Customer Reviews (1)

needed for a class
yes,I know no one is ordering this for their enduring passion for educational writing, but given that, this book is fairly good. The study guide helps organize thoughts and processes, for more success in academic writing. It gives guided practice and a checklist, along with small tests for self-directed support in the subject of academic writing. The supplier was faster than I thought it would be and I have had the book since the beginning of the semester, despite ordering late. ... Read more

Product Description
Astronomers and astrophysicists are making revolutionary advances in our understanding of planets, stars, galaxies, and even the structure of the universe itself. "The Decade of Discovery presents a survey" of this exciting field of science and offers a prioritized agenda for space- and ground-based research into the twenty-first century. The book presents specific recommendations, programs, and expenditure levels to meet the needs of the astronomy and astrophysics communities. Accessible to the interested lay reader, the book explores: the technological investments needed for instruments that will be built in the next century; the importance of the computer revolution to all aspects of astronomical research; the potential usefulness of the moon as an observatory site; and policy issues relevant to the funding of astronomy and the execution of astronomical projects. "The Decade of Discovery" will prove valuable to science policymakers, research administrators, scientists, and students in the physical sciences, and interested lay readers. ... Read more

Product Description

For the experienced amateur astronomer who is wondering if there is something useful, valuable, and permanent that can be done with his or her observational skills, the answer is, "Yes, you can!" This is the book for the experienced amateur astronomer who is ready to take a new step in his or her astronomical journey. Unfortunately, there is no modern text that points curious amateur astronomers to the research possibilities that are open to them. At the 2006 meeting of the Society for Astronomical Sciences, quite a few participants agreed that the lack of such a text was a serious gap in the astronomical book market, and that this gap is impeding their efforts to encourage more amateur astronomers to get involved in research collaborations. This book will fill that gap, and enable more amateur astronomers to add research-type studies to their pursuit of the hobby.

Written by an astronomer who is well known amongst the amateur and professional community for the skill and quality of his work, this book describes a wide range of research areas where amateurs are gathering new scientific data that is utilized by professional astronomers. For each research area, the book provides a concise explanation of the purpose and value of the amateurs’ observations, a description of the equipment that is needed, specific observing procedures, complete data reduction instructions, and an explanation of how, and where, to submit results so that they will be available to the professional users.

Customer Reviews (5)

From Hobby To Science
Astronomy is one of the very few sciences where amateurs can make significant contributions and where amateur contributions are valued by the professional community. I returned to serious astronomy several years ago. I wanted to do more than just star gaze and taking pretty photos (which I still love). If you have felt the same way, then this book is a must read. Buchheim presents a plethora of different research programs that can be undertaken with modest (or even no) equipment. One of my particular interests is photometry, the measurement of light to study such things as variable stars and asteroid light curves. Buchheim takes the novice through all of the concepts and presents this material in a manner that allows the reader to understand the basic concepts and how to undertake a number of observing programs from differential photometry to all-sky to asteroid light curves The same is true for astrometry and the search for asteroids. And, these are just two of the areas of research discussed. In short, if you want to move from "just observing," and get into astronomical research and make valued contributions to science, this book will guide you through to success.

GREAT, thorough treatment!
I agree with the other reviews I've seen here: this book is excellent!

Are you ready to move beyond visual observing or taking CCD pix for aesthetic appreciation? Do you want to feel like you're doing a bit of science?If you answered yes to these questions, then this is undoubtedly a good book for you.It contains a survey of a wide range of areas where YOU, with relatively inexpensive amateur gear, can do observations that go far beyond the "Oh, isn't that pretty!" (Not, though, that I have anything against "pretty!")

This book is well written, and unlike many other books in our hobby, gets into the nitty-gritty details of how-to-do-it!It's well written and the author speaks with authority.Each chapter has an excellent reference at its end. Using these references allows you to do additional reading.

Although it doesn't go into much depth on the topic, this book has a short and adequate introduction on spectroscopy.The overview is good and it has references on where to find further info. I've found spectroscopy very exciting.Without much work, with a simple webcam & tiny scope, in the city, without a lengthy or complicated observing program, you can be analyzing the composition of distant stars! Now THAT'S science! (The Rainbow Optics or StarAnalyser spectroscopes are a great introduction.)

Better Than I Thought
Most of the topics in this book will be somewhat beyond those that a casual amateur astronomer would want to pursue. However, the book is worth buying just for what you will learn about the different topics. Of course, if you want to try some of the scientific work then you are all set with the material given.

Worth a read for the in depth discussion of observation, imaging with CCDs, practical issues with both, and an understanding of observational and imaging science.

