Astronomy Hacks

Description:

Do you relish viewing and identifying celestial objects? Whether you're a first timer or an advanced hobbyist, you will find Astronomy Hacks makes a brilliant cosmic companion. Why use the traditional approach in admiring and studying the stars when you can turn computers, handheld devices, and telescopes into star gazing tools for an out-of-this-world experience?

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.

 

Table of Contents:

Credits  

Preface  

Chapter 1. Getting Started 

      1. Don't Give Up  

      2. Join an Astronomy Club  

      3. Safety First  

      4. Stay Warm  

      5. Don't Violate Observing Site Etiquette  

      6. Be Prepared  

      7. Measure Your Entrance Pupil Size  

      8. Choose the Best Binocular  

      9. Choose the Best General-Purpose Telescope  

      10. Equip Yourself for Urban Observing  

Chapter 2. Observing Hacks 

      11. See in the Dark  

      12. Protect Your Night Vision from Local Lights  

      13. Describe the Brightness of an Object  

      14. Identify Stars by Name  

      15. Identify Stars by Catalog Designations  

      16. Know Your Constellations  

      17. Understand Celestial Coordinate Systems  

      18. Print Custom Charts  

      19. Keep Your Charts at the Eyepiece  

      20. Locate Objects Geometrically  

      21. Learn to Star Hop  

      22. Learn to See DSOs  

      23. Observe Shallow-Space Objects  

      24. Slow Down, You Move Too Fast, You've Got to Make the Evening Last  

      25. Learn Urban Observing Skills  

      26. Sweep Constellations  

      27. Maintain an Observing Notebook  

      28. Develop an Organized Logging System  

      29. Plan and Prepare for a Messier Marathon  

      30. Run a Messier Marathon  

      31. Photograph the Stars with Basic Equipment  

      32. Discover and Name a New Planet  

Chapter 3. Scope Hacks 

      33. Center-Spot Your Mirror  

      34. Clean Your Primary Mirror  

      35. Eliminate Astigmatism  

      36. Eliminate Diffraction Spikes and Increase Contrast  

      37. Build a Film Can Collimating Tool  

      38. Tune Your Newtonian Reflector for Maximum Performance  

      39. Collimate Your Primary Mirror Quickly and Accurately  

      40. Star-Collimate Your Scope  

      41. Counterweight a Dobsonian Scope  

      42. Improve Dobsonian Motions with Milk Jug Washers  

      43. Upgrade Your Dobsonian Bearings  

Chapter 4. Accessory Hacks 

      44. Dark Adapt Your Notebook Computer  

      45. Dark Adapt Your Vehicle  

      46. Use a Barlow  

      47. Determine Actual Barlow Magnification  

      48. See More of the Sky  

      49. Optimize Your Eyepiece Collection  

      50. Chart Your Eyepiece Characteristics  

      51. View Dim Objects in the Same Field as a Very Bright Object  

      52. Clean Your Eyepieces and Lenses Safely  

      53. Install a Unit-Power Finder  

      54. Upgrade Your Optical Finder  

      55. Align Your Finder  

      56. Determine Your Optical Finder's Field of View  

      57. Determine Your True Field of View  

      58. Enhance Lunar and Planetary Contrast and Detail  

      59. Enhance Nebular Contrast and Detail  

      60. Please Be Seated  

      61. Stash Your Gear in a Photographer's Vest or Fanny Pack  

      62. Use a Voice Recorder for Logging  

      63. Build or Buy an Equatorial Platform  

      64. Make Your Computer Work for You  

      65. Astronomy Software in the Palm of Your Hand  

Index