The Urban Astronomer: A Practical Guide for Observers in Cities and Suburbs (Wiley Science Editions)

By Gregory L. Matloff

Book Overview

A complete guide for the amateur astronomer living in an urban or suburban center. The Urban Astronomer If you think a trip to the country is necessary to observe celestial objects, take a second look. Viewing the sky from an urban location can be just as fun and educational -- if you know how to go about it. The Urban Astronomer shows amateur and more advanced astronomers the best ways and times to observe celestial objects from a city or suburban environment. Complete with detailed illustrations, The Urban Astronomer: * Shows readers how to overcome the special problems of viewing the sky from cities and suburbs, such as light pollution * Describes in detail those objects most easily viewed from a city location * Includes many sky activities that can be enjoyed by novice and experienced urban astronomers * Provides helpful tips and checklists for preparing your own stargazing outing * Covers objects for naked-eye observation as well as those that need binoculars or telescopes and describes the best equipment for the urban stargazer

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0471531421
• ISBN13: 9780471531425
• Release Date: July 1991
• Publisher: Wiley
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 7.3" x 10.2"

Customer Reviews

Tailored for City Observing

Written by a professional astronomer who headed the NYC Parks dept metro astronomy program, this book details the types of objects and techniques for viewing them not found in any general amateur astronomy text. A text for the beginning city observer, Matloff's book concentrates on subjects such as how to find your way around the sky when there are only a few dozen or less stars visible; what objects are are visible under such conditions; and deals with the Moon Sun and bright planets at leagth as these objects are the meat on the urban observer's plate. Altogether, this book is recommended to those city dwellers who have a hesitant interest in astronomy, wondering just what can be seen under severely light polluted skies. Turns out there is a great deal after all and Matloff makes for a good beginning guide.