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The Urban Astronomer: A Practical Guide for Observers in Cities and Suburbs (Wiley Science Editions)by Gregory L Matloff
Synopses & Reviews
With congestion in both urban and suburban areas on the rise, amateur astronomers face special challenges in observing celestial objects. Light and air pollution are only two of the factors that impede urban skywatching. The Urban Astronomer is the first observation handbook for the amateur astronomer living in an urban or suburban center. From the phases of the Moon to the polar ice caps of Mars, The Urban Astronomer describes not only the planets, stars, comets, meteors, and asteroids most easily viewed from city locations, but the best ways and times to observe them. Youll discover objects that are visible to the naked eye as well as those that require binoculars or telescopes. And youll learn how to choose the best equipment for sky-gazing from your rooftop, local park, or backyard. Beginning with a historical perspective on the subject and an introduction to astronomical mythology, The Urban Astronomer goes on to discuss patterns in the sky, including many simple activities to enjoy during each of the four seasons. Youll learn how to observe the Moon and its relationship to Earth and tides. Venus, Mars, Jupiters Galilean Moons, Saturns rings, and more will become regular stops on your nightly sky tour. Unusual stars like Delta Cepheus, Mira, and Alcor and deep sky objects like the Great Nebula in Andromeda, the Orion Nebula, and the Pleiades can become familiar night sights. The Urban Astronomer also takes you to where youll monitor sunspots and solar flares. A detailed discussion of eclipses and associated phenomena shows you how to conduct an observation that is both exciting and safe. Youll also find predictions of planet positions and eclipses through the year 2000; handy checklists that help you plan skywatching outings; and star charts specifically developed for urban and suburban observation that guide your voyage through the nighttime skies. Written in an easy, nontechnical style that makes stargazing both easy and fun and replete with checklists, activities, and illustrations, The Urban Astronomer is must reading for anyone who wants to explore the astronomical vistas from within the confines of civilization.
A complete guide for the amateur astronomer living in an urban or suburban center… The Urban Astronomer If you think a trip to the country is necessary to observe celestial objects, take a second look. Viewing the sky from an urban location can be just as fun and educational — if you know how to go about it. The Urban Astronomer shows amateur and more advanced astronomers the best ways and times to observe celestial objects from a city or suburban environment. Complete with detailed illustrations, The Urban Astronomer: <UL><LI>Shows readers how to overcome the special problems of viewing the sky from cities and suburbs, such as light pollution<LI>Describes in detail those objects most easily viewed from a city location<LI>Includes many sky activities that can be enjoyed by novice and experienced urban astronomers<LI>Provides helpful tips and checklists for preparing your own stargazing outing<LI>Covers objects for naked-eye observation as well as those that need binoculars or telescopes and describes the best equipment for the urban stargazer</UL>
A complete guide for the amateur astronomer living in an urban or suburban center The Urban Astronomer If you think a trip to the country is necessary to observe celestial objects, take a second look. Viewing the sky from an urban location can be just as fun and educational — if you know how to go about it. The Urban Astronomer shows amateur and more advanced astronomers the best ways and times to observe celestial objects from a city or suburban environment. Complete with detailed illustrations, The Urban Astronomer:
Includes bibliographical references (p. 169-177) and index.
About the Author
About the author GREGORY L. MATLOFF, PhD, is a consulting astronomer for the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. He is an Adjunct Professor at Long Island University and a former Chairman of the Department of Mathematics, St. Hilda's and St. Hugh's School, New York. He has also been a professor at Pace University and The City University of New York. Dr. Matloff is the author of numerous technical and popular articles on interstellar travel and is the coauthor with Eugene Mallove of The Starflight Handbook.
Table of Contents
Are Those Lights in the Skies Stars?.
Patterns in the Sky.
Goddess of the Night.
Wandering Stars: The Planets of Our Solar System.
To View the Sun--and the Dragon That Stalks It.
Visitors in the Sky.
Chapter References and Notes.
Resources for the Urban Astronomer: To See Farther.
Glossary of Astronomical Terms.
What Our Readers Are Saying
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