The NexStar Evolution and SkyPortal User's Guide

The NexStar Evolution and SkyPortal User's Guide
Author: James L. Chen
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 232
Release: 2016-05-26
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3319325396

This book serves as a comprehensive guide for using a Nexstar Evolution mount with WiFi SkyPortal control, walking the reader through the process for aligning and operating the system from a tablet or smartphone. The next generation Go-To mount from Celestron, this is compatible not only with the Nextstar Evolution but also with older mounts. It is the ideal resource for anyone who owns, or is thinking of owning, a Nexstar Evolution telescope, or adapting their existing Celestron mount. Pros and cons of the system are thoroughly covered with a critical depth that addresses any possible question by users. Beginning with a brief history of Go-To telescopes and the genesis of this still new technology, the author covers every aspect of the newly expanding capability in observing. This includes the associated Sky Portal smartphone and tablet application, the transition from the original Nexstar GoTo system to the new SkyPortal system, the use of the Sky Portal application with its Sky Safari 4 basic software and Celestron WiFi adaptations, and discussions on the use of SkyPortal application using the Celestron adapter on older Celestron mounts. Comments and recommendations for equipment enable the reader to successfully use and appreciate the new WiFi capability without becoming overwhelmed. Extensively illustrated using actual screenshots from the program interface, this is the only guide to the Nextstar SkyPortal an observer will need.

The NexStar User’s Guide II

The NexStar User’s Guide II
Author: Michael Swanson
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 273
Release: 2017-10-31
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3319649337

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.

Astronomy for Older Eyes

Astronomy for Older Eyes
Author: James L. Chen
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 236
Release: 2017-03-15
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3319524135

This book is for the aging amateur astronomy population, including newcomers to astronomy in their retirement and hobbyists who loved peering through a telescope as a child. Whether a novice or an experienced observer, the practice of astronomy differs over the years. This guide will extend the enjoyment of astronomy well into the Golden Years by addressing topics such as eye and overall health issues, recommendations on telescope equipment, and astronomy-related social activities especially suited for seniors. Many Baby-Boomers reaching retirement age are seeking new activities, and amateur astronomy is a perfect fit as a leisure time activity. Established backyard astronomers who began their love of astronomy in their youth, meanwhile, may face many physical and mental challenges in continuing their lifelong hobby as they age beyond their 55th birthdays. That perfect telescope purchased when they were thirty years old now suddenly at sixty years old feels like an immovable object in the living room. The 20/20 eyesight has given way to reading glasses or bifocals. Treasured eyepieces feel all wrong. Growing old is a natural process of life, but astronomy is timeless. With a little knowledge and some lifestyle adjustments, older astronomers can still enjoy backyard observing well into their seventies, eighties and even into their nineties.

The NexStar User’s Guide

The NexStar User’s Guide
Author: Michael Swanson
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 324
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0857294180

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 Vixen Star Book User Guide

The Vixen Star Book User Guide
Author: James Chen
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 293
Release: 2015-10-01
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3319215930

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.

50 Things to See on the Moon

50 Things to See on the Moon
Author: John A. Read
Publisher: Formac Publishing Company
Total Pages: 82
Release: 2019-04-30
Genre: Juvenile Nonfiction
ISBN: 1459505220

Have you always wanted to explore the Moon like Neil Armstrong or the eleven other astronauts who have walked on its surface? You can tour the Moon from your own backyard with a small telescope or binoculars. This book will point you to the Sea of Tranquility (the landing spot for Apollo 11) and many other fascinating features you can spot on the Moon's surface. Beginning with the New Moon, as each day passes, an additional slice of the Moon becomes visible. With each new slice comes new craters, lunar seas and jagged mountain ranges. This easy-to-use, illustrated reference book enables everyone, young and old, to better appreciate our nearest neighbour in space.

Unveiling Galaxies

Unveiling Galaxies
Author: Jean-René Roy
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 311
Release: 2018
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 1108417019

A thought provoking study of the powerful impact of images in guiding astronomers' understanding of galaxies through time.

Small Astronomical Observatories

Small Astronomical Observatories
Author: Patrick Moore
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 229
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1447109996

In Small Astronomical Observatories, Patrick Moore has collected descriptions of amateur and small professional observatories currently in use in Europe and America, showing how many astronomers have built their own observatory, often with effective and sometimes extraordinary improvisations to reduce the cost. There is a photograph of each, along with details of its construction and a foreword written by Patrick Moore. In addition to providing a fascinating study for its own sake, Small Astronomical Observatories offers a unique fund of ideas and practical details for anyone who wants to build an amateur or small professional observatory.

The Sun in Eclipse

The Sun in Eclipse
Author: Michael Maunder
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 208
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Science
ISBN: 144710529X

This book contains everything the amateur astronomer needs to know about eclipses, including: what to look for, when and how to observe, what equipment is needed, and even how to mount an eclipse expedition.

Navigating the Night Sky

Navigating the Night Sky
Author: Guilherme de Almeida
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 207
Release: 2012-11-03
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1852338989

This book will interest anyone who marvels at the night sky and would like to learn to recognise constellations and identify the brightest stars by name. Step-by-step, the reader is guided through the knowledge needed to recognise key constellations, identify stars and planets, and interpret changes in the overall appearance of the sky throughout the year.