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Thanks to this thread I now own the Night Sky Observer's Guide, Field Guide to the Deep Sky Objects, and Observing Handbook and Catalogue of Deep-Sky Objects... they all look great, especially NSOG!

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Jeff,
reading and more reading is about all the Flagstaff environs have permitted the last couple of weeks. And no end in sight. My observing guides are getting real dog-eared!
Cheers.
Max

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Tak-Epsilon-180ED f/2.8
SV-115 f/7 TMB design
CGE x 2
SBIG-ST-2000XCM x 2
Canon 40D x 2
TV-.8FocalReducer

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For example, the mathematical rigor involved in celestial mechanics is simply stunning; the discipline of reason is highly refined; and the the historical legacy of it's development helps us stay connected to the giants of thought who boldly conceived the means to accurately and precisely describe planetary motions. And to think that they had little idea that humanity would actually send craft to visit these celestial pathways. Check out the beauty of celestial mechanics, but take it slow, no need to bruise one's brain.

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Now that's a serious list! Let's see, if I bought #5 (4 vols., in German), that ought to at least see me through this cloudy patch. Especially given how rusty my German is. Maybe Heidegger would be a better choice for the German, and McCuskey a better start on celestial mechanics.

Thanks.
Max

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Tak-Epsilon-180ED f/2.8
SV-115 f/7 TMB design
CGE x 2
SBIG-ST-2000XCM x 2
Canon 40D x 2
TV-.8FocalReducer

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Astronomy Books in my library and the one that is in use the most is. When aperture fever hits this will remind you even the small scope has a list of objects.

Deep Sky Observing with Small Telescopes by David Eicher
This was published 1989 by the editors of the out of print magazine Deep Sky (DSM).The first 30 pages are easy to read and great for the beginner. You will find there is a recommendation on eyepieces; Kellners, Orthos, Erfles and Plossl but no mention of the TV line of eyepieces. Also there is mention of works that have passed like Handbook of the Constellions, Skalnate Pleso Atlas of the Heavens amoung others all superseded by Wil Tirion Sky Atlas 2000.
This guide and reference has pictures and drawings on what the view would be. Pictures of the telescopes even though they are black and white most will remember that orange Celestron C5&8 and what about that Celestron 3.5 mak.
The rest of the book from pages 30 to 305 makes reference to double and variable stars, open and globular clusters, planetary-bright-and dark nebulae and galaxies. Each section is easy reading starting with the history, nature, beginning to observe and finally advanced observing techniques. A list is included on each subject for the small scope for example double stars 1127, variable stars 114, open clusters 109, galaxies 758, bright and dark nebulae 233, globular 85 and planetary 63 objects.
Even though this book is out dated a beginner with a small scope would enjoy the observing list from Deep Sky. Advanced observers would take a look back on what was available back in the 80's. Can you find one well Amazon had it listed as out of print but would search their different sources. RTMC I found had a large selection of books that have passed thru the years.

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pete

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Now that's a serious list! Let's see, if I bought #5 (4 vols., in German), that ought to at least see me through this cloudy patch. Especially given how rusty my German is. Maybe Heidegger would be a better choice for the German, and McCuskey a better start on celestial mechanics.

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Schneider isn't for the faint of heart. Here's what it looks like (volume 4 is 1150 pages!). It would be good for a period of extended foggy days. And to hold doors opened, if needed.



I don't believe Smart's Celestial Mechanics ever saw an American reprint. Most copies I've seen are of the Longman's 1953 edition. My copy is a NASA GSFC Library discard.

MacP

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