Designed for anyone who wishes to learn the constellations or observe the best and brightest deep sky objects and double stars, this book contains an alphabetical list of constellations complete with star maps, historical background, and highlights of deep sky objects. Each entry contains position and physical information on enough stars to support astronomers in star-hopping, swinging the telescope from star to star to star to arrive at a faint target. It provides a carefully selected list of accessible and rewarding deep sky objects.

Full-color maps show the constellations, with star types (spectral and physical) indicated by the colors used on the map. Extended objects such as galaxies and nebulae are shown with the approximate apparent size in the sky. With unmatched thoroughness and accessibility, this is a constellation atlas that makes the ideal companion to a night's telescope viewing, for novices and expert amateur astronomers alike. Easy to navigate and refer to, it is the key that unlocks the door to greater night sky exploration.

Visualizes relevant physical information of stars and extended objects in an attractive and comprehensive way with different colors, symbol types, and sizes Covers the entire sky, both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere Contains position (and physical) information on enough stars to support star-hopping

Autorentext

Grant Privett has a BSc in Astrophysics, an MSc in Computer Modelling, and a BA in Instrumentation and Mathematics. He is an active astronomer and author of two other Springer titles (Deep Sky Observer's Year and Creating and Enhancing Digital Astro Images) as well as 100+ articles for magazines that include Astronomy Now, Sky & Telescope, and Sky at Night. Previously an Astronomer-programmer for PPARC, he works for the UK Ministry of Defense as a physicist specializing in imaging. He is also the Variable Nebulae Coordinator for the British Astronomical Association Deep Sky Section. Privett frequently gives talks to astronomy societies in the UK.

Kevin Jones is currently professionally employed by the UK Ministry of Defense as a technical programmer and researcher. He is a mathematician with wide experience in geo-spatial data handling and data visualization.

Inhalt

Introduction: Background and How to Use This Book.- Constellation Maps.- Additional information.- Appendix 1.- Index.