Here is a comprehensive guide for every amateur astronomer who hopes to do more than just star-gaze. If you already own an astronomical telescope and want to know how to use it to the best effect, or if you are thinking about buying one and are wondering where to start, then this is the book for you. Each chapter deals with a different topic, and each has been written by a professional or amateur astronomer who has been chosen by Patrick Moore as an expert in his speciality. Topics range from buying a telescope (or making your own), through electronic equipment and accessories, to more technical aspects such as spectroscopy and astrophotography. A companion book, The Observational Amateur Astronomer , explains how to use a modest astronomical telescope for serious observing of the Moon, planets, stars and extragalactic objects.

Zusammenfassung
"This volume is worth a place on any experienced observers bookshelf. It is for the amateur astronomer of today, encompassing a wide range of subjects and an excellent reference. It is well worth the money." - Popular Astronomy

Inhalt
1 Optical Principles.- 2 Buying a Telescope Patrick Moore.- 3 Commercially Made Telescopes John Watson.- 4 Observatories and Telescopes Denis Buczynski.- 5 Making Your Own Telescope John Watson.- 6 Auxiliary Equipment.- 7 Electronics and the Amateur Astronomer Maurice Gavin.- 8 First Steps in Astronomical Calculations.- 9 Astronomical Spectroscopes.- 10 Astrophotography Robin Pearce.- 11 Astronomical Societies Patrick Moore.