C. R. Kitchin Livres

Seeing Stars is written for astronomers, regardless of the depth of their theoretical knowledge, who are taking their first steps in observational astronomy. Chris Kitchin and Bob Forrest - both professional astronomers - take a conducted tour of the night sky and suggest suitable observing programmes for everyone from beginners to experts. How is this book different? We are all familiar with the beautiful images of planets and galaxies obtained by spacecraft and giant telescopes - but what can you really see with a small telescope? What should you expect from a small refractor or reflector? And what is the effect of observing from a site near a city? The answers are all here, with many photographs that will illustrate exactly what can be seen with different instruments (everything from the naked eye to a 300mm telescope) - and from different locations.

Focused on active amateur astronomers, this book offers a comprehensive overview of active galaxies, featuring detailed lists and images of these celestial objects. It aims to clarify the complexities and diverse classifications of violently active galaxies, making the subject accessible and engaging for enthusiasts.

"l hope that people all around the world never forget what a wonderful thing it is to lie on your back and look up at the stars" Pete Seeger What is the fascination that constellations hold for people? There are probably as many different answers to that question as there are people. For many, though, the constella­ tions are the stepping-off point into the fabulous, mind-bending discoveries and concepts of modern astronomy. For others it is their long and intriguing history that beckons. For some people the constellations provide the means for navigation and orientation over the surface of the Earth, and of course there are the millions who place some faith in horo­ scopes. But for most people the patterns in the sky are a beautiful part of their environ­ ment to be treasured alongside the forests, fields and rivers that make life worth living. However just as we are losing our green environment to pollution, so we are losing our sky. The glow from cities across the world swamps the stars in the night sky. Astronomers have had to retreat to remote mountain tops to escape that light pollution. The rest of us must make do with what is available. From the centre of a city, or any other brightly lit area, probably no stars at all will be visible even on the clearest of nights. From the suburbs, the brighter stars should normally be seen.

Astronomers and students interested in studying the Sun require a thorough understanding of the proper techniques and equipment. Safety precautions are paramount, as the intensity of the heat and light can instantly blind the untrained observer. In this book, Kitchin provides all the information needed for safe observation as well as novel techniques that will make solar observation a rewarding experience.

Chris Kitchin has written an easy-to-read book explaining how to use a small telescope and how to find your way around the sky. Covering all the basic topics--telescopes, optics, positions and motion, observing, and instruments--Telescopes and Techniques has been designed as an introduction for anyone wanting a firm grounding in the essentials of astronomy. Whether you are an amateur astronomer, an undergraduate student, or just someone who wants to learn more about this fascinating subject, Telescopes and Techniques is an ideal place to start. This new edition of Telescopes and Techniques is updated for technical changes in astronomical instrumentation.

Exploring the fundamentals of exoplanets, this book delves into their characteristics and the methods used to discover them. It addresses key questions about planets orbiting stars beyond our Sun, providing insights into their potential environments and the techniques employed in their exploration. Through a blend of scientific inquiry and discovery, it offers a comprehensive understanding of these alien worlds.

Delving into the mysteries of extraterrestrial life, this book examines the fundamental questions surrounding the existence of aliens, including their potential habitats across the universe. It investigates the possibilities of when and where we might encounter them, as well as speculating on their identities. Through a blend of scientific inquiry and imaginative exploration, it invites readers to ponder the vastness of the cosmos and the implications of discovering other intelligent beings.

A unique dictionary of astronomy specifically written for practical amateur astronomers. In addition to definitions, it provides an invaluable reference source for terms, techniques, instruments, formulas and processes for practising observers, both amateur and professional. A special feature of this dictionary is extended definitions for many topics; they give sufficient information for many of the techniques and items of instrumentation to be used as well as understood. With over 200 illustrations and extensive appendices, this is an essential reference book for every astronomer.