Details

Buying Astronomical Telescopes and Binoculars.- Binoculars.- Telescope Basics.- Refracting Telescopes.- Reflecting Telescopes.- Catadioptric Telescopes.- Accessories.- Binocular Sources.- Telescope Sources.- Using Astronomical Telescopes and Binoculars.- Observing Techniques.- Solar System Observing.- Stellar System Observing.- Deep-Sky Observing.- Conclusion.

<P>Jim Mullaney is an astronomy writer, lecturer and consultant who has published more than 500 articles and five books: he has also been an editor for Sky &amp; Telescope, Astronomy, and Star &amp; Sky magazines. One of the contributors to Carl Sagan’s award-winning Cosmos PBS-Television series, his work has received recognition from such notables as Sir Arthur Clarke, Johnny Carson, Ray Bradbury, Dr. Wernher von Braun, and one of his former students – NASA scientist/astronaut Dr. Jay Apt. </P>

<P>This new guide provides an extensive overview of astronomical binoculars and telescopes. It includes detailed up-to-date information on sources, selection and use of virtually every major type, brand, and model of such instruments on today’s market.</P>
<P>A Buyer’s &amp; User’s Guide to Astronomical Telescopes and Binoculars is written for amateur astronomers and would-be amateur astronomers. Anyone planning to purchase binoculars or telescopes for astronomy – whether as a first instrument or as an upgrade to the next level – will find this book a treasure-trove of information and advice.</P>
<P>But that is just the first part of the book. The second part is crammed with hints and tips on using astronomical telescopes or binoculars – in effect, how to get the best possible results from your purchase.</P>

Handy contact information for manufacturers of astronomical-quality binoculars and telescopes Evaluations of hundreds of binoculars and telescopes to help readers make an appropriate selection based on such factors as intended use, portability requirements and budget – thus saving them from making disappointing and costly mistakes common to first-time buyers! Help in the "resurrection" of telescopes now collecting dust (instead of starlight!) in attics, cellars and garages by sharing with readers the many exciting and rewarding uses to which these instruments can be put in exploring the wonders of the cosmos! Providing both existing and prospective owners of classic telescopes marketed over the past 50 years with hard-to-find, little-known information on their manufacturers Includes the latest released telescope lines, e.g., the 10-, 12-, 14- and 16-inch aperture models of the Meade LX-R series. Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

<P>This exciting, upbeat new guide provides an extensive overview of binoculars and telescopes. It includes detailed up-to-date information on sources, selection and use of virtually every major type, brand and model of such instruments on today’s market – truly an invaluable treasure-trove of information and helpful advice for all amateur astronomers. Amateur astronomers are always contemplating the "next telescope up" and this will point the way to the most suitable instrument to which they should aspire. Similarly, those who are buying their first telescope will be able to compare and contrast different types and makes. The author is an astronomy writer, lecturer and consultant who has published more than 500 articles and five books. He has also been an editor for Sky &amp; Telescope, Astronomy, and Star &amp; Sky magazines. He is probably the ideal person to write this book, containing as it does a directory of instruments offered by all the major manufacturers.</P>