Cataclysmic Cosmic Events and How to Observe Them 2009th Edition
Author(s): Martin Mobberley (Author)
Publisher: Springer
Publication Date: 13 Nov. 2008
Edition: 2009th
Language: English
Print length: 256 pages
ISBN-10: 9780387799452
ISBN-13: 9780387799452
Book Description
This book is about observing dramatic and often bizarre cosmic events. Observation of gamma ray bursts, cataclysmic variable star outbursts, distant supernovae, and even active galactic nuclei might be thought to be far beyond the range of amateur observers’ but this is not the case. Recent technical developments in CCD equipment, powerful PCs, new observing and processing techniques, and professional satellite monitoring systems have opened a range of high-value niche areas of scientific astronomy to amateurs. Cataclysmic Cosmic Events and How to Observe them explains what these events are, what we know of their physics, and how amateur astronomers can observe them.
Editorial Reviews
Review
From the reviews:
“Martin Mobberley’s book is very attractive not only in explaining the technical detail of cataclysmic phenomena but also in the promotion of useful observing projects for amateurs to undertake. … I found the advice in the final chapter about techniques, equipment and software especially valuable. The book is a must for anyone interested in cataclysmic objects and I am sure many readers will be persuaded to enter this field for the first time having seen the successes that have been described.” (Guy Hurst, Astronomy Now, May, 2009)
“Though the work is aimed at the advanced amateur astronomer, Mobberley writes in a style that should keep the interest of the average undergraduate science student. … The numerous figures (many in color) help to show the physics of cataclysmic events. … Summing Up: Recommended. Lower- and upper-division undergraduates and general readers.” (J. R. Kraus, Choice, Vol. 46 (9), May, 2009)
From the Back Cover
ASTRONOMERS’ OBSERVING GUIDES provide up-to-date information for amateur astronomers who want to know all about what it is they are observing. This is the basis of the first part of the book. The second part details observing techniques for practical astronomers, working with a range of different instruments.
This book invites you to observe the most spectacular, high-energy events taking place in the cosmos. Even though these events may occur hundreds, thousands, millions or even billions of light-years away, you can witness them using the naked eye, binoculars, or telescopes. The book covers cataclysmic variable stars (CV’s), novae and dwarf novae, recurrent novae, solar flares, flare stars and prominences as well as the more distant supernovae, hypernovae, blazars, quasars, and gamma ray bursters. There are also sections on photometry, equipment, and software as well as many valuable observing tips based on the author’s own experience viewing these events.
For the amateur astronomer who is ready to leave the confines of the Solar System and look out into deep space, this book offers a variety of exciting challenges and suggestions enabling you to contribute real scientific data on high energy outbursts and cataclysmic cosmic events with just your backyard telescope and a bit of know-how.
About the Author
Martin Mobberley has a BSc Honours degree in Electronic Engineering from Brunel University, and is a former British Astronomical Association President and Goodacre Medallist. He a prolific writer, and is the author of Astronomical Equipment for Amateurs (Springer, 1998) and The New Amateur Astronomer (Springer, 2004); Lunar & Planetary Webcam User’s Guide (Springer, 2006); Supernovae and How to Observe them (NYP), and Total Eclipses and How to Observe them (NYP). He has contributed chapters to three other Springer Practical Astronomy Series Books. He has published many papers in Astronomy Now, The Journal of the British Astronomical Association, The Astronomer, and Sky & Telescope.
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