I recommend it.

A must buy
For amateurs who have passed the beginner rites of the Messier and Caldwell lists, Buchheims's _Sky_ contains the measured voice of the elder mentor of your astronomy club.If that expert mentor is lacking in your local club, Buchheim's _Sky_ is a must buy that will save you in time many times its purchase.Each _Sky_ observing project is written like an after star-party club coffee meeting, with Buchheim patiently guiding you through practical field problems commonly encountered when starting photometry, double star astrometry or supernovae searching.He includes references to landmark manuals, amateur organizations and internet resources for each topic.Where appropriate, Buchheim fills in with basic observing skills that are often left unexplained as assumed knowlege in other texts, e.g. timing uncertainty reduction when timing asteriod occultations.For this Amazon review, the 18 observing projects are listed in the Table of Contents, listed above. _Sky_ now sits on my "ready reference" shelf - sandwiched between other amateur classics - like Berry's _HAIP_, Sidgwick's _Amateur Astronomer's Handbook_, North's _Advanced Amateur_ or Meeus's _Algorithms_.If you have been hooked in the hobby for two or three years and want a roadmap to the next 10 years, Buchheim's _Sky_ is what you need.

GREATEST ASTRONOMY BOOK ON THE PLANET
This is a really neat book! It opens up a whole new kind of amateur astronomy;real research projects where you make observations that are useful to professional astronomers.Amateur astronomers can gather new information or make new dsicoveries,using skills that are common amoung experienced stargazers,and equipment that is widely available. Here is a step-by-step instruction manual for getting started in these projects,from learning why each project area is important, to the equipment and procedures that are needed, and how to analyze your results.The chapters are organized roughly in order of increasing difficulty of the projects, from simple(naked-eye meteor counting) to complex (extra solar planet searches and supernova discovery). I was paticularly pleased that each project includes an explaination of how and where to submit your results, so that they will be useful to "real" astronomers.
I do not think there is any compairable book available. There are plenty of "advanced observing guides", and many "textbooks",but this book fits right in between them. It gives careful description of celestial objects or events,and how and why you should try to see them, so it's sort of an observing guide(although there are not any spectacular photos).It also explains why the observations are important,and gives a meticulous explaination of the data gathering and analysis procedures for each project,so it is sort of a textbook. But it is not stuffy,pedantic tome. The style is friendly,helpful and encouraging. There are some equations,but if you made it through high school algebra they will not give you any trouble(and only some projects require you to use them).There is even a story line! Short tales about challenges,successes,and memorable experiences are scattered throughout the text. They make it easy to read,and highlite the author's enthusiasm for his subject.
Any amateur atronomer who has ever wished he could be a "real scientist" will definitely find this book worth having on his desk. ... Read more

Product Description

This is the first scholarly collection of articles focused on the cultural astronomy of the African continent. It weaves together astronomy, anthropology, and Africa and it includes African myths and legends about the sky, alignments to celestial bodies found at archaeological sites and at places of worship, rock art with celestial imagery, and scientific thinking revealed in local astronomy traditions including ethnomathematics and the creation of calendars.

Customer Reviews (1)

Where is the beef? (Less than halfstar)
I was so excited to see this book published and yet so disappointed when I read it. Very little actual content about African cultural astronomy and a great deal too much about how to teach African cultural astronomy. This subject deserves SOOO much better. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A great history of 20th century Space and Astronomy

When I picked up this book and started to read it I immediately thought: "This would make a great high school textbook for a course about space science". Sometime later I turned the book over and found that was the idea!

A very readable book that hits the highlights of the space and astronomy advances during the last century. Not only is the book very readable it has a extensive list of additional reading materials to provide more depth.

I am a retired aerospace worker and took part in the Apollo and Shuttle programs and the book provided a good review of the many events which occurred. In the day to day activitiesof the workplace it is easy to lose sight of the big picture and the book provided a good review. The astronomical side was mostly new material to me and was very informative. If you want a good history of this period I highly recommend this book.

A brilliant invitation to explore space from your armchair
Dyson's background as a NASA flight controller and winner of the AIP Science Writing Award and the Golden Kite award guarantees that her science and her writing are accurate as well as clear. But I was still delighted and surprised by both the depth and sparkle of this book.Just picking it up, I was captivated by her use of graphics: ultra clear and engaging.Read from beginning to end, this bookis an education in itself.

