For Louise, Tim and Siân,
to whom I was a stranger whilst I was preparing this book.
AstroFAQs is
designed to get you "up and running" in astronomy as quickly as
possible. I have put together a selection of frequently-asked questions, along
with direct, simple, and understandable answers. The questions were all gleaned
from astronomical society meetings, internet forums, and from my experience in
teaching astronomy. If you have just bought an astronomical telescope, or are
even thinking of doing so, then this little book is just what you need to help
you through the jargon, science and practice of practical astronomy.
Click the subheadings to toggle their content on/off.
"...a wealth of information about equipment, observing, and
understanding celestial motion..."Sky & Telescope
"I would recommend this book to anyone about to buy their first
telescope or even binoculars ... effective cross referencing is used throughout
... has a good glossary and handy formulae..."Astronomy Now
"This book covers in one place all the commonly asked questions and
some not so commonly asked ones, and it does it in sufficient depth to actually
be useful."Astronomy Book Reviews
"...contains much practical, straightforward advice ... useful for
the slightly more experienced amateur."Popular Astronomy
"I would not hesitate to recommend this book to a beginner. It is
an easy to use, quick reference quide."Reader comment, "Talking
Telescopes" mailing list (groups.yahoo.com)
Unto those Three Things
which the Ancients held to be impossible, there should be added this Fourth: to
find a Book printed without Errors. —
Alfonso the Wise (1221 - 84)
p9, 1.2.5, line 13 delete: 1.4 insert: 2.8
p9,
1.2.5, line 15 delete: 11.2 insert: 22.4
p36,
3.2.1, line 2 delete:, which insert: that
p62,
4.1.9, line 4 after and insert: galaxies
p88,
7.5 after A = 1.22λ / D insert:
radians
p90, Apochromatic, line 3 after
manufacturers insert: use the term