Product Description

Astrophysics is a subject that is often - with some justification - regarded as extremely difficult, requiring at least degree-level mathematics as a prerequisite to its understanding. Consequently, many amateur astronomers just don't bother, and miss out on the fascinating fundamentals of the subject, and often on an understanding of exactly what they are observing.

Mike Inglis' quantitative approach to astrophysics cuts through all the incomprehensible mathematics, and explains all aspects of astrophysics in simple terms.

A unique feature of this book is the way that example objects for practical observation are given at every stage, so that practical astronomers can go and look at the objected or objects under discussion, using only commercial amateur equipment.

Customer Reviews (8)

Good but marred by many errors
The book promises to present a treatment of astrophysics which can be understood at a reasonably deep level while keeping the mathematics in the background. To a large extent, the author succeeds in doing this. The main text has almost no mathematics, while for those who wish to go a little deeper into the subject matter, there are boxed paragraphs which explain the topic in more detail.All in all, this is a good book to read, but unfortunately there are many typographical mistakes, which can in some cases confuse the reader. For instance, in box 1.3 on p8, the word "distance" in the first line of the third paragraph from the end should read "luminosity". In Table 1.2 on p9, the very last entry in the right hand column should be 100,000,000 and not 10,000,000.On p19, the statement that temperature is proportional to temperature is incorrect.It is, as the author states a few lines above, proportional to the fourth power of temperature, which is not the same thing.Clearly the author is trying to simplify matters for the non-mathematical reader, but this is not license to make incorrect statements.Many of the coordinates given for various objects are incorrect.An observer using a goto telescope and the author's coordinates to point to the famous double-double in Lyra would end up with the telescope pointing deep into the southern hemisphere.Same comment about 61 Cygni, NGC 891 etc, etc.
If the author is contemplating a second edition, it should be thoroughly proof-read before publication. I would also suggest that footnotes, rather than end of chapter notes would be less disruptive when reading the book.

It is a pity that a book of such promise looks to have been produced in a rush.I still have no hesitation in recommending it, but the reader should not necessarily accept everything in it as correct.

Simple, brief and enjoyable.
The Universe is full of Wonders which many of us may never be aware of, comprehend or fully appreciate. For many, the scientific methods and tools used to learn and understand the Universe seem to be out of the grasp. Unfortunately, even dedicated Amateur Astronomers are susceptible to this myth as many may believe that these scientific discoveries and methods belong to a special kind of people in science institutes and collages. This book comes to prove that it's possible to learn how to unravel and understand some of the universe's hidden treasures and mysteries without literally go out on a limb.
You start by understanding the Measurements of Star Magnitudes, Luminosity, and Temperature and even get a grasp on the most important tool used by Astronomers the popular tool HR Diagram. Know how to classify stars and understand their formation and demise. Learn how to appreciate the beauty of Clusters, Nebulas and the power of Supernova's and Black holes. I have to admit, there is a bit of math in there, you can easily follow its logic and apply it to real life examples and get the results that previously looked like Gobbledygook belonging to the realm of Mad Scientists. Its not easy reading, you do need to read it carefully, and reread it again and again to gain the level of understanding required to appreciate its contents. There are many books out there on Astronomy, some are quiet rich in content and literally quiet heavy, but this one is simple, brief and enjoyable.

Astrophysics IS easy!
I used to love day-dreaming about space when I was a kid. This book makes me feel that sense of wonder and amazement again - and I can understand most of it! I spent a day at the planetarium in New York, and I felt like I could deliver my own lecture to the audience. And the best thing is - I bought this for my son, and we share our interest in and awe for the universe.

Intended to help the amateur astronomer take a step into the physics of astronomy
This is a great little book. Whenever I give a talk on my astrophysics research (in high energy cosmic rays and neutrinos) to the amateur astronomers, I mention this book as a good step for expanding their knowledge of the science underlying their hobby. Professional and amateur astronomy are a long distance apart, though many scientists got interested in science first from looking at the skies. This book helps bridge the gap somewhat.

Got your telescope?Your binoculars?Your two eyes?Well, point them UP
Astrophysics (or at least a general introduction to it) really IS easy with this friendly book geared toward amateur astronomers.An introduction to the heavens, cobbled together with science and telescope viewing tips, doesn't sound much like a romantic outing but believe me, halfway through the book you'll begin lusting for a telescope.The author's enthusiasm is infectious. The text proceeds incrementally, and basic concepts are repeated often, so you'll be dropping terms like "Cepheid variable", "Roche lobe" and "type II supernova" at the breakfast table before you know it.

A word, though, about the Kindle addition.ANY text like this comes with pictures, diagrams, etc---and the Kindle (at least the small one) just isn't the right medium for them.I found myself frustrated often as I pressed sys, wormed the cursor over pictures, then sat very still trying to enlarge.It's not the Kindle's fault--I knew it'd be a problem, and now I don't have this great book on paper.Next time I'll remember to confine my Kindle purchaces strictly to novels. ... Read more

Product Description
Pleasures of the Telescope: An Illustrated Guide for Amateur Astronomers and a Popular Description of the Chief Wonders of the Heavens for General Readers by Garrett Putman Serviss

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Product Description
This clear easy-to-understand book helps "new" amateur astronomers by answering the most frequently asked questions. The idea is to quickly take the reader to a level of expertise significantly higher than that provided by general books. Each chapter is on a different subject, from what to buy through to how to use it and what to look at. The tips and techniques are applicable to all telescope users. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

good but not great
thinner than I thought it would be.
good info for a beginner...
over all a good book to
have around for a quick
reminder...

