Astronomy Hacks: Tips and Tools for Observing the Night Sky

Astronomy Hacks: Tips and Tools for Observing the Night Sky
by Robert Thompson, Barbara Fritchman Thompson

Astronomy Hacks: Tips and Tools for Observing the Night Sky
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Book Summary Information

Author: Barbara Fritchman Thompson, Robert Thompson
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2005-06-17
ISBN: 0596100604
Number of pages: 410
Publisher: O'Reilly Media, Inc.

Book Reviews of Astronomy Hacks: Tips and Tools for Observing the Night Sky

Book Review: Boring and nearly useless
Summary: 1 Stars

I don't know which is sadder, that this miserable and embarrassing book exists - or is it a marketing brochure for the eyepiece industry? - or the overwhelmingly positive reviews of equally dubious merit that is has received. If you know nothing about astronomy and telescopes, do NOT read this book and put down this review - get thee to Sidgwick, Muirden, Menzel and the like from earlier days. In the past, astronomy had a dignity that placed it beyond "hacking" and consisted of a solid body of knowledge that was passed on from one generation to the next. Today, the books likely to be found are either exercises in hyperbole and logorrhea over pure speculations, rather than solid presentations of established facts which demand some effort on the part of the reader beyond a gaping mouth - or else marketing pamphlets for the cheap Dobsonian and ultra expensive eyepiece market. These modern books (and the one under consideration is one of the worst) impart neither knowledge nor ability, and tend to be inadvertent confessionals of the author's ignorance and worse, his lack of even understanding the intellectual ethos in which astronomy once was, and properly should be, surrounded. He knows neither the facts nor the rules, and acts an embarrassing oaf among good company.

I will not even begin to list the countless whoppers in this horrible work, starting with its smart-aleck title. It may as well have been gracelessly copied directly from the author's note pads, which might have been filled with "star party" and online folk wisdom, something that exists solely to justify the endless chase after equipment at the expense of developing observing skill. I would be frankly embarrassed to be associated with it in any way.

-antimatter33

Summary of Astronomy Hacks: Tips and Tools for Observing the Night Sky

Why use the traditional approach to study the stars when you can turn computers, handheld devices, and telescopes into out-of-this-world stargazing tools? Whether you're a first timer or an advanced hobbyist, you'll find Astronomy Hacks both useful and fun. From upgrading your optical finder to photographing stars, this book is the perfect cosmic companion.

This handy field guide covers the basics of observing, and what you need to know about tweaking, tuning, adjusting, and tricking out a 'scope. Expect priceless tips and tools for using a Dobsonian Telescope, the large-aperture telescope you can inexpensively build in your garage. Get advice on protocols involved with using electronics including in dark places without ruining the party.

"Astronomy Hacks" begins the space exploration by getting you set up with the right equipment for observing and admiring the stars in an urban setting. Along for the trip are first rate tips for making most of observations. The hacks show you how to:

Dark-Adapt Your Notebook Computer

Choose the Best Binocular

Clean Your Eyepieces and Lenses Safely

Upgrade Your Optical Finder

Photograph the Stars with Basic Equipment

The O'Reilly Hacks series has reclaimed the term "hacking" to mean innovating, unearthing, and creating shortcuts, gizmos, and gears. With these hacks, you don't dream it-you do it--and "Astronomy Hacks" brings space dreams to life. The book is essential for anyone who wants to get the most out of an evening under the stars and have memorable celestial adventures.

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