An Anthology of Visual Double Stars

Offers descriptions and observational details of the night sky's most interesting double stars for amateur astronomers of all levels.

Bob Argyle (Author), Mike Swan (Author), Andrew James (Author)

9781316629253, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 29 August 2019

482 pages, 328 b/w illus.
27.6 x 22 x 2.2 cm, 1.37 kg

'Each double star has its own chapter, and therein is a finder chart, details of the immediate celestial environment, a tabulated summary of the double's physical parameters, a fascinating history and, most importantly, an historical summary of the measurements of the double … Useful chapters are included on 'Double star resources' - detailing websites and catalogues - and 'Observational double star groups' where both existing and new observers can contact others (it is quite probable that the Anthology will inspire more observers to explore these fabulous celestial sights.) For your reviewer though the most fascinating chapter is that giving biographies of well-known current and historical double star observers. This chapter really brings the science to life … I can heartily recommend this volume to amateur observers … If you already have The Cambridge Double Star Atlas, buying the Anthology is a must. If you haven't - buy both!.' John McCue, Journal of the British Astronomical Association

Modern telescopes of even modest aperture can show thousands of double stars. Many are faint and unremarkable but hundreds are worth searching out. Veteran double-star observer Bob Argyle and his co-authors take a close-up look at their selection of 175 of the night sky's most interesting double and multiple stars. The history of each system is laid out from the original discovery to what we know at the present time about the stars. Wide-field finder charts are presented for each system along with plots of the apparent orbits and predicted future positions for the orbital systems. Recent measurements of each system are included which will help you to decide whether they can be seen in your telescope, as well as giving advice on the aperture needed. Double star observers of all levels of experience will treasure the level of detail in this guide to these jewels of the night sky.

1. Introduction
2. Observing double stars
3. Measurement techniques
4. Observational double star groups
5. Double star online resources
6. Biographies of visual double star observers
7. Myths, mysteries and one-offs
8. A selection of double stars
9. Double star catalogue in constellation order
10. Introduction to the Catalogue
The Catalogue 1-175
Appendices
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Popular astronomy & space [WNX], Astronomical charts & atlases [PGT], Galaxies & stars [PGM], Astronomy, space & time [PG]