Comets And How To Observe Them

Author : Richard Schmude, Jr.
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 263 pages
File Size : 53,8 Mb
Release : 2010-09-20
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781441957900

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Comets and How to Observe Them by Richard Schmude, Jr. Pdf

Comets have inspired wonder, excitement and even fear ever since they were first observed. But they are important members of the solar system, that contain material from early in the life of the system, held in deep-freeze. This makes them key in our understanding of the formation and evolution of many Solar System bodies. Recent ground- and space-based observations have changed much in our understanding of comets. Comets, and How to Observe Them gives a summary of our current knowledge and describes how amateur astronomers can contribute to the body of scientific knowledge of comets. This book contains many practical examples of how to construct comet light-curves, measure how fast a comet’s coma expands, and determine the rotation period of the nucleus. All these examples are illustrated with drawings and photographs. Because of their unpredictable nature comets are always interesting and sometime spectacular objects to observe and image. The second part of the book therefore takes the reader through the key observing techniques that can be used with commercially available modern observing equipment, from basic observations to more scientific measurements.

Author : Richard Schmude, Jr.
Publisher : Springer
Page : 254 pages
File Size : 40,6 Mb
Release : 2010-09-21
Category : Science
ISBN : 1441957898

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Comets and How to Observe Them by Richard Schmude, Jr. Pdf

Comets have inspired wonder, excitement and even fear ever since they were first observed. But they are important members of the solar system, that contain material from early in the life of the system, held in deep-freeze. This makes them key in our understanding of the formation and evolution of many Solar System bodies. Recent ground- and space-based observations have changed much in our understanding of comets. Comets, and How to Observe Them gives a summary of our current knowledge and describes how amateur astronomers can contribute to the body of scientific knowledge of comets. This book contains many practical examples of how to construct comet light-curves, measure how fast a comet’s coma expands, and determine the rotation period of the nucleus. All these examples are illustrated with drawings and photographs. Because of their unpredictable nature comets are always interesting and sometime spectacular objects to observe and image. The second part of the book therefore takes the reader through the key observing techniques that can be used with commercially available modern observing equipment, from basic observations to more scientific measurements.

Author : Robert Lunsford
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 198 pages
File Size : 44,5 Mb
Release : 2009-02-19
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780387094618

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Meteors and How to Observe Them by Robert Lunsford Pdf

In this era of high-tech instruments, meteor observing is the one facet of astr- omy that needs nothing more than your naked eye. Meteors can be easily seen without the aid of cameras, binoculars, or telescopes. Just ? nd a comfortable chair and lie back and watch for the surprises that await high above you. It is a great way to involve the family in science where everyone is active at the same time, not wa- ing to take turns at the eyepiece. The kids especially enjoy the hunt for “shooting stars,” oohing and ahing at each streak of light that crosses the sky. While gazing upwards, it is also a great way to get more familiar with the sky by learning the constellations and seeing if you can see the warrior among the stars of Orion or the scorpion among the stars of Scorpius. Until just recently, one could simply go outside and watch for meteors from his or her yard. Unfortunately, humankind’s fear of the dark and the widespread use of lighting as advertisement have lit the nighttime scene in urban areas so that only the brightest stars are visible. Serious meteor observing under such conditions is nearly impossible as the more numerous faint meteors are now lost in the glare of urban skies. Today, a serious meteor observing session entails organizing an outing to a country site where the stars can be seen in all their glory and meteors of all magnitudes can be viewed.

Author : David H. Levy
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
Page : 200 pages
File Size : 47,9 Mb
Release : 2003-05-15
Category : Science
ISBN : 0521520517

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David Levy's Guide to Observing and Discovering Comets by David H. Levy Pdf

David Levy has held a lifelong passion for comets, and is one of the most successful comet discoverers in history. In this book he describes the observing techniques that have been developed over the years--from visual observations and searching, to photography, through to electronic charge-coupled devices (CCDs). He combines the history of comet hunting with the latest techniques, showing how our understanding of comets has evolved over time. This practical handbook is suitable for amateur astronomers, from those who are casually interested in comets and how to observe them, to those who want to begin and expand an observing program of their own. Drawing widely from his own extensive experience, Levy describes how enthusiastic amateurs can observe comets and try to make new discoveries themselves. David H. Levy is one of the word's foremost amateur astronomers. He has discovered seventeen comets, seven using a telescope in his own backyard, and had a minor planet, Asteroid 3673 Levy named in his honor. He is best known as the co-discoverer of the famous 1994 Shoemaker-Levy 9 comet. Levy is frequently interviewed in the media and succeeded Carl Sagan as science columnist for Parade magazine. He has written and contributed to a number of books, most recently David Levy's Guide to the Night Sky (Cambridge, 2001).

