronomers buying them? Same with goto. They are very popular for a reason. If you can ignore the glaring bias, you will get a lot of useful info from this book.
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15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars The astronomy book I was looking for, July 20, 2005
I really enjoyed this book. Where other Astronomy books focus exclusively on the hardware, or on the heavens, this book covers a wider range of topics. From telescope tricks, to how to meet up with astronomy buffs, to what to drink (or not drink) on your viewing nights. While the other books are helpful to teach the theory, this book is the glue that binds the night sky theory with the telescope in the back of the car on a mountain side reality.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars This Book is a must for the Amateur Astronomer!, December 13, 2005
By Mark Lewellen "starznmoon" (Mesquite, TX United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
I have been all over the Internet and have perused just about every bookstore in the Dallas area searching for books and information on amateur astronomy. I was very fortunate to make this book one of my first purchases. The authors are very experienced and passionate amateur astronomers and they provide a wealth of valuable information from purchasing telescopes and equipment all the way through observation techniques and astronomical concepts. This book is a very recent publication and is filled with ideas or "hacks" that center around the very latest technology and equipment that is available in the field of amateur astronomy. The main philosophy around the book is that one does not have to spend thousands of dollars on telescopes, mounts, lens', etc in order to enjoy the hobby at a very high level. This was something that was very important to me since I do not have a very large budget for purchasing my first serious amateur telescope.

It is also worth mentioning that the authors are very biased torwards using Newtonian Reflector telescopes with Dobsonian style mounts, however they do cover all of the telescope types and thier respective advantages, disadvantages, etc.

Overall, this book is a must purchase for anyone who is interested in amateur astronomy and who is looking for that first step. There is information in this book that will also appeal to the more experienced telescope enthusiasts, especially where the telescope modifications are concerned. Amateur Astronomy can get quite expensive and this book will certainly save many beginners from needlessly wasting money on telescopes and equipment!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

1.0 out of 5 stars Boring and nearly useless
I don't know which is sadder, that this miserable and embarrassing book exists - or is it a marketing brochure for the eyepiece industry? Read more
Published 2 months ago by D. R. Lunsford

5.0 out of 5 stars Stellar (pun intended)
I ordered this book encouraged by enthusiastic user reviews, and it actually surpassed my wildest expectations. The book will guide, teach and even entertain you. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Damir Zugec

5.0 out of 5 stars Astronomy Hacks to the Rescue!
In this hectic world of rushing around, some of us are lucky enough to get outside and enjoy the night sky from time to time. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Dave Walz-Burkett

5.0 out of 5 stars Useful Book
This book has lots of good ideas in it.

Well worth the money.
Published 18 months ago by Paul Garland

5.0 out of 5 stars The second book you need for your telescope, after a good observing guide
I wasn't sure what to expect when I ordered this book. I was amazed at how well thought out the "hacks" were and the authors take the time to explain the why of the "hack" with... Read more
Published 19 months ago by James Lummel

5.0 out of 5 stars Good book to read before buying a telescope
My wife gave me a decent telescope for Christmas and by luck got one that's pretty good. This book makes some specific recommendations that would have been useful to have read... Read more
Published 20 months ago by D. Zurcher

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Book
A must have book for anyone getting into astronomy, whether with binoculars or a telescope. It's also a good to buy and read before you buy binoculars or a telescope, as it helps... Read more
Published 21 months ago by Lawrence Maturo

4.0 out of 5 stars A book to grow with as your skills/experience/interest grow
Gazing at the night sky is part of our nature. Whether for scientific and/or aesthetic purposes, we humans are fascinated by the enormity and beauty of the heavens... Read more
Published 22 months ago by Dan Hanson

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb Astronomy Hack
What can I say that has not been said by other reviewers? One of the most informative book available to the amateur astronomer! A must buy.
Published 23 months ago by EW

5.0 out of 5 stars Useful Astronomy Tips
This is a good book to read if you are starting out in astronomy and are beginning to purchase your equipment. Read more
Published 24 months ago by John Smith

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