Visual Astronomy in the Suburbs: A Guide to Spectacular Viewing (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series) (Paperback)

~ Antony Cooke (Author)
Key Phrases: deep space viewing, suburban viewing, intensified viewing, Suburbs Figure, Canes Venatici, Ursa Major (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Many amateur astronomers live in or near cities and have to carry out their observing from relatively light-polluted sites. Fortunately this is not the problem it used to be, and a combination of skill, observing techniques, and modern technology, such as image-intensifiers, can now be used to astonishing effect to view the night sky in real-time. Illustrating the book with images and some of his own superb drawings, Antony Cooke explains how to observe some of the most spectacular objects from less than perfect observing sites.

·The only practical guide to observing truly spectacular astronomical objects from less than perfect locations ·The only book to deal in depth with the application of image intensifiers to real-time astronomy ·Includes extensive catalogs of spectacular objects that can be seen from suburban sites in both hemispheres ·Gives advice on viewing objects and on making realistic images by drawing or video ·Contains spectacular images and drawings from the author's own collection

Product Details

• Paperback: 265 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 1 edition (September 12, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1852337079
• ISBN-13: 978-1852337070
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 5.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,218,789 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Mistitled; should be: Image intensifiers and 18" newts and how to use them, October 23, 2005

By	Kitkat (Seattle WA) - See all my reviews

That should be the title to this book-- because it addresses little else applicable or useful to those using different equipment in an urban observing program. Frankly, this book reads like an infomercial for Collin's image intensifiers--who wrote the forward and the only technical chapter in the whole volume, an appendix chapter detailing the specifications of his image intensifiers. Other specialized urban observing techniques and problems/solutions are covered sketchily or not at all--light pollution filters get *one* page total! Weather patterns and their effect upon urban seeing and transparancy are only mentioned in passing. That's all fine *if* a text on the capabilities of image intensifiers as used with large aperture newtonians--on the California seaside, the author's sole observing locale-- is all one is after, but for the majority of urban observers--those not possessing or planning to aquire this type of equipment--there is precious little useful information contained between the covers of this book.

Much space is devoted to examinations of sketching techniques and live video with a large section devoted to a sort of grab bag of lunar and planetary features. These expansions have nothing to do with the purported subject of this book and are in any case much better addressed in the many excellent books devoted to those specific subjects.

In the deep sky sections the many drawings and video captures are virtually all illustrate the view to be had through use of an image intensifier, rendering them less than useful for a typical visual urban observer not using such costly devices.

In sum, this book probably represents the best text available concerning the capabilities of image intensifier use on large aperture telescopes--but communicates little of value to the urban/suburban observer otherwise.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Really Helpful Book ! His Advice Works!, January 25, 2007

By	Kathryn Wilson "Surfybroad" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

GREAT BOOK - REALLY HELPFUL With practical advice that assisted in my viewing techniques. I had previously considered only a few deep space objects to be viewable from my home. Instead, by combining all of the options available today, the writer shows that our viewing potential is now less limited in poor locations. Plus, not only did he open my eyes to new ways to look at things in deep space, but runs the entire gamut to include new insights on the moon and planets, staples of the city dweller.

Cooke offers many solutions, and image intensifiers and huge scopes are certainly not the only ones, as I have read in more than one place! He merely tries to explore every possibility at these locations, so it baffles me that one reader was not more open to the various ideas, Cooke presents. Plus, there are also loads of illustrations. I particularly liked the catalogs of potential deep space objects for miserable skies.

Highly recommended, this book is probably already a classic to those who have it; essential reading for every suburban astronomer.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good read, December 6, 2005

By	JR - See all my reviews

At last a book with some real options and solutions for suburban viewing, other
than the futile task of trying to persuade the rest of the world to turn down the
lights! The author makes a valiant effort to cover as many bases as possible, and
there's something for everyone in this book. Everything from equipment and
accessories to practical observing are tackled; it is clear some things remain
unaffected, while others have become virtually impossible without some of the more
radical solutions the author describes. The illustrations are also particularly
appropriate in providing visual clues for a wide range of equipment possibilities.