The first handbook that describes how to start observing the sky with a computerized telescope.

Based on field notes made by the author during his own career as an amateur astronomer, this unique guide covers both the traditional and novel approaches to studying the night sky. In addition to the more standard techniques, it discusses the latest modern resources available to today s astronomer, such as personal computers, the Internet, and computerized telescopes. It includes practical advice on aspects such as site selection and weather; provides the reader with detailed instructions for observing the Sun, Moon, planets, and all types of deep-sky objects; and it introduces newer specialities such as satellite observing and the use of astronomical databases. The book concludes with detailed information about 200 stars, clusters, nebulae, and galaxies, suitable for viewing with modest-sized telescopes under suburban conditions. Written to complement How to Use a Computerized Telescope, this book will also appeal to astronomers with more traditional equipment.

Michael Swanson’s online discussions with literally thousands of NexStar owners made it clear that there was a desperate need for a book such as this – one that provides a complete, detailed guide to buying, using and maintaining NexStar telescopes. Although this book is highly comprehensive, it is suitable for beginners – there is a chapter on "Astronomy Basics" – and experts alike. Celestron’s NexStar telescopes were introduced in 1999, beginning with their first computer controlled "go to" model, a 5-inch. More models appeared in quick succession, and Celestron’s new range made it one of the two dominant manufacturers of affordable "go to" telescopes.

The Orion Telescope Observer's Guide highlights over sixty interesting objects for budding amateur astronomers to find and observe in a small telescope. We'll help you explore objects such as star clusters, multiple stars, nebulae, and even the Andromeda Galaxy! Helpful maps of each target object are included, as are examples of what the object will look like in a typical finderscope, and depictions of the view you'll see in a telescope eyepiece. The author also includes a realistic description of every object based upon his own notes written over years of observations. Written with the beginner in mind, the Orion Telescope Observer's Guide also includes vital tips and tricks to help you get the most out of the rewarding hobby of amateur astronomy. If you're new to stargazing with a small telescope, this book is your introduction to the stars!

The investment in our love of space and skygazing can be high. All too often, we are led to believe that we did not have enough equipment, or have the wrong equipment or we are not doing things right. Telescope Rx is intended to provide solid and practical advice on everything from setting up a telescope, eyepieces, important accessories and even computer or smart phone programs to run the telescope, then turning that telescope into a nightly research tool with projects for every night you wish to pursue. This is your directory to properly outfit your telescope without spending lots of money; what the functions of astronomical telescope are, pitfalls to avoid in purchasing, and ultimately your guide to pursue some serious scientific studies with your telescope after you have had your long look around. The sky is out there for all of us to study and enjoy. Through your proper understanding of how to set up a telescope and do those studies, you mind, spirit and enthusiasm will grow.

Go-To Telescopes Under Suburban Skies is the first book specifically written for amateur astronomers who own, or who are about to purchase, a computer-controlled ‘go-to’ telescope. The advantage of the ‘go-to’ capability is enormous – the telescope can be aimed at any object in the sky with great speed and accuracy – which is why these instruments are so popular. Making the realistic assumption that the observer is using a relatively small telescope and is observing from a backyard in a suburban area, this book provides literally hundreds more targets beyond those offered by the built-in ‘nightly tours’ that feature on the telescope’s computer tours. And instead of wasting many pages on maps and coordinates, it leads the computer to locate the targets, and so has room to suggest many more fascinating deep-sky objects and provide detailed observing lists and information about what's being viewed.

This book is for anyone who owns, or is thinking of owning, a Vixen Star Book Ten telescope mount or its predecessor. A revolution in amateur astronomy has occurred in the past decade with the wide availability of high tech, computer-driven, Go-To telescopes. Vixen Optics is leading the way by offering the Star Book Ten system, with its unique star map graphics software. The Star Book Ten is the latest version of computer telescope control using star map graphics as a user interface, first introduced in the original Star Book first offered in 2003. The increasingly complicated nature of this software means that learning to optimize this program is not straightforward, and yet the resulting views when all features are correctly deployed can be phenomenal. After a short history of computerized Go-To telescopes for the consumer amateur astronomer market, Chen offers a treasury of technical information. His advice, tips, and solutions aid the user in getting the most out of the Star Book Ten system in observing sessions.