Bücher von C. R. Kitchin

"e;l hope that people all around the world never forget what a wonderful thing it is to lie on your back and look up at the stars"e; Pete Seeger What is the fascination that constellations hold for people? There are probably as many different answers to that question as there are people. For many, though, the constella- tions are the stepping-off point into the fabulous, mind-bending discoveries and concepts of modern astronomy. For others it is their long and intriguing history that beckons. For some people the constellations provide the means for navigation and orientation over the surface of the Earth, and of course there are the millions who place some faith in horo- scopes. But for most people the patterns in the sky are a beautiful part of their environ- ment to be treasured alongside the forests, fields and rivers that make life worth living. However just as we are losing our green environment to pollution, so we are losing our sky. The glow from cities across the world swamps the stars in the night sky. Astronomers have had to retreat to remote mountain tops to escape that light pollution. The rest of us must make do with what is available. From the centre of a city, or any other brightly lit area, probably no stars at all will be visible even on the clearest of nights. From the suburbs, the brighter stars should normally be seen.

Aimed at active amateur astronomers this book provides an up-to-date account of active galaxies. Lists and images of such objects are an important component of this book. The book makes sense of the chaotic and apparently innumerable types of violently active galaxies.

This essential and highly-illustrated guide is for anyone taking their first steps in observational astronomy. It shows what you can expect to see, helping you get the most from your equipment. This unique book gives amateurs the guidance and assurance they need to become more proficient observers.

The book concentrates on the knowledge needed to understand how small(ish) optical telescopes function, their main designs and how to set them up, plus introducing the reader to the many ways in which objects in the sky change their positions and how they may be observed.

A unique dictionary of astronomy specifically written for practical amateur astronomers. In addition to definitions, it provides an invaluable reference source for terms, techniques, instruments, formulas and processes for practising observers, both amateur and professional.

Exoplanets: Finding, Exploring, and Understanding Alien Worlds probes the basis for possible answers to the fundamentals questions asked about these planets orbiting stars other than our Sun.

Astronomers and students interested in studying the Sun require a thorough understanding of the proper techniques and equipment. In this book, Kitchin provides all the information needed for safe observation as well as novel techniques that will make solar observation a rewarding experience.