Through the Telescope: A Guide for the Amateur Astronomer, Revised Edition [Paperback]

In the ten years since this award-winning book was originally written by Michael Porcellino, the field of astronomy and its discoveries has grown by leaps and bounds. From the astounding images sent back by the Hubble Space Telescope, to the bright comet Hale-Bopp from the fleet of Martian probes, to the long-distance explorations of the Moon, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn--the universe has become more accessible than ever. And thanks to this revised and thoroughly updated new edition by astronomer and science writer, Patricia Barnes-Svarney, anyone with an interest can delve into its wonders. From the very close up to the far reaches of space, THROUGH THE TELESCOPE presents a uniquely "user-friendly" view of the universe, and offers both novice and advanced amateur astronomers some of the best tools available to watch the nighttime skies. You’ll learn all about: * Setting up a good, user-friendly telescope system * How to look at the universe in order to really see it * Upgrading your telescope for peak performance * How to spot a star cluster, a nebulaÖeven a supernova * Forming your own network of amateur astronomers. Complete with a web site appendix and fully updated charts on eclipses and planetary oppositions well into the year 2000, this edition of an acclaimed book will be an invaluable users guide for aspiring astronomers entering the new millennium.

Presents a uniquely "user-friendly" view of the universe,offering both novice and advanced amateur astronomers some of the best tools available to watch the nightime skies. Softcover.

Explore the craters of the moon, the satellites of Jupiter, and the rings of Saturn. Travel as close as you wish, or as far as your imagination can take you. With this practical, hands-on guidebook for the amateur astronomer as your roadmap, the universe can be more accessible than you ever dreamed. In the ten years since this award-winning book was originally written by Michael Porcellino, the field of astronomy has advanced by leaps and bounds. From the astounding images sent back by the Hubble Space Telescope, to the dramatic visit by comet Hale-Bopp, from the fleet of Martian probes, to the long-distance explorations of the outer planets, the universe has become more accessible than ever. Thanks to this revised and thoroughly updated new edition by amateur astronomer and science writer, Patricia Barnes-Svarney, anyone with an interest in all facets of amateur astronomy can delve into its wonders.

From the very close up, to the far reaches of space, Through the Telescope presents a uniquely "user-friendly" view of the universe, and offers both novice and advanced amateur astronomers some of the best tools available to watch the nighttime skies.

• You'll learn all about:
• Setting up a good, user-friendly telescope system
• Spotting comets and asteroids
• Upgrading your telescope for peak performance
• How to spot star clusters, nebulae, even a supernova
• Forming your own network of amateur astronomers

Complete with a web site appendix and fully updated charts on eclipses and planetary oppositions well into the 21st century, this new edition of an acclaimed book will be an invaluable users guide for aspiring astronomers entering the new millennium.

Patricia L. Barnes-Svarney is the author of more than twenty books on popular science for adults and children, as well as numerous articles in such journals as Popular Science, Air & Space, Astronomy, Final Frontier, Omni and Ad Astra. Her extensive background in the physical sciences includes degrees in Geology and Geography, and professional experience in astronomy, geomorphology, and physical oceanography.

Michael Porcellino was an amateur astronomer for more than 30 years, as well as an active member of the Chicago Astronomical Society, the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers, and the American Association of Variable Star Observers. In addition to publishing extensively in the field of astronomy, he also scripted training films, manuals and brochures on the subject.