Cataclysmic Cosmic Events and How to Observe Them

Cataclysmic Cosmic Events and How to Observe Them
Author: Martin Mobberley
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 247
Release: 2009-03-01
Genre: Science
ISBN: 038779946X

In the Victorian era – or for non-British readers, the mid-to-late nineteenth century – amateur astronomy tended to center on Solar System objects. The Moon and planets, as well as bright comets, were the key objects of interest. The brighter variable stars were monitored, but photography was in its infancy and digital imaging lay a century in the future. Today, at the start of the twenty-first century, amateurs are better equipped than any professionals of the mid-twentieth century, let alone the nineteenth. An amateur equipped with a 30-cm telescope and a CCD camera can easily image objects below magnitude 20 and, from very dark sites, 22 or 23. Such limits would have been within the realm of the 100- and 200-inch reflectors on Mount Wilson and Mount Palomar in the 1950s, but no other observatories. However, even those telescopes took hours to reach such limits, and then the photographic plates had to be developed, fixed, and examined by eye. In the modern era digital images can be obtained in minutes and analyzed ‘on the fly’ while more images are being downloaded. Developments can be e-mailed to other interested amateurs in real time, during an observing session, so that when a cataclysmic event takes place amateurs worldwide know about it. As recently as the 1980s, even professional astronomers could only dream of such instantaneous communication and proc- sing ability.

Comets and How to Observe Them

Comets and How to Observe Them
Author: Richard Schmude, Jr.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 263
Release: 2010-09-20
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1441957901

Comets have inspired wonder, excitement and even fear ever since they were first observed. But they are important members of the solar system, that contain material from early in the life of the system, held in deep-freeze. This makes them key in our understanding of the formation and evolution of many Solar System bodies. Recent ground- and space-based observations have changed much in our understanding of comets. Comets, and How to Observe Them gives a summary of our current knowledge and describes how amateur astronomers can contribute to the body of scientific knowledge of comets. This book contains many practical examples of how to construct comet light-curves, measure how fast a comet’s coma expands, and determine the rotation period of the nucleus. All these examples are illustrated with drawings and photographs. Because of their unpredictable nature comets are always interesting and sometime spectacular objects to observe and image. The second part of the book therefore takes the reader through the key observing techniques that can be used with commercially available modern observing equipment, from basic observations to more scientific measurements.

The Caldwell Objects and How to Observe Them

The Caldwell Objects and How to Observe Them
Author: Martin Mobberley
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 283
Release: 2009-10-03
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1441903267

When Mike Inglis, who consults for Springer, ? rst asked me to write a Caldwell book in their “and How to Observe Them” series I admit I did need some time to think the suggestion over. I am a fan of Patrick’s Caldwell catalog as are most of the amateur astronomers I know, but could a new book be justi? ed when the massive, compreh- sive, and wrist-spraining Caldwell tome by Stephen O’Meara covers the subject fully anyway? That other book was researched and written over a 5-year period in the pre-9/11 world from 1996 to 2001, and its 484 pages of descriptive text and background data are a joy to peruse, as are Stephen’s impressive sketches. OK, the book is far too heavy for the binding and after a few trips outside half the pages in my copy fell out, but apart from that it is an excellent book and surely impossible to improve upon, or even equal, especially in a smaller format book with only half the pages available; at least, that was my initial impression when I mulled over writing another Caldwell book. However, I changed my mind, because a number of events of astronomical signi? cance have occurred in the last 10 years. First and foremost backyard imaging of deep sky objects, especially color im- ing, has come on in leaps and bounds in the twenty-? rst century.

