Astronomy Hacks. Tips and Tools for Observing the Night Sky
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Author(s): R. Thompson and B. Thompson
Publisher: O'Reilly
ISBN: 0596100604
Format: softback
388pp
Price: £17.50
Review Date: 07 July 2005
Review: Astronomy Hacks, written by amateur astronomers, is a collection of their hard-won knowledge: everything from advice on choosing, using, and maintaining equipment to observing tips and tricks, to short essays explaining the concepts needed to understand to make the most of your hobby. The book is divided into four chapters. The first, Getting Started, answers most of the common newcomer’s questions, including choosing the best telescopes and binoculars, helping you avoid the most common errors. The next chapter is on ‘Observing Hacks’, and explains everything from fundamental concepts to tips and tricks for getting the most detail from very dim objects, to organizing your records, to sketching objects. Chapter three, Scope Hacks, explains how to tweak, modify, upgrade, and maintain your telescope. The last chapter is on accessorizing: choosing and using accessories.