Light Hearted Astronomer (Paperback)

by Ken Fulton (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 115 pages
• Publisher: Astromedia Corp (June 1984)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0913135011
• ISBN-13: 978-0913135013
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,057,446 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great cloudy night read for fledgling amateur astronomers, February 6, 1998

By A Customer

This is the book that kept the hobby in perspective for me when I first was captured by the wonders of the night sky. This is a fun, quick read and should be mandatory reading before someone can buy a telescope.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Witty and Insightful - an Enjoyable and Educational Read!, January 26, 2005

By	George A. Reynolds (Virginia Beach, VA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Though written in 1984, Ken Fulton's book, The Light-Hearted Astronomer is as up-to-date as can be, for the advice he gives budding amateur astronomers is timeless. He cautions that once bitten by the astronomy bug, serious complications can ensue -- and he happily warns how to avoid the pitfalls of the "jungle" that's out there.

The title tells all about Fulton and his happy-go-lucky attitude toward life and astronomy. He writes with a light heart, and with gentle humor to get his points across. Astronomers are a strange breed according to him. "Strange things turn them on", he says; "dismal points of light . . . playing cosmic peek-a-boo . . . quiet parties on a starlit mountaintop," and more. For some, astronomy is a science; for others, an escape from everyday life.

He cautions newbies who start out to beware of the temptations and snares in the astronomy jungle. Don't run out and buy a telescope, and above all don't buy one in a department store. He says to do your homework, read magazines, books, talk to other astronomers, and don't believe all the advertisements. Don't be bamboozled by the hype and the colorful pictures.

He describes the different types and sizes of telescopes and compares relative costs, and why they may vary. He suggests you go easy on buying accessories. Start out with a couple of decent eyepieces and a Barlow lens, and decide later what else you really need. "Beware of telescope fever," he says, and gives eight "survival tips" on how to brave the wilds of the jungle.

The author warns, with a twinkle in his eye, "You do not need that set of 64 eyepieces." He advises, "Face it, unless you're gonna use them for chess pieces, you don't need that many."

The chapters are short, and the book is thin, only 115 paperbacked pages, but he covers a lot of ground. Like deciding what type of astronomer you really want to be; a do-it-yourselfer, into amateur telescope making, or a gadget-lover, or a shutterbug, an aesthetic, or a casual scientific astronomer. And the question of whether to specialize . . . on planets, deep-sky objects, meteors . . . ? "You don't have to make a decision right away, just go out and have fun."

With easy humor he tells of mistakes, like money spent foolishly, things broken and lost, getting in trouble with the spouse, and says, "I can laugh now -- even while crying -- at my blunders and bloopers." Fulton advises, "Get mad, and kick and spit -- but don't quit. And don't forget to laugh."

He sums up the book with some final thoughts. Be patient and understanding -- with yourself and your neighbors and family. Don't feel guilty for NOT observing on a clear night; and don't become an astroholic and lose your family. Cut your family and your neighbors some slack, even when they leave lights on and do not appear to appreciate your passion. Even when things that didn't bother you "B. T." (before telescope) really bug you now. Take it easy, lighten up. "No one ever said astronomy was easy," he concludes, "Go gently into that good night. Happy star trails, and God speed!"

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A real gem of a book. Laugh out loud funny!, July 16, 2003

By A Customer

A newbie's guide written by a cynic. Extremely helpful information to the newcomer wanting to buy a telescope, even useful for the experienced observer thinking of buying a second scope. But what REALLY makes this book special are the hilarious anecdotes and on-target descriptions of familiar companies with the names thinly disguised. Far and away the funniest book on amateur astronomy ever published. A must read!