Twenty-Five Astronomical Observations That Changed the World

Twenty-Five Astronomical Observations That Changed the World
Author: Michael Marett-Crosby
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 322
Release: 2013-06-28
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1461468000

"Twenty-Five Astronomical Observations That Changed the World" takes twenty-five journeys through space, back in time and into human history. We begin with the simplest sight of the Tycho Crater on the Moon, through a repeat of Galileo's observations of Jupiter's moons, and then move out towards the nebulae, stars, and galaxies. The astronomical observations repeat the original groundbreaking discoveries that have changed our understanding of science and ourselves. This title contains graded observing challenges from the straightforward to the more difficult (in chapter order). It offers clear observing tips and lots of practical help, presuming no prior in-depth knowledge of equipment. Binoculars and/or a small astronomical telescope are all that is required for most of the observations. Secondly, it explores for each observation the science of what is seen, adding to the knowledge and enjoyment of amateur astronomers and offering lots of reading for the cloudy nights when there is not a star in view. Thirdly, the book puts the amateur astronomers' observations into a wider perspective. "Twenty-Five Astronomical Observations That Changed the World" makes the observer part of that great story of discovery. Each chapter, each observing challenge, shows how to observe and then how to look with understanding. The projects begin with practicalities: where the object is, how best is it observed and with what appropriate equipment (usually a small-to-medium aperture amateur telescope, binoculars, even the naked eye). "Twenty-Five Astronomical Observations that Changed the World" guides even the inexperienced amateur astronomer - beginners can use the book - around a variety of night-sky objects, and reminds the more experienced how they can best be seen. These practical observations put us in contact with all the history and culture surrounding them: through scientific speculation and literature to those first fuzzy images made in 1959 by the Russian space probe Luna 3.

Cataclysm!

Cataclysm!
Author: D. S. Allan
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Total Pages: 651
Release: 1997-09-01
Genre: History
ISBN: 1591438144

Follow this multi-disciplinary, scientific study as it examines the evidence of a great global catastrophe that occurred only 11,500 years ago. Crustal shifting, the tilting of Earth's axis, mass extinctions, upthrusted mountain ranges, rising and shrinking land masses, and gigantic volcanic eruptions and earthquakes--all indicate that a fateful confrontation with a destructive cosmic visitor must have occurred. The abundant geological, biological, and climatological evidence from this dire event calls into question many geological theories and will awaken our memories to our true--and not-so-distant--past.

Top 15 Unexplained Cosmic Events

Top 15 Unexplained Cosmic Events
Author: Jade Summers
Publisher: Jade Summers
Total Pages: 81
Release: 2024-06-01
Genre: Science
ISBN:

"Top 15 Unexplained Cosmic Events" Embark on a Journey Through the Mysteries of the Universe "Top 15 Unexplained Cosmic Events" takes you on an extraordinary voyage into the depths of space, where the unknown reigns supreme. This fascinating book delves into fifteen of the most perplexing and awe-inspiring cosmic phenomena that have left scientists and astronomers scratching their heads. From the eerie Wow! Signal to mysterious fast radio bursts, and the enigmatic Oumuamua object, each chapter unravels a cosmic enigma that challenges our understanding of the universe. With compelling narratives and cutting-edge research, this book is an essential read for space enthusiasts and anyone captivated by the mysteries of the cosmos. Uncover the secrets of these extraordinary events, explore the leading theories, and marvel at the boundless wonders of space. As you delve into each cosmic mystery, you'll find yourself questioning the very fabric of our universe and the possibilities that lie beyond our reach. Are you ready to explore the unexplained mysteries of the cosmos?

Genocidal Legacy

Genocidal Legacy
Author: Jean Ovide Bourdeau
Publisher: Trafford Publishing
Total Pages: 668
Release: 2005
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1412050782

An ethical standard for people whose rights are trampled upon due to programs of terror meant specifically for them as groups... begging us to remove ourselves from that conundrum.

Prehistory Decoded

Prehistory Decoded
Author: Martin Sweatman
Publisher: Troubador Publishing Ltd
Total Pages: 320
Release: 2019-06-07
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1838599665

The story of a major scientific discovery, solving one of the greatest puzzles on Earth. Connects geoscience and astronomy with ancient archaeology to uncover an astronmical code used for over 40,000 years. Explains the meaning of some of the greatest ancient artworks.

Choice

Choice
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 620
Release: 2009
Genre: Academic libraries
ISBN:

Lifting Titan's Veil

Lifting Titan's Veil
Author: Ralph Lorenz
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 300
Release: 2002-05-16
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9780521793483

A revealing account of the second largest moon in our solar system.