Author : David A. J. Seargent
Publisher : Springer
Page : 276 pages
File Size : 53,6 Mb
Release : 2017-03-15
Category : Science
ISBN : 9783319454351

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Visually Observing Comets by David A. J. Seargent Pdf

In these days of computers and CCD cameras, visual comet observers can still contribute scientifically useful data with the help of this handy reference for use in the field. Comets are one of the principal areas for productive pro-amateur collaboration in astronomy, but finding comets requires a different approach than the observing of more predictable targets. Principally directed toward amateur astronomers who prefer visual observing or who are interested in discovering a new comet or visually monitoring the behavior of known comets, it includes all the advice needed to thrive as a comet observer. After presenting a brief overview of the nature of comets and how we came to the modern understanding of comets, this book details the various types of observations that can usefully be carried out at the eyepiece of a telescope. Subjects range from how to search for new comets to visually estimating the brightness of comets and the length and orientation of tails, in addition to what to look for in comet heads and tails. Details are also given of 20 periodic comets, predicted to return between the years 2017 and 2027, that are expected to become suitable targets for visual observing, in addition to information on a famous comet potentially visible each year and subject to great outbursts of brightness.

Author : Stephen J. Edberg,David H. Levy
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
Page : 272 pages
File Size : 45,9 Mb
Release : 1994-10-06
Category : Nature
ISBN : 0521420032

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Observing Comets, Asteroids, Meteors, and the Zodiacal Light by Stephen J. Edberg,David H. Levy Pdf

When can you see fireballs and who should you contact if you spot one? When is it best to hunt for comets and meteors and whereabouts? How do you gauge the size of the coma in the head of a comet and estimate its degree of condensation? Clear and easy to use, this guide shows you how to make successful and valuable observations and records of comets, asteroids, meteors and the zodiacal light. For each topic the historical background and current scientific understanding support a wealth of observational techniques. Comet observers are shown techniques for search and discovery. They can learn how to make visual estimates of brightness and size, and how to make photographic studies of cometary heads and tails. Asteroid hunters will find a 'life list' of quarry and guidelines on how to search for these objects and then how to photograph or electronically image them. Fruitful photographic and electronic methods for studying meteors and meteor showers are provided. Visual and photographic techniques show you how to examine the often elusive zodiacal light. The more adventurous are provided with advanced techniques on how to make successful astrometric, spectroscopic and electronic observations. This is rounded off with an invaluable list of centres world-wide to contact with your details of unusual sightings.

Author : Nick James,Gerald North
Publisher : Springer
Page : 234 pages
File Size : 42,7 Mb
Release : 2002-07-31
Category : Science
ISBN : 1852335572

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Observing Comets by Nick James,Gerald North Pdf

Since comet Shoemaker-Levy collided with the planet Jupiter with stupendous force in 1994 there has been an upsurge of amateur interest in comets. Most comets are first discovered by amateur astronomers because there are so many amateurs looking for them, and techniques and instruments have improved dramatically in the past few years. After a short but detailed introduction to the comets themselves Nick James and Gerald North describe comet hunting, photographing and imaging comets, and digital image processing. The use of computers for orbital calculations and even helping to discover new comets is given a full chapter, as are advanced techniques including comet photometry and spectroscopy. This comprehensive book has an accompanying CD-ROM and is at once a "primer" for comet hunters and a reference text for more advanced amateur astronomers.

Author : John Russell Hind
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 218 pages
File Size : 42,9 Mb
Release : 1852
Category : Astrometry
ISBN : OXFORD:590488683

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The Comets by John Russell Hind Pdf

Author : Nick James,Gerald North
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 241 pages
File Size : 47,5 Mb
Release : 2013-11-11
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781447100799

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Observing Comets by Nick James,Gerald North Pdf

Since comet Shoemaker-Levy collided with the planet Jupiter with stupendous force in 1994 there has been an upsurge of amateur interest in comets. Most comets are first discovered by amateur astronomers because there are so many amateurs looking for them, and techniques and instruments have improved dramatically in the past few years. After a short but detailed introduction to the comets themselves Nick James and Gerald North describe comet hunting, photographing and imaging comets, and digital image processing. The use of computers for orbital calculations and even helping to discover new comets is given a full chapter, as are advanced techniques including comet photometry and spectroscopy. This comprehensive book has an accompanying CD-ROM and is at once a "primer" for comet hunters and a reference text for more advanced amateur astronomers.

