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Astronomy on the Personal Computer provides the reader with a thorough introduction to the computation of celestial mechanics, which is of particular significance for carrying out astronomical observations. Covering everything from astronomical and computational theory to the construction of rapid and accurate applications programs, this book supplies the necessary knowledge and software solutions for determining and predicting positions of the Sun, Moon, planets, minor planets and comets, solar eclipses, stellar occultations by the Moon, phases of the Moon and much more. This completely revised edition makes use of the widely implemented programming language C++, and individual applications may be efficiently realized through the use of a powerful module library. The accompanying CD-ROM contains, in addition to the complete, fully documented and commented source codes, the executable programs for Windows 95/98/NT and Linux operating systems. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Astronomy (Pascal Style)
I was a little disappointed with the book's programming code in Pascal.I was hoping at least it was in a more modern language such as C++ or Java, however, the algorithms work well on the generic Pascal compiler.There are too many programs for the average person just to type in, so I suggest getting the book with the media included.Mine came with a 3 1/2" floppy disk (can you tell this was from the 90's).Most machines don't even have floppy disks any more.I had to put this in my older laptop with my floppy to transfer the programs to my jump drive.

Overall, I like the book, and I suppose for a few more dollars I can get these programs in the "modern languages".Thank you for reading this review.

Good C++ book for astromical calc
This book does not use c-like/c++ but true c++.It begins with Vec3D class hiding private menbers.I learn many things of objective astronomical calc from this book.

Exceptional value for money
What I appreciate about this book is that details of many aspects of astronomical computations are clearly explained together with extensively documented full C++ source code and references for further information. As a bonus, extensive star catalogues are supplied, for use with, for example, astrometry.

C++ is *not* my language of choice, but the authors seem to have done a masterful job of using C++ features well, while avoiding obfuscation. Initially at least, I am translating things as I go into Mathematica, as a check that I am understanding what I am reading.

All in all, for getting under the hood, I think Montenbruck and Pfleger provide exceptional value for money.

Good book
I`m very intresting this book (disk ... Read more

Product Description

This book is based around the author’s beautiful and sometimes awe-inspiring color images and mosaics of deep-sky objects.

The images were used as the basis of a public exhibition held at the University of Southampton (Summer 2006), attended by the press, local radio and TV interviewers as well as the public. The book describes how similar images can be created by amateur astronomers, using commercially available telescopes and CCD cameras. Subsequent processing and image enhancement in the “electronic darkroom” is covered in detail as well.

Not everybody can afford the biggest and best telescopes and CCD cameras, so a range of telescopes and equipment is considered, from the author’s 11-inch with Hyperstar camera, down to more affordable instruments.

Appendices provide links to free software – not available from a single source – and are themselves an invaluable resource.

Customer Reviews (3)

Fortunately I bought it cheaply
This book meanders around, often repetitively without coming to grips with any real detail.I also found the author's writing style quite irritating.He loves exclamation marks!Often two or three stacked together!! Even when he makes the most bland statements!!! Such as "thank you Noel!!!"

The author clearly does not understand the relationship between noise and the number of subexposures. On page 33 he states (correctly) that the noise goes down as "something like" the square root of the number of subs. In other words 100 subs of equal exposure stacked together will have one tenth of the noise of one sub. However this is not an absolute: the length of the exposure is also important. The author states that a disadvantage of longer exposures is that you will have fewer of them and hence more noise than lots of shorter exposures.This is nonsense. Twenty exposures of 5 minutes will have a lot less noise than 100 exposures of 1 minute. Shot noise in both will be approximately the same, since the total exposure is the same (100 minutes).However, read noise for the 100 exposures will be greater, since there are 100 reads as opposed to 20.One would expect the total noise in the stack of 100 to be sqrt(5) times more than in the stack of 20. The subject of noise is well discussed in the book "Astronomical Image Processing" by Berry and Burnell

