All About Space Astronomer Book - 2014 UK

Contents

10 Introduction

Discover what our universe has to offer, and get a brief overview

of the fascinating celestial bodies just waiting to be explored and

enjoyed by all

14 Earth and sky

Uncover the astronomical and meteorological phenomena that

create some stunning sights and views, visible to the naked eye on

almost a daily basis

24 Astronomy with your camera

Top tips on the best cameras to use when viewing the night sky,

covering DSLRs, camera phones and webcams, alongside the ideal

file formats, sensors and lenses to capture amazing images

32 Choosing and using a telescope

Essential advice on selecting the best telescope for your individual

needs, whether you're a novice or an experienced stargazer. Learn

about the best mounts and solar telescopes to aid your enjoyment

40 Our star the Sun

While beautiful and mesmorising, the star at the centre of our Solar

System can be incredibly dangerous if you don't use caution when

viewing. Find out the best – and safest – ways here

46 Our friendly Moon

Earth's one and only satellite is responsible for so many occurances

on our planet, and has fascinated mankind for centuries. Discover

how to observe its cratered surface and what to look out for

56 The planets

From Mercury to Neptune, read about the planets that make up

our Solar System, and find out how to view and photograph their

unique features

76 Event driven astronomy

Whether you're hoping to watch an eclipse, marvel at a meteor

shower or gaze upon a comet, the rarity of these events often makes

them once-in-a-lifetime experiences

90 City of the stars

The Milky Way is home to a plethora of twinkling stars, with some

that stand out from the crowd. Read on to learn more about stellar

classification, variable stars, cataloguing and much more

104 Beyond the stars

Take a trip outside our galaxy and explore the wonders that lie

further afield. Discover how galaxies are defined, and learn how to

photograph these incredible wonders

110 Star Atlas (Northern Hemisphere)

A month-by-month guide to what you can see in the sky, covering

the Northern hemisphere. Track stars and identify constellations, and

learn where to look for the best views

146 Star Atlas (Southern Hemisphere)

A month-by-month guide to what you can see in the sky, covering

the Southern hemisphere. Track stars and identify constellations,

and learn where to look for the best views

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