Features
- Cover Type: Paperback with 246 pages
- Published by: Springer
- Edition: 1st Edition December 12, 2006
- Written in: English
- ISBN 10 Number: 1852337524
- ISBN 13 Number: 978-1852337520
-
Book Dimensions:
9.2 x 7 x 0.7 inches
- Weighs: 1.4 pounds
Product Review
From the reviews:
"The Springer series Astronomers’ Observing Guides is a bit of a mixed-bag, with some books much better than others; this is certainly one of the better ones. … The book is well illustrated with images of galaxies, many in colour … . Numerous references are given; in fact there are more references in this book than in many academic ones. In summary, this is an great book which I have no hesitation in recommending. Even experienced observers will find much useful information in its pages." (Stewart L. Moore, The Observatory, Vol. 127 (1200), October, 2007)
"This guide for amateur astronomers is one in a series of ‘Astronomers’ Observing Guides.’ … The text contains a wealth of detailed information valuable to the serious amateur … . The appendix gives useful lists of books, magazines, sky mapping software, Internet databases and links, as well as footnoted references. Many of the gorgeous color photographs used throughout were taken with some of the world’s best
telescopes … . Summing Up: Recommended. General readers." (M. Dickinson, CHOICE, Vol. 44 (11), July, 2007)
Product Description
Galaxies are perhaps the most popular of all visual targets that are sought after by visual observers. At present the only way to get up-to-date information, is to query various (often highly technical) speciality books or digging deeply into the Internet. This can be a time consuming and often frustrating task, as the data aren’t often compatible. This book satisfies the need for a modern, comprehensive review in combining the three major aspects: the physical background on the nature and data of galaxies, the relevant instrumentation and viewing techniques, and finally the targets and their individual appearance in
telescopes of various apertures. To illustrate the latter, a comprehensive sample of galaxies, including quasars, groups and clusters of galaxies is presented. This combination of theoretical knowledge and practical information guarantees successful observing sessions. The book could become a standard source on galaxy observing for all kinds of amateur observers, from the beginner to the experienced.
Reader ReviewsThis book is filled with a lot of really interesting information on galaxies. However, it is extremely disorganized. My copy of this book is now full of bookmarks to help me find information later. Why? This book has no index. Let me repeat that--this book has NO INDEX. This is an unforgivable sin for any reference book! Furthermore, the subtitle is "and how to observe them." There is not a clue about how to observe galaxies. Instead, the pictures of galaxies are taken through large professional telescopes that for the most part are not even identified. There are observer's descriptions for some galaxies, but most of these are through 20" and larger telescopes. Only a few descriptions are for telescope sizes you might be likely to own. On the plus side, there are a number of pointers to more information sources, but often these are given in large, undifferentiated lists, instead of the authors making specific recommendations. Some of the descriptions of galactic structure and evolution are extremely sparse. You won't find a clear definition of Seyfert galaxies, for example. If you're looking for a definitive work on galaxies, this isn't it. But if you want to learn some interesting facts, you might find this book a fun read. You'll probably come away with some observing ideas as well, but stock up on bookmarks!
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