Practical Astronomy

This practical manual provides essential material for the extensive world-wide community of non-professional astronomers. Every page of the book is alive with the infectious enthusiasm of the author whose expertise, knowledge and teaching experience provides easy access to the fascination and enjoyment of sky-watching. Contents: Foreword by Dr. Heather Couper ? The Celestial Sphere ? The Sun and Sundials ? Star Positions, Star Maps, Planispheres and Nomograms ? Light and Basic Optics ? Miscellaneous Calculations ? Appendices and Useful Information ? Index. Commendations: ‘‘Excellent basic material for assembling practical and experimental projects easily conducted at home. Many of the ideas are original and well presented with simple instructions and perfectly clear illustrations.’’ Spaceflight Magazine ‘‘A unique compendium of do-it-yourself projects and a vast store of general astronomical information. Get this book, and revel in the good things in it.’’ British Astronomical Association Journal (Commander H.R. Hatfield R.N.) ‘‘Useful for astronomy teachers, astronomers and stargazers. Glossary, reading list, and compendium of astronomical data.’’ Choice (American College Library Association) ‘‘This excellent book describing scores of simple observations and experiments, profusely illustrated with photographs and diagrams and dealing at length with many topics, is very aptly entitled Practical Astronomy.’’ Daily Telegraph (Night Sky)