Celestial Objects for Common Telescopes

This 1859 guide for amateur astronomers served as a standard reference work for many decades to follow.

Thomas William Webb (Author)

9781108014076, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 10 June 2010

272 pages, 1 map
21.6 x 14 x 1.6 cm, 0.35 kg

Thomas William Webb (1807–1885) was an Oxford-educated English clergyman whose deep interest in astronomy and accompanying field observations eventually led to the publication of his Celestial Objects for Common Telescopes in 1859. An attempt 'to furnish the possessors of ordinary telescopes with plain directions for their use, and a list of objects for their advantageous employment', the book was popular with amateur stargazers for many decades to follow. Underlying Webb's celestial field guide and directions on telescope use was a deep conviction that the heavens pointed observers 'to the most impressive thoughts of the littleness of man, and of the unspeakable greatness and glory of the Creator'. A classic and well-loved work by a passionate practitioner, the monograph remains an important landmark in the history of astronomy, as well as a tool for use by amateurs and professionals alike.

Introduction
Part I. The Instrument and the Observer: 1. The telescope
2. The mode of observation
Part II. The Solar System: 1. The Sun
2. Mercury
3. Venus
4. The Moon
5. Index to the map of the moon
6. Mars
7. Jupiter
8. Saturn
9. Uranus and Neptune
10. Comets
Part III. The Starry Heavens: 1. Double stars, clusters, and nebulae
2. Andromeda
3. Anser
4. Antinous
5. Aquarius
6. Aquila
7. Argo Navis
8. Aries
9. Auriga
10. Boötes
11. Camelopardus
12. Cancer
13. Canes Venatici
14. Canis Major
15. Canis Minor
16. Capricornus
17. Cassiopea
18. Cepheus
19. Cetus
20. Clypeus Sobieskii
21. Coma Berenices
22. Corona Borealis
23. Corvus
24. Crater
25. Cygnus
26. Delphinus
27. Draco
28. Equuleus
29. Eridanus
30. Gemini
31. Hercules
32. Hydra
33. Lacerta
34. Leo
35. Leo Minor
36. Lepus
37. Libra
38. Lynx
39. Lyra
40. Monoceros
41. Ophiuchus
42. Orion
43. Pegasus
44. Perseus
45. Pisces
46. Sagitta
47. Sagittarius
48. Scorpio
Scutum, see Clypeus, Sobieskii
49. Serpens
50. Sextans
51. Taurus
52. Taurus Poniatowskii
53. Triangulum
54. Ursa Major
55. Ursa Minor
56. Virgo
57. Vulpecula.

Subject Areas: Solar system: the Sun & planets [PGS]