The Planet Observer's Handbook

This is an informative and well-illustrated guide to planetary observations for amateurs. After a brief description of the solar system and a chapter on the celestial sphere, readers are shown how to choose, test and use a telescope with various accessories and how to make observations and record results. For each planet and the asteroids, details are given of observational techniques, together with suggestions for how to make contributions of scientific value. From a general description and detailed observational history of each planet, observers can anticipate what they should see and assess their own observations. The chapter on planetary photography includes the revolutionary use of videography, charge coupled devices and video-assisted drawing. There are also chapters on making maps and planispheres and on photoelectric photometry.

ISBN 0521442575   Pages 430 ISBN13 9780521442572 (What's this?)   Volumes 1 Publisher Cambridge University Press   Weight (grammes) 1117 Imprint Cambridge University Press   Published in Cambridge Format Hardback   Series title Cacg Publication date 16 Jun 1994   Height (mm) 247 Library of Congress QB601 .P67 1994   Width (mm) 174 DEWEY 523.4   Spine width (mm) 28 DEWEY edition DC20   Academic level General

		Foreword
		Preface
		Acknowledgements
		Abbreviations used in this book
		Introduction. Why observe the planets?		1
1		The Solar System		4
2		The celestial sphere		20
3		Telescopes and accessories		31
4		The atmosphere and seeing		69
5		Mercury		73
6		Venus		99
7		Mars		131
8		The minor planets (asteroids)		181
9		Jupiter		202
10		Saturn		260
11		Uranus		314
12		Neptune		337
13		Pluto		355
14		Constructing maps and planispheres		364
15		Planetary photography and videography		370
16		Photoelectric photometry of the minor planets, planets and their satellites		389
		Name index		399
		Subject index		403

'... [contains] many pearls of information ... presented concisely with excellent illustrations ... a synopsis of historical observations provides excellent foundations for planning observational programs...'. Donald Parker, Sky and Telescope ' ... [contains] a tremendous amount of useful information, and helpful advice ... a definite success ... valuable both to the beginner and to the serious planetary observer. I strongly recommend it.' Patrick Moore, New Scientist 'This first-class introductory book ... is one of the best ... A great deal of invaluable information, factual and historical, has been condensed into this handbook...'. Irish Astronomical Journal '... contains a wealth of information ... an excellent handbook on the planets. Recommended.' Reference Book Review 'The Planetary Observer's Handbook is a valuable source of information and advice for anyone interested in our planetary neighbours. It is an enthusiastic and well written work and I recommend it to both the beginner and the serious planetary observer.' Antony Brian, Astronomy Now

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