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Backyard Astronomer's Guide, Third Edition - Book Review
Dec 22 2009 09:29 AM | Jordan McCullough in Observing Books
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In this third edition of The Backyard Astronomer's Guide, authors Dickinson and Dyer present a comprehensive and thorough review of all-things of astronomical viewing. The book begins by immediately delving into the tools recommended for viewing, from budget-conscious binoculars to serious refractor and SCT offerings.
The first few chapters covering observational equipment is merely the beginning of this exceptionally thorough book. Once beyond viewing equipment itself, accessories, mounts, filters, and even methods of alignment and collimation or discussed in detail. However, more than just binoculars and telescopes are examined and makes this book an excellent reference and teaching tool
The Backyard Astronomer's guide is certainly written as an introductory tour of all-things astronomy, and does an excellent job of immersing the reader in sky-related topics including light pollution, solar viewing precautions, and brief discussions of lunar and planetary phenomena. Of course, for the star gazer looking for a better understanding of sky chart reading, star hopping, and even a little bit of historical anecdotes, they need look no further as this is covered as well.
As many a new astronomer might aspire, astrophotograhy is one of the reasons for jumping into the field of astronomy. The sheer magnitude of options, accessories, and necessities can be overwhelming and even a frustrating at times. Again, The Astronomer's Guide fills the void of frustrating and multitude of questions with recommended setups and processes for such photographic endeavors.
This is a must-read book for anyone new to the field of astronomy. Those who have already been in the field or dabbled in astronomy and telescope research may find some areas of the text redundant--but for those fresh to the fun of observing, understanding, and searching the skies, The Backyard Astronomer's Guide is a book that should be on the bookshelf.
The first few chapters covering observational equipment is merely the beginning of this exceptionally thorough book. Once beyond viewing equipment itself, accessories, mounts, filters, and even methods of alignment and collimation or discussed in detail. However, more than just binoculars and telescopes are examined and makes this book an excellent reference and teaching tool
The Backyard Astronomer's guide is certainly written as an introductory tour of all-things astronomy, and does an excellent job of immersing the reader in sky-related topics including light pollution, solar viewing precautions, and brief discussions of lunar and planetary phenomena. Of course, for the star gazer looking for a better understanding of sky chart reading, star hopping, and even a little bit of historical anecdotes, they need look no further as this is covered as well.
As many a new astronomer might aspire, astrophotograhy is one of the reasons for jumping into the field of astronomy. The sheer magnitude of options, accessories, and necessities can be overwhelming and even a frustrating at times. Again, The Astronomer's Guide fills the void of frustrating and multitude of questions with recommended setups and processes for such photographic endeavors.
This is a must-read book for anyone new to the field of astronomy. Those who have already been in the field or dabbled in astronomy and telescope research may find some areas of the text redundant--but for those fresh to the fun of observing, understanding, and searching the skies, The Backyard Astronomer's Guide is a book that should be on the bookshelf.
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