The author is also a little confused about "fast" and "slow" telescopes.On Page 21 he states that "Light grabbing power is all about aperture.."On Page 25, after discussing the fact that a large aperture refractor probably needs a permanent setup, he goes on to state that "Of course you can use smaller aperture refractors for imaging, but you will by necessity be using a 'slow' system..."To me this suggests that he is implying that speed is a function of aperture.He then contradicts this on page 35 where he states that "..the Hubble space telescope with a 2-metre diameter mirror..is very much slower than my Sky 90 3.5" refractor..."The problem is that when astroimaging, the whole system must be considered.It makes no sense to talk of a "fast" telescope in isolation.It does make sense to say that one telescope/camera combination is faster than another telescope/camera combination.For instance an f10 telescope matched with a camera whose pixel size delivers 2 arc sec per pixel will be 4 x faster than an f5 telescope of the same aperture matched with a camera whose pixel size delivers 1 arc sec per pixel, because in the second case, each pixel receives only a quarter of the light than in the first case. This is why we can speed up exposures by binning.Binning 2 x 2 effectively halves the focal ratio of a telescope.You get the same image scale, speed and resolution that you would get from a telescope of half the focal ratio and the same aperture.Of course, there is no such thing as a free lunch.You also get half the field of view, but since most DSOs occupy only the central field, this is often not important.

The book is really about "My trials and errors in astroimaging".While some personal reflections are often of interest, it is my opinion that the author overdoes the personal reflections aspect.

The pictures in Chapter 11 are the best part of the book, but in themselves do not make the purchase of the book worthwhile.Chapter 12 ("Differentiating your work") also contains some good advice.All in all, I cannot recommend purchasing this book.

Saved me a pile of money.
I was all set on purchasing a CCD camera for my Celestron C14. After much research I was going to go with the Hyper-Star camera. After reading this book I saw that this choice would be fraught with technical problems more suited to a professional or highly neurotic astro-photographer. Just contemplating trying to focus the Hyper Star camera with a tolerance of microns made my choice plain. I wasn't going to spend thousands on a camera only useable on one telescope. This book more than paid for itself.

As far as the other data in the book, I glossed over the author's pet products. I also appreciated the fine photos even being in such a small format book.

I made the wrong decision
This book does contain some very beautiful DSO images, but other than that it is a unfortunate disappointment to me. Not only because the 'Affordable' here in this book seems not too affordable - at least to me I'd consider a Stellarvue 80ED is much more affordable than Tak Sky90. Some impression I got from this book was unless you have a Tak 90 otherwise you won't get DSO pictures even close to the author had produced.
Maybe you found this book is good for you, but I did not. Sorry.
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"An attempt has been made in these pages to trace the evolution of intellectual thought in the progress of astronomical discovery, and, by recognising the different points of view of the different ages, to give due credit even to the ancients. No one can expect, in a history of astronomy of limited size, to find a treatise on practical or on theoretical astronomy, nor a complete descriptive astronomy, and still less a book on speculative astronomy. Something of each of these is essential, however, for tracing the progress of thought and knowledge which it is the object of this History to describe. " ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent book of early astronomy
This starts with the ancient Chinese, then goes through the Chaldeans, Greeks, and Arabs, then Copernicus and others of the Renaissance, and lastly the 18th and 19th centuries. There are chapters about the telescope and other instruments, the sun, moon, planets and the stars.

The author does a good job of showing how astronomers used the findings of earlier astronomers to increase their own knowledge of the subject. It's amazing to read how much was known about astronomy in the past, and how accurate their findings were. It's also funny to read things which were thought to be true at the time when the book was written. Several people reported having seen a planet inside Mercury's orbit. One man thought Mars had artificially made canals with vegetation growing on their banks. There are lots more. Maybe in 100 years astronomers will be laughing at us for thinking that dark matter and dark energy exist.

The table of contents is active, which is unusual for these free books. There are footnotes and an index at the end.

