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Astronomy Hacks: Tips & 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.
Credits
Preface
Chapter 1. Getting Started
1. Don't Give Up
2. Join an Astronomy Club
3. Safety First
4. Stay Warm
5. Don't Violate Observing Site Etiquette
6. Be Prepared
7. Measure Your Entrance Pupil Size
8. Choose the Best Binocular
9. Choose the Best General-Purpose Telescope
10. Equip Yourself for Urban Observing
Chapter 2. Observing Hacks
11. See in the Dark
12. Protect Your Night Vision from Local Lights
13. Describe the Brightness of an Object
14. Identify Stars by Name
15. Identify Stars by Catalog Designations
16. Know Your Constellations
17. Understand Celestial Coordinate Systems
18. Print Custom Charts
19. Keep Your Charts at the Eyepiece
20. Locate Objects Geometrically
21. Learn to Star Hop
22. Learn to See DSOs
23. Observe Shallow-Space Objects
24. Slow Down, You Move Too Fast, You've Got to Make the Evening Last
25. Learn Urban Observing Skills
26. Sweep Constellations
27. Maintain an Observing Notebook
28. Develop an Organized Logging System
29. Plan and Prepare for a Messier Marathon
30. Run a Messier Marathon
31. Photograph the Stars with Basic Equipment
32. Discover and Name a New Planet
Chapter 3. Scope Hacks
33. Center-Spot Your Mirror
34. Clean Your Primary Mirror
35. Eliminate Astigmatism
36. Eliminate Diffraction Spikes and Increase Contrast
37. Build a Film Can Collimating Tool
38. Tune Your Newtonian Reflector for Maximum Performance
39. Collimate Your Primary Mirror Quickly and Accurately
40. Star-Collimate Your Scope
41. Counterweight a Dobsonian Scope
42. Improve Dobsonian Motions with Milk Jug Washers
43. Upgrade Your Dobsonian Bearings
Chapter 4. Accessory Hacks
44. Dark Adapt Your Notebook Computer
45. Dark Adapt Your Vehicle
46. Use a Barlow
47. Determine Actual Barlow Magnification
48. See More of the Sky
49. Optimize Your Eyepiece Collection
50. Chart Your Eyepiece Characteristics
51. View Dim Objects in the Same Field as a Very Bright Object
52. Clean Your Eyepieces and Lenses Safely
53. Install a Unit-Power Finder
54. Upgrade Your Optical Finder
55. Align Your Finder
56. Determine Your Optical Finder's Field of View
57. Determine Your True Field of View
58. Enhance Lunar and Planetary Contrast and Detail
59. Enhance Nebular Contrast and Detail
60. Please Be Seated
61. Stash Your Gear in a Photographer's Vest or Fanny Pack
62. Use a Voice Recorder for Logging
63. Build or Buy an Equatorial Platform
64. Make Your Computer Work for You
65. Astronomy Software in the Palm of Your Hand
Index
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