Urban Astronomy

Practical guide to amateur astronomy from within towns and cities.

Denis Berthier (Author), Klaus Brasch (Translated by)

9780521531900, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 12 February 2004

108 pages, 2 b/w illus. 97 colour illus. 11 tables
23 x 17.5 x 1 cm, 0.328 kg

'It is very informative and I am sure all you require in one place for those with a basic astronomy interest.' Spaceflight

Light pollution has spread so much in the last few decades that it often compromises our view of the stars. It is becoming more and more difficult to find an observing site with clear, dark skies away from light and industrial pollution. However, with patience, some simple equipment, and by choosing the right targets to observe, amateur astronomers can still find observing from towns and cities a rewarding hobby. The result of thirty years of observing the night sky from within a city, Denis Berthier's practical guide will help amateur astronomers to enjoy their hobby without having to travel to distant sites, and without using complicated equipment or difficult techniques, enabling them to observe and photograph stars and planets as well as many other celestial objects.

Introduction
1. Starting out without fear
2. Observing equipment
3. The sky above the roof-tops
4. Season by season - what to observe
5. How to look after your equipment
Tables.

Subject Areas: Popular astronomy & space [WNX], Astronomical observation: observatories, equipment & methods [PGG]