I'd love to see this book widely adopted for high school and beginning college science courses.It's also first rate as a history of science text.It gives accurate facts and presents them in a way that the most uninitiated can understand and yet the more sophisticated reader can appreciate and profit from.The clarity of the textual material and graphics just pulls the reader into the history of the space program and the recent history of astronomy.Topics include how stars evolve, the exploration of the moon and Mars, the significance of the Hubble telescope, the search for extrasolar planets and extraterrestrial life, the International Space Station, and much much more.

I think it would also make a great gift for a child with an interest in science.Dyson has a genius for explaining complex space discoveries without complex math. Another potential audience is anybody who likes science fiction or wants to learn to write science fiction. Follow the facts in this book and you won't make stupid mistakes about space travel.

Its usefulness would not be limited to children.As an adult, I find this book a source of wonder and fascination with our world in the context of space.

When I was eight, my forward-thinking grandmother bought me the twelve volume The Book of Knowledge.Although the information in that book is now very much outdated, it changed my life.I became interested in the aurora borealis, the planets, the stars, and science in general, an interest that has enriched my life to this day.This single volume will do the same for a child or a curious adult today.

Insightful history of space
This book is a very readable, insightful history of the development of astronomy and space through the course of the twentieth century, a century in which our knowledge of the universe changed rapidly, and our ability to explore space moved from the Wright Brothers' hops to the voyages to the moon.Dyson, a former spaceflight controller at the NASA Johnson Space Center, chronicles this development, showing how we got where we are and who did it, in an interesting format, with diagrams and pictures to illustrate the key points.She profiles a "scientist of the decade" for each decade between 1900 and the millennium, and puts everything together into a coherent story of the great adventure of the twentieth century: the human search outward into the universe, and its growing understanding of our home planet and our place in the solar system and in the universe. ... Read more

Product Description
Radio pulsars are rapidly rotating, highly magnetized neutron stars. This comprehensive book brings together key observational techniques, background information and a review of the latest results, including the recent discovery of a double pulsar system. Useful software tools are provided to analyze example data, made available on a related website. The work will be of great value to graduate students and researchers wishing to carry out and interpret a wide variety of radio pulsar observations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

tight integration of book and website
The coolest aspect of the book is its tight integration with the associated website that has scads of observational data. Along with various software that lets you analyse the data for yourself. Any of you in research who've had to write software should appreciate the amount of effort that has gone into the coding of that software.

The book also provides you with a very recent (2004) assessment of the best current understanding of pulsars. With many references to the original research papers.

But the combination of text and website is a harbinger of future astronomy books, as volumes of data keep increasing. Traditional texts gave you no such access. ... Read more

Product Description
This handbook constitutes aconcise and accessible reference on all practical aspects of using Charge-Coupled Devices (CCDs). Starting with the electronic workings of these modern marvels, Steven Howell discusses their basic characteristics and then gives methods and examples for determining their values. While the focus is on using CCDs in professional observational astronomy, advanced amateur astronomers, and researchers in physics, chemistry, medical imaging, and remote sensing will also benefit from the material. Tables of useful and hard-to-find data, and key practical equations round off the book's treatment. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

CCD Astronomy book condition
The book arrived in the condition stated.It took a little longer than I expected for it to arrive, but it did arrive in good condition.

every thing about learning CCDs
I loved it,... i though me EVERY thing about CCDs,...how do they work...and how to understand the results....

a very valuable book, entertaining too
For a graduate student who has not had an observational astronomy course, the process of self-teaching the essentials of CCD astronomy is not a smooth one.You really don't know what kind of things you have to worry about before going to a telescope!

Though this book does not cover comprehensively the topic of detection techniques in scientific contexts (too much for such a small book), it has an excellent, totally readable introduction to the basics of CCD detection in astronomy.The author obviously has been in the field for a long time, so his numerous anecdotes from his rich, past expericnes are entertaining as well as enlightening.It is such a short book but very satisfying, which is rare for a technical science book.

This book would make a perfect textbook or supplement reading for any decent undergraduate observational astronomy course.Highly recommended as the first reading for observers.

An essential reference
Steve is the master of the art of CCD photometry.This is an essential book for professional astronomers and amateurs alike. ... Read more

Product Description
Report from the Astronomy and Astrophysics Survey Committee, Board on Physics and Astronomy, and Space Studies Board. Softcover. ... Read more

Product Description
This volume contains working papers on astronomy and astrophysics prepared by 15 non-National Research Council panels in areas ranging from radio astronomy to the status of the profession. ... Read more

Product Description

The aim of the State of the Universe annuals is to provide an annual astronomy review suitable for the popular science level reader to be published every September in a format that will be suitable for, and appeal to, the Christmas market. The book will cover all major astronomical news on topics beyond the Solar System and place them in the context of the longer term goals of astronomers and astrophysicists around the world. The aim is to capture the excitement and vibrancy of modern astronomical research. This section also includes web links for all major news stories, providing a bridge between the public news stories and the actual research web sites.

