Astronomy Hacks: Tips and Tools for Observing the Night Sky (Hacks) | 
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Product Description
Why use the traditional approach to study the stars when you can turn computers, handheld devices, and telescopes into out-of-this-world stargazing tools? Whether you're a first timer or an advanced hobbyist, you'll find Astronomy Hacks both useful and fun. From upgrading your optical finder to photographing stars, this book is the perfect cosmic companion. This handy field guide covers the basics of observing, and what you need to know about tweaking, tuning, adjusting, and tricking out a 'scope. Expect priceless tips and tools for using a Dobsonian Telescope, the large-aperture telescope you can inexpensively build in your garage. Get advice on protocols involved with using electronics including in dark places without ruining the party. "Astronomy Hacks" begins the space exploration by getting you set up with the right equipment for observing and admiring the stars in an urban setting. Along for the trip are first rate tips for making most of observations. The hacks show you how to: Dark-Adapt Your Notebook Computer Choose the Best Binocular Clean Your Eyepieces and Lenses Safely Upgrade Your Optical Finder Photograph the Stars with Basic Equipment The O'Reilly Hacks series has reclaimed the term "hacking" to mean innovating, unearthing, and creating shortcuts, gizmos, and gears. With these hacks, you don't dream it-you do it--and "Astronomy Hacks" brings space dreams to life. The book is essential for anyone who wants to get the most out of an evening under the stars and have memorable celestial adventures.
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Customer Reviews:
• Wonderful Book 21 January, 2008
A must have book for anyone getting into astronomy, whether with binoculars or a telescope. It's also a good to buy and read before you buy binoculars or a telescope, as it helps you decide what need to get. I was very impressed with it, and couldn't put it down, which says a lot about a technical book.
- Reviewed by customer ID: AVDNTBDEHQ31X
• Good Book To Read Before Buying A Telescope 23 February, 2008
My wife gave me a decent telescope for Christmas and by luck got one that's pretty good. This book makes some specific recommendations that would have been useful to have read first.
- Reviewed by customer ID: A2QO3BJY2QXGEA
• A Book To Grow With As Your Skills/experience/interest Grow 13 January, 2008
Gazing at the night sky is part of our nature. Whether for scientific and/or aesthetic purposes, we humans are fascinated by the enormity and beauty of the heavens.
The authors explain how astronomy gives them an "unchanging framework that places us in context within the universe. We look at the Great Orion Nebula, for example, and realize that the light we see tonight began its journey about 1,550 years ago, when the Roman Empire was in its final days."
This book is a comprehensive (almost 400 pages) guide to getting the most out of your nocturnal viewings. It will be useful for the complete amateur, the hobbyist and even offer some tips for the seasoned astronomer.
Don't be frightened by the word "Hacks" in the title. Like other O'Reilly Hacks books, this is not a compilation of illegal or unethical computer programs. It is a reclaiming of the original meaning of the word "hacks." Before the media started using the term hackers for everyone from mischievous teens to dangerous criminals, a Hacker was someone who used a creative workaround or discovered a more elegant, or quick-and-dirty, solution to a problem.
You probably won't read this book from cover to cover. Depending on where you are starting from and where you want to go, you will find sections that pertain to your interest and experience. Early in the book is a guide to choosing binoculars and telescopes. I like the hack that explains how to measure your "entrance pupil size" using Allen wrenches. This will suggest the optimal telescope for my eyes.
The book also gives tips, guidelines and even etiquette for venturing out alone or with others on an observation trip.
There is some solid information as to how our eyes function in the dark. If you are eager to see stars, you can skip some of this but I found it interesting. Especially the explanation of why all cats are gray in the dark.
After about 100 pages you will get into star identification and cataloging. It begins with the Bayer Catalog, (Johann Bayer published the first comprehensive star atlas in 1603) and then includes more modern catalogs.
The authors provide lists of, say, the 88 modern constellations and include a pronunciation guide so you don't sound like a newbie.
As an "urban observer" (about 8 miles from downtown), I have different equipment needs and techniques than a country dweller. There is a whole section dedicated to Urban Observing Skills.
For the adventurous, there is a game plan to complete a Messier Marathon (seeing and logging all 110 Messier Objects in one night.
Astronomy has long been linked to photography and there are a lot of hacks dealing with taking pictures of the images you observe.
Those who have gone beyond the beginner stage will appreciate all the hacks and modifications you can make to your telescope and other equipment to improve your experience. And the book concludes with hacks to make your PC a better tool in your observations.
This book provides a nice starting point for people interested in the night sky. But it's not a beginner's book. As your skills and interest grow, you will continue to uncover new and useful ideas from this book.
- Reviewed by customer ID: AATSDGY5HS2FW
• The Second Book You Need For Your Telescope, After A Good Observing Guide 08 April, 2008
I wasn't sure what to expect when I ordered this book. I was amazed at how well thought out the "hacks" were and the authors take the time to explain the why of the "hack" with plenty of detail. Their handling of the different topics are from the perspective of what they found works well, but they take the time to address alternate viewpoints and the relative merits of each (an example is their handling of the red-dot sight vs Telrad vs Rigel Qwikfinder debate, some very useful information there!).
This is a definite "must have" book for any telescope owner (they handle dobs extremely well in this book), and is the second book you need to buy after choosing a good observing guide.
- Reviewed by customer ID: A236DIJ5A0R3KK
• Useful Book 14 May, 2008
This book has lots of good ideas in it.
Well worth the money.
- Reviewed by customer ID: A7QMQBGJ2TCQG
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