The Cambridge Double Star Atlas

The first and only atlas of physical double stars, with charts by celestial cartographer Wil Tirion.

Bruce MacEvoy (Author), Wil Tirion (Illustrated by)

9781107534209, Cambridge University Press

Spiral bound, published 10 December 2015

170 pages, 6 b/w illus. 62 maps 5 tables
30.5 x 24.5 x 1.6 cm, 0.84 kg

'The Cambridge Double Star Atlas has long been a valuable resource to double star observers. This second edition has a much more detailed introduction describing binary stars, their orbits and properties, observing tools, and techniques. The double star target list has been expanded to include more information about each double star such as position angle, spectral types, and distances. Even if you already have the first edition, this second edition is a worthwhile upgrade.' R. Kent Clark, Editor, Journal of Double Star Observations

The Cambridge Double Star Atlas is back! It is the first and only atlas of physical double stars that can be viewed with amateur astronomical instruments. Completely rewritten, this new edition explains the latest research into double stars, and looks at the equipment, techniques and opportunities that will enable you to discover, observe and measure them. The target list has been completely revised and extended to 2500 binary or multiple systems. Each system is described with the most recent and accurate data from the authoritative Washington Double Star Catalog, including the HD and SAO numbers that are most useful in our digital age. Hundreds of remarks explain the attributes of local, rapidly changing, often measured or known orbital systems. The color atlas charts by Wil Tirion have been updated to help you easily find and identify the target systems, as well as other deep-sky objects. This is an essential reference for double star observers.

Preface
What are double stars?
The binary orbit
Double star dynamics
Stellar mass and the binary life cycle
The double star population
Detecting double stars
Double star catalogs
Telescope optics
Preparing to observe
Helpful accessories
Viewing challenges
Next steps
Appendices: target list
Useful formulas
Double star orbits
Double star catalogs
The Greek alphabet.

Subject Areas: Popular astronomy & space [WNX], Astronomy, space & time [PG]