Chapter 1 – ‘A Year in News and Pictures’, written by Martin Ratcliffe, appears every year and makes up the first half of the annual. It will present brief summaries of the major announcements, discoveries and news items from that year, with the major ones being explained in detail through later chapters written by invited contributors who are at the forefront of research in these fields. The January meeting of the American Astronomical Society each year will be the major source of astronomical news for the following year’s volume, giving access to potential authors and contacts with public information officers of major observatories, space centers, etc.

The invited contributions which make up the second half of the annual each year will cover a variety of topics and are written to appeal to a wide readership. These are written by leading astronomers or science writers. One feature introduced in the first volume, the overall review of the State of the Universe by Dr Jim Kaler will be retained for State of the Universe 2008. The set of appendices at the end of the book will include a list of launches of major astronomical observatories/satellites during the past year; a list of planned future astronomical satellites; basic data on all astronomical observatories currently in operation with web links for the reader who wishes to find out more.

Customer Reviews (3)

A look at the Skies
I bought this book as a gift. The recipient has had an interest in Astronomy for many years.
He found the book lovely to look at, interesting to read. A great addition to his personal library, where he can browse it over and over again. A good book for a novice and still a good book for someone more knowledgable.

Excellent Read
This is an excellent book if you are simply looking to update yourself on what's currently going on in the aerospace, astronomy, astrophysics, optics, etc. fields.It gives just enough information to enlighten one on the latest and greatest of these fields.However, if you're looking for a more in-depth look at the multiple topics presented in this book, you'll have to turn to supplementary materials (which this book does a good job of referencing so that you don't have to conduct in-depth supplementary materials searches yourself).It readslike a magazine full of editorials, and they are written by scientists and researchers who are renowned in their respective fields of research.

It is a bit redundant in places, as it covers some topics that were "cutting edge" in the previous volume, "State Of The Universe 2007."But that is to be expected, as many such topics can remain at the forefront of these fields of interest for years at a time.Nevertheless, there is plenty of new material, making it worth while to get "SOTU 2008" even if you have "SOTU 2007."

In summary, this book does exactly what it was intended to do - inform interested parties of what's going on at the forefront of the many astronomically-related fields in a clear and concise manner.

An Astrono0mers view
This book should be in the reading list of every educator who is involved in teaching Astronomy. Martin Ratcliff has collected in one publication information that would require many hours of research from the worlds leading authorities in each subject. I particularly liked the references given to each entry and have been able to contact via e-mail a number of the contributors to raise questions and gain further information.

A must in any library.

Frank Gear F.R.A.S.
Director/Presenter
NIAS Planetarium ... Read more

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This collection of papers is based on a meeting on coordinated observations of astronomical objects held at the Stellar Data Centre of Strasbourg Observatory. It provides valuable advice to those engaged in the planning, management, assessment and administration of observational research. ... Read more

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This book is the sixth volume under the title Organizations and Strategies in Astronomy (OSA). The OSA series is intended to cover a large range of fields and themes. In practice, one could say that all aspects of astronomy-related life and environment are considered in the spirit of sharing specific expertise and lessons learned.

The chapters of this book are dealing with socio-dynamical aspects of the astronomy (and related space sciences) community: characteristics of organizations, strategies for development, legal issues, operational techniques, observing practicalities, educational policies, journal and magazine profiles, public outreach, publication studies, relationships with the media, research communication, evaluation and selection procedures, research indicators, national specificities, contemporary history, and so on.

The experts contributing to this volume have done their best to write in a way understandable to readers not necessarily hyperspecialized in astronomy while providing specific detailed information and sometimes enlightening `lessons learned' sections. The book concludes with an updated bibliography of publications related to socio-astronomy and to the interactions of the astronomy community with the society at large.

This volume will be most usefully read by researchers, teachers, editors, publishers, librarians, sociologists of science, research planners and strategists, project managers, public-relations officers, plus those in charge of astronomy-related organizations, as well as by students aiming at a career in astronomy or related space science.