Highly concentrated facts
Fantastic!! Just the book that I've been looking for - it has an enormous amount of information concentrated into relatively few pages. The format, similar to an internet FAQ, makes it easy to navigate. Whilst nothing is covered in great depth, the book serves its purpose of giving enough information to get a new astronomer up and running. I refer to this book a lot and expect to keep doing so. ... Read more

Product Description
Basic Astrophotography tells you how to take pictures of stars, galaxies, planets, the Moon, the Sun, comets, meteors and eclipses using equipment readily available to the amateur astronomer. The first section, Getting Started, presupposes little knowledge of photography or astronomy and concentrates on what can be done with minimal equipment. For example, an ordinary 35 mm camera on a tripod, aimed at the sky on a starry night, will photograph more stars than the unaided eye can see and will bring out an awesome variety of colours. Add a telephoto lens, a pair of binoculars, or a small telescope, and you have all that is needed to photograph an eclipse or the main surface features of the moon. The two subsequent sections, Advanced Techniques and Equipment and Materials cover the use of cameras in conjunction with telescopes and constitute a thorough handbook, including technical imformation on optical systems, film characteristics, and processing techniques. Throughout, the emphasis is on current practice. This book will become the standard handbook for amateur astronomers who want to take pictures of the stars and will also appeal to photography enthusiasts who know relatively little about astronomy but are intrigued by spectacular pictures. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Good but slightly outdated.
A good book but it is outdated, so it makes it kinda difficult to remember.

Great bargain
The three stars are more for the condition of the book itself, not the overall transaction experience. This is the classic case of getting what you pay for, and I think I did. The book was listed in "good" condition, but is falling apart at the binding (pages are falling out) but the print is clear despite the fact that it seems to be soaked with some kind of light oil or perfume (maybe spilled on it?). It would have helped if the seller mentioned this problem, but even at less than 1/10 the price of a new book, I might not have chosen to buy it if I knew this. There are only a few pages I needed from it anyway, and after xeroxing them I keep the book in a plastic baggie to contain the smell. I am satisfied with the amount I paid for this book.

Very good reference book for any astrophotographer
Micheal Covington's book covers all aspects of astrophotography starting from objects, from camera selection to films, exposure methods, mounts and drives, guiding of the mount & guiding accuracy/errors, and of course the CCD imaging. I also gives ideas on how to build a simple barn door mount. It does not end at taking exposures. After an exposure is taken we have to convert it into an acceptable quality print or into a computer file. Images can be greatly improved by digital processing. So it also covers image processing ideas. The only point to be noted is that one must look at his website and download the errata. The book has many printing errors, some of which are trivial though. That, of course, must not deter any user. I consider is my best field guide book on this topic. I believe his recent edition has got over these errors - not mine. I bought mine in 1999.

Great Introductory book
This book is a must in doing amateur astrophotography if you are going serious. It has lots of information which is very useful.For example it teach you to calculate the focal ratio using diferent techniques of takig pictures with the telescope, it help you calculate the exposure times in order to photograph the moon or a constelation on a tripod.
It is an excellent source but you have to do calculations(formulas).If you don't like numbers, this book is not for you, but if you do like numbers this book is very useful.

My best book on astrophotography
I've bought a handful of books on the subject, and this one is head and shoulders above the rest. Some of the other books have lots of pretty pictures, and very little information on actually taking photos. I found the instructions easy to follow, and when I had a question, or needed to figure something out, this book always had it. Two big thumbs up! ... Read more

Product Description
A Dobsonian telescope is an alt-azimuth mounted newtonian telescope design popularized by the amateur astronomer John Dobson starting in the 1960s. Dobson's telescopes featured a simplified mechanical design that was easy to manufacture from readily available components to create a large, portable, low-cost telescope. The design is intended for visually observing faint objects, a requirement where the observer needs a large objective diameter (i.e. light-gathering power) combined with portability for travel to non-light polluted locations.Dobsonians are intended to be what is generally called a "light bucket" operating at low magnification, and therefore the design omits features found in other amateur telescopes such as equatorial tracking. Dobsonians are popular in the amateur telescope making community, where the design was pioneered and continues to evolve.A number of commercial telescope makers also sell telescopes based on this design. ... Read more

Product Description
This title has fewer than 24 printed text pages. The Einstein See-Saw is presented here in a high quality paperback edition. This popular classic work by Miles John Breuer is in the English language. If you enjoy the works of Miles John Breuer then we highly recommend this publication for your book collection. ... Read more

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High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The Pakistan Amateur Astronomers Society, also known as PAAS, is Pakistani society of professional and amateur astronomers, headquartered in Karachi. The basic objective of the PAAS is to promote the advancement of astronomy, observational astronomy, astrophysics, and closely related branches of science. Secondary purposes include enhancing astronomy education and providing a political voice for its members through lobbying and grassroots activities. PAAS is a non-profit organization with a distinct goal of promoting space science and astronomy. Recently joined astronomer is Mohammad Baqir from Quetta, Pakistan. His website www.astrobaqir.webs.com. ... Read more