This is a great book loaded with historical information. I recommend that you have at least a basic knowledge of astronomy before reading this book, because it's not written for beginners.
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Product Description
Chapters: Kstars, Celestia, Stellarium, Starlink Project, Digital Universe Atlas, Instrument Neutral Distributed Interface, Cartes Du Ciel, Pp3, Aladin Sky Atlas, Iris, Space Telescope Science Data Analysis System. Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 47. Not illustrated. Free updates online. Purchase includes a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Excerpt: Celestia is a 3D astronomy program created by Chris Laurel. The program is based on the Hipparcos Catalogue (HIP) and allows users to travel through an extensive universe, modeled after reality, at any speed, in any direction and at any time in history. Celestia displays and interacts with objects ranging in scale from artificial satellites to entire galaxies in three dimensions using OpenGL, from perspectives which would not be possible from a classic planetarium or other ground based display. NASA and ESA have used Celestia in their educational and outreach programs, as well as for interfacing to trajectory analysis software. Celestia is available for Linux, Mac OS X, and Microsoft Windows. Released under the GNU General Public License, Celestia is free software. Typical DSO survey in CelestiaCelestia displays the Hipparcos Catalogue (HIP) of almost 120,000 stars. Celestia uses the very accurate VSOP87 theory of planetary orbits. This makes it possible for it to provide a Solar and lunar eclipse finder and to display the orbital paths of planets (including extrasolar planets), dwarf planets, moons, asteroids, comets, artificial satellites, and spacecraft. The user can vary the number of stars that are visible on the screen and have them drawn in different styles. Celestia users can travel/fly through the Celestia universe using simple keyboard controls, at any speed from 0.001m/s to millions of light years/s. Viewpoints can be set to look forward, backward or at any angle to direction of travel. Cont...More: http://booksllc.net/?id=399773 ... Read more

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Chapters: Starmad. Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 91. Not illustrated. Free updates online. Purchase includes a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Excerpt: STARMAD (Space Tool for Advanced and Rapid Mission Analysis and Design) deals with the latest trend in the space industry is towards space missions, spacecraft, systems and products, which require quick solutions for system design and software development. Fundamental aspects are: the capability of minimising the number of steps to perform a complete Space Mission Analysis and Design; the ability to evaluate and display results instantaneously; the possibility to control all complex Space Mission subjects in a concurrent manner. STARMAD aims to achieve cost reduction and quality improvements by streamlining the design process through improving engineer involvement, and hence his understanding and efficiency in designing a space mission. STARMAD is a Space Mission Analysis and Design tool, intended to enable users to quickly and easily perform the following tasks: 1. Preliminary Orbit Analysis, in terms of Dynamics, Geometry, Manoeuvre and Maintenance, Interplanetary Transfer, and Delta-V Budget.2. Observation Payload Analysis, in terms of Electromagnetic Spectrum, Optics and Sizing.3. Spacecraft Subsystems Design, considering Attitude Control, Communications, Power System, Propulsion System, Structural Analysis and Thermal Control.4. Launch and Transfer Vehicle Information.5. Mission Operation Complexity, from the point of view of Mission Design and Planning, Flight System Design, Operational Risk Avoidance, Ground Systems. Its main features are: STARMAD is a tool allowing user to perform a Space Mission Analysis and Design in a complete, simple and fast way. It can be compared to an electronic handbook where you have just to insert the required inputs, press enter and see the results.The use...More: http://booksllc.net/?id=16481236 ... Read more

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Chapters: Astronomy Software, Space Combat Simulators, Space Flight Simulation Computer Games, Space Simulation Narrative-Based Game, Space Trading and Combat Simulators, Escape Velocity, Star Control, Star Raiders, Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance, Star Wars: X-Wing Vs. Tie Fighter, Eve Online, Freespace 2, Freelancer, Subspace, Elite, Descent: Freespace - the Great War, X³: Reunion, Project Sylpheed, Wing Commander Iv: the Price of Freedom, Space Flight Simulator Game, Universal Combat, Escape Velocity Nova, Battlecruiser 3000ad, Wing Commander Iii: Heart of the Tiger, Wing Commander Ii: Vengeance of the Kilrathi, I-War, Vega Strike, Independence War 2: Edge of Chaos, X³: Terran Conflict, Colony Wars, Allegiance, Wing Commander: Prophecy, Orbiter, Frontier: Elite Ii, Noctis, Space Shuttle Mission 2007, Sundog: Frozen Legacy, Starmad, Star Wars: Tie Fighter, Starscape, X: Beyond the Frontier, Starflight, Worldwide Telescope, Wing Commander: Privateer, Space Lords, Wing Commander: Armada, Galactic Command, Darkstar One, Escape Velocity Override, Naev, Spacewar!, Starlink Project, Oolite, X-Com: Interceptor, X²: the Threat, Tradewars 2002, Star Fleet, Jumpgate Evolution, Satellite Tool Kit, Frontier: First Encounters, Black Prophecy, Infinity: the Quest for Earth, Nomad, Evochron Legends, Warhead, Rise: the Vieneo Province, Beyond the Red Line, Wing Commander Arena, Trade Wars, Stellar Frontier, Digital Universe Atlas, Diaspora, Hardwar, Tachyon: the Fringe, Universe Sandbox, Space Rangers 2: Dominators, Earth ... Read more