Author : Donald K. Yeomans
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 506 pages
File Size : 52,7 Mb
Release : 1991-02-08
Category : Science
ISBN : UOM:39015056619813

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Comets by Donald K. Yeomans Pdf

The diminutive size of cometary bodies is in no way proportional to their scientific importance. Theorists suggest that comets played a major role in the development of the Earth and subsequent collosions of comets may have wiped out various life forms, allowing only the most adaptable to develop further. In short, the study of comets is important from a historical perspective, scientifically compelling and, at the same time, entertaining. In this authoritative book, the development of cometary ideas is traced from antiquity through the actual fly-by of Halley by international spacecraft in 1986. The focus is on the cometary theories that were evident in each era. Included are many colorful anecdotes and information about culture and important personalities throughout history. Also contains an exhaustive catalog of all comet apparitions through the year 1700.

Author : Gary W. Kronk,Maik Meyer
Publisher : Springer Nature
Page : 305 pages
File Size : 50,9 Mb
Release : 2023-05-09
Category : Science
ISBN : 9783031231711

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Catalog of Unconfirmed Comets - Volume 1 by Gary W. Kronk,Maik Meyer Pdf

This catalog is the first in-depth investigation of comets that were reported since the 17th century, but not confirmed and subsequently lost. Volume I of this two-volume work covers objects observed between 1600 and 1899, a period that was dominated by visual observations and was experiencing a rapid evolution in science. The book uniquely combines the history and culture of comet hunting and discovery with modern tools of orbital mechanics to present a wholesome catalog of unconfirmed and suspected comets. Each case includes a presentation of the observations, a discussion about the observer (when possible), consideration of the historic context, and a conclusion as to the nature of the object. In most cases, the book presents material from original sources, including some never before published that were acquired from observatories, libraries, and historical societies around the world. Although some of these unconfirmed comets turned out to be misidentifications of planets or star clusters, fabrications, or poor observations of comets that were already being observed, the Authors did identify many objects that were likely real comets. In some cases, the Authors were even able to derive orbits for the first time. These observations may be valuable in the future, as they could prove to be observations of periodic comets still to be discovered.

Author : Neil Bone
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 203 pages
File Size : 45,9 Mb
Release : 2012-12-06
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781447105794

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Observing Meteors, Comets, Supernovae and other Transient Phenomena by Neil Bone Pdf

Many books cover permanent astronomical objects, but few consider transient, out-of-the-ordinary astronomical phenomena. This book covers a wide range of topics, from the partly-predictable to the totally unpredictable. At one end: of the scale, it gives advice on the best ways to observe meteors, and at the other end:, it describes the best methods for undertaking painstaking searches for new comets and supernovae. The book also includes material about phenomena that occur in the lower atmosphere, such as "ozone eaters", nacreous clouds, and solar and lunar halos.

Author : H. Shaw
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 34 pages
File Size : 44,8 Mb
Release : 1832
Category : Comets
ISBN : OXFORD:600010111

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Observations on the origin and nature of comets, their influence and use, and on the variations of the magnetic needle by H. Shaw Pdf

Author : David H. Levy
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
Page : 0 pages
File Size : 43,5 Mb
Release : 2008
Category : Nature
ISBN : 9780521696913

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David Levy's Guide to Observing Meteor Showers by David H. Levy Pdf

Meteors occur when a meteoroid, a speck of dust in space, enters the Earth's atmosphere. The heat generated when this happens causes the surrounding air to glow, resulting in 'shooting stars'. During the most spectacular meteor storms larger particles give rise to fireballs and firework-like displays! Meteors are a delightful observing field - they do not require a telescope, and they can be seen on any clear night of the year, even in bright twilight. It was the sight of a single meteor that inspired David Levy to go into astronomy, and in this book he encourages readers to go outside and witness these wonderful events for themselves. This book is a step-by-step guide to observing meteors and meteor showers. Any necessary science is explained simply and in clearly understandable terms. This is a perfect introduction to observing meteors, and is ideal for both seasoned and budding astronomers.

Author : Stephen J. Edberg
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 104 pages
File Size : 48,9 Mb
Release : 1983
Category : Comets
ISBN : IND:30000115864898

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International Halley Watch Amateur Observers' Manual for Scientific Comet Studies by Stephen J. Edberg Pdf