Star Clusters and How to Observe Them

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Springer Science & Business Media, Apr 4, 2006 - Science - 212 pages

ASTRONOMERS’ OBSERVING GUIDES provide up-to-date information for amateur astronomers who want to know all about what it is they are observing. This is the basis of the first part of the book. The second part details observing techniques for practical astronomers, working with a range of different instruments.

Star Clusters and How to Observe Them is a mine of information for all levels of amateur observers, from beginners to experienced observers. It begins with a detailed yet easily assimilated description of star clusters, how they were formed as our Milky Way galaxy evolved, and how they are classified. The latest research has revealed a vast amount of fascinating information about the clusters, along with some spectacular photographs.

Modern commercially-made telescopes enable amateur astronomers to see a surprising amount of detail, and to record – using CCD cameras, video, webcams or even film – some remarkably beautiful and detailed images. There is detailed information on using refractors, reflectors, SCT’s (like Meade and Celestron) and computer-controlled telescopes

The book includes an Observing List cataloguing star clusters to be observed or imaged using a variety of different instruments, all of them available commercially to amateur astronomers.

 

Selected pages

Contents

Stars The Ingredients of Star Clusters
3
The Milky Way Home to Star Clusters
9
Open Clusters
13
Globular Clusters
25
Stellar Associations
38
Asterisms
43
Extragalactic Clusters
46
Cluster Remnants
56
Instruments
69
Equipment and Accessories
77
Observation Planning and Resources
84
Observing Guide and Techniques
92
Imaging and Recording Objects
101
Comprehensive Observing List
110
Catalogues and Cluster Data
195
Postscript
199

Misfits and Nonexistent Clusters
60
Observing Star Clusters
66

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