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This colloquium gathered for the first time astronomy and space scientists together with scientific editors, publishers and software producers involved in DTP publishing. Introductory talks set up the context; contributed papers shared experience and presented challenges to be met, needs to be satisfied and problems to be solved. Special sessions were held to homogenize procedures and standards in electronic publishing as well as assess the potentialities of this new technology in intelligent information retrieval. ... Read more

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MADAME: I have dedicated none of my works, save Stella--offered to the liberal-minded, the free and generous friend of progress, and patron of the sciences, James Gordon Bennett, editor of the New York Herald. In this volume, Madame, I make another exception, and ask your permission to offer it to the first woman who consented to be enrolled in the list of members of the Astronomical Society of France, as foundress of this splendid work, from the very beginning of our vast association (1887); and who also desired to take part in the permanent organization of the Observatory at Juvisy, a task of private enterprise, emancipated from administrative routine. An Astronomy for Women[1] can not be better placed than upon the table of a lady whose erudition is equal to her virtues, and who has consecrated her long career to the pursuit and service of the Beautiful, the Good, and the True.
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The remarkably realistic planetarium software allows students in urban areas to conduct observational activities. The workbook, written specifically to accompany both Starry Night and the textbook, connects text passages with software exercises. ... Read more

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A book/disk combo that allows users to turn their PC into a real Windows planetarium. The book guides users through the intricacies of stargazing with Sirius, the accompanying software. Sirius has a built-in library of more than 10,000 stars, planets, and constellations. Sirius offers a fascinating view into the infinite depths of the universe to anyone interested in astronomy. ... Read more

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How would you like to get started today in the fascinating hobby of astronomy?

Let The beginners guide to astronomy take you by the hand and guide you on your memorable journey through the universe around us.

From our small world we have gazed upon the cosmic ocean for thousands of years. Ancient astronomers observed points of light that appeared to move among the stars. They called these objects planets, meaning wanderers, and named them after Roman deities - Jupiter, king of the gods; Mars, the god of war; Mercury, messenger of the gods; Venus, the god of love and beauty, and Saturn, father of Jupiter and god of agriculture.

The stargazers also observed comets with sparkling tails, and meteors or shooting stars apparently falling from the sky. Since the invention of the telescope, three more planets have been discovered in our solar system. The science of astronomy is ever expanding.

The beginners guide to astronomy will provide you with an understanding of astronomy and the universe around us. From our closest neighbors, the moon, sun and planets to the distant reaches of the universe, the stars and constellations,The beginners guide to astronomy is your ultimate guide.The beginners guide to astronomy begins with a basic understanding of light and color. In the first three chapters you will learn the important role these forces play in astronomy and an understanding of the universe. Exciting experiments will help you in your learning.

Next we will examine the instruments used in astronomy and you will learn how to build a simple spectroscope from low cost materials.

Then it's on to our sun, moon and planets, where you will learn there distance from us and amazing facts about each of these bodies, and then beyond to study the meteoroids, asteroids and comets and ending up at the stars and constellations with star maps for observing the night sky. The beginners guide to astronomy is the complete manual for beginning this exciting new hobby.

Astronomy is a hobby that will give you years of enjoyment and learning. Order The beginners guide to astronomy for you and your family now and get immediate delivery!

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Customer Reviews (1)

too basic
very basic. it seems to me just a collection of data without much sense. Cheap but not worth even that little ... Read more

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"The object of this book is to give an account of the science of Astronomy, as it is known at the present day, in a manner acceptable to the _general reader_." ... Read more

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From our small world we have gazed upon the cosmic ocean for thousands of years. Ancient astronomers observed points of light that appeared to move among the stars. They called these objects planets, meaning wanderers, and named them after Roman deities - Jupiter, king of the gods; Mars, the god of war; Mercury, messenger of the gods; Venus, the god of love and beauty, and Saturn, father of Jupiter and god of agriculture.

The star lovers also observed comets with sparkling tails, and meteors or shooting stars apparently falling from the sky. Since the invention of the telescope, three more planets have been discovered in our solar system. The science of astronomy is ever expanding.

Star Lover Lust will provide you with an understanding of astronomy and the universe around us. From our closest neighbors, the moon, sun and planets to the distant reaches of the universe, the stars and constellations.
... Read more