Product Description
This book is the second volume under the titleOrganizations and Strategies in Astronomy (OSA). These OSAbooks are intended to cover a large range of fields and themes: inpractice, one could say that all aspects of astronomy-related life andenvironment are considered in the spirit of sharing specific expertiseand lessons learned. This book offers a unique collection of chapters dealing withsocio-dynamical aspects of the astronomy (and related space sciences)community: characteristics of organizations, operational techniques,strategies for development, conference series, coordination policies,observing practicalities, computing strategies, sociology of largecollaborations, publications studies, research indicators, researchcommunication, public outreach, creativity in arts and sciences, andso on. The experts contributing to this book have done their best to write ina way understandable to readers not necessarily hyperspecialized inastronomy while providing specific detailed information and sometimesenlightening 'lessons learned' sections. The book concludes with anupdated bibliography of publications related to socio-astronomy and tothe interactions of the astronomy community with the society at large.

This book will be most usefully read by researchers, teachers,editors, publishers, librarians, sociologists of science, researchplanners and strategists, project managers, public-relations officers,plus those in charge of astronomy-related organizations, as well as bystudents aiming at a career in astronomy or related space science. ... Read more

Product Description
This book is the fourth volume under the title Organizationsand Strategies in Astronomy (OSA). These OSA Books areintended to cover a large range of fields and themes. In practice, onecould say that all aspects of astronomy-related life and environmentare considered in the spirit of sharing specific expertise and lessonslearned.This book offers a unique collection of chapters dealing withsocio-dynamical aspects of the astronomy (and related space sciences)community: characteristics of organizations, society activities,strategies for development, operational techniques, observingpracticalities, environmental constraints, educational policies,public outreach, journal and magazine profiles, publication studies,electronic-media problematics, research communication, evaluation andselection procedures, research indicators, national policies andspecificities, expertise sharing, contemporary history, and soon.The experts contributing to this book have done their best to write ina way understandable to readers not necessarily hyperspecialized inastronomy while providing specific detailed information and sometimesenlightening 'lessons learned' sections. The book concludes with anupdated bibliography of publications related to socio-astronomy and tothe interactions of the astronomy community with the society atlarge.This book will be most usefully read by researchers, teachers,editors, publishers, librarians, sociologists of science, researchplanners and strategists, project managers, public-relations officers,plus those in charge of astronomy-related organizations, as well as bystudents aiming at a career in astronomy or related space science. ... Read more

Product Description
This book is the third volume under the title Organizationsand Strategies in Astronomy (OSA). These OSA books areintended to cover a large range of fields and themes. In practice, allaspects of astronomy-related life and environment are considered inthe spirit of sharing specific expertise and lessons learned. This book offers a unique collection of chapters dealing withsocio-dynamical aspects of the astronomy (and related space sciences)community: characteristics of organizations, strategies fordevelopment, operational techniques, observing practicalities,educational policies, public outreach, journal and magazine profiles,publication studies, sociology of large collaborations, researchcommunication, evaluation procedures, quality assurance, researchindicators, national specificities, contemporary history, and so on.

The experts contributing to this book have done their best to write ina way understandable to readers not necessarily hyperspecialized inastronomy, while providing specific detailed information and sometimesenlightening `lessons learned' sections. The book concludes with anupdated bibliography of publications related to socio-astronomy and tothe interactions of the astronomy community with the society at large.

This book will be most usefully read by researchers, teachers,editors, publishers, librarians, sociologists of science, researchplanners and strategists, project managers, public-relations officers,plus those in charge of astronomy-related organizations, as well as bystudents aiming at a career in astronomy or related space science. ... Read more

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A black hole is a point of extreme mass in spacetime with a radius, or event horizon, inside of which all electromagnetic radiation (including light) is trapped by gravity. A black hole is an extremely compact object, collapsed by gravity which has overcome electric and nuclear forces. It is believed that stars appreciably larger than the Sun, once they have exhausted all their nuclear fuel, collapse to form black holes: they are "black" because no light escapes their intense gravity. Material attracted to a black hole, though, gains enormous energy and can radiate part of it before being swallowed up. Some astronomers believe that enormously massive black holes exist in the centre of our galaxy and of other galaxies. This new book brings together leading research from throughout the world. ... Read more

Product Description
This book offers a unique collection -- the first of itskind -- of chapters dealing with socio-dynamical aspects of theastronomy (and related space sciences) community: characteristics oforganizations, publication studies, research indicators, space scienceplanning, research communication, public outreach, and so on. The experts contributing to this book have done their best to write ina way understandable by readers not necessarily hyper-specialized inastronomy, while still providing specific detailed information. Thebook concludes with an extensive bibliography of publications relatedto socio-astronomy and to the interactions of the astronomy communitywith society at large. This book will be most usefully read byresearchers, teachers, editors, publishers, librarians, sciencesociologists, research planners and strategists, project managers, andpublic relations officers, plus those in charge of astronomy-relatedorganizations, as well as by students aiming at a career in astronomyor related space science. ... Read more