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Great Book for City Dwelling Amatuer Astronomers!

Indispenisble definitive guide for citybound deep-sky enthusiasts!

Another quality book from Rod

Outstanding Repeat read value

The Urban Astronomer's Guide: A Walking Tour of the Cosmos for City Sky Watchers (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series)
Rod Mollise
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1846282160

Book Description

Most amateur astronomers yearn to observe more frequently. Many of them, however, live in urban and highly developed suburban areas that are heavily light polluted. Due to this light pollution, they are under the impression that deep sky objects—nebulae, galaxies, star clusters—are either invisible or not worth viewing from home. This book describes the many objects that can be seen in a bright urban sky, and shows the city or suburban astronomer how to observe object after object, season after season.

This book covers the "why," "how," and "what" of astronomy under light-polluted skies. The prospective city-based observer is told why to observe from home (there are hundreds of spectacular objects to be seen from the average urban site), how to observe the city sky (telescopes, accessories, and moderns techniques), and what to observe. About 50% of the book is devoted to describing "tours" of the sky, with physical and observational descriptions, at-the-eyepiece drawings, and photographs.

Customer Reviews:

Great Book for City Dwelling Amatuer Astronomers!.......2007-02-16

Living in the South Florida Peninsula, you get used to light pollution. In 2005, I purchased my first "real" telescope and soon learned how badly light polluted South Florida really is. Although a trip to a dark sky site is only 60 miles away, I live in the suburbs outside of Miami and wanted to take advantage of my decent sized back yard. My sky's limiting magnitude is around 4, the sky towards the north is a grayish white haze where only Polaris is visible and the big dipper if high enough in the sky. The rest of the sky is a little better but after 2 years of limited success in searching for DSOs, I decided to look for help.
The Urban Astronomer's Guide may be the help I require. The book is well written and easy to follow. This book was written where beginners as well as intermediate amateur astronomers would find it interesting.
Part I of the book entitled: Telescopes and Techniques covers everything from the why one would want to observe from the city to the writers experience with types of telescopes and needed techniques to beat the light pollution blues. Mr. Mollise explains the advantages in large and short focal length telescopes and which objects benefit from either type. The author discusses in great detail the differences between the different types of Light-Pollution Reduction Filters, eyepieces, finders, computer software, print atlases, etc.
The book discuses techniques which experienced amateurs may be familiar with but beginners and intermediates may have heard have but not understand completely. Things like the use of averted vision, "jiggling" the telescope to tease out details in faint objects. Dark Adaptation is discussed and it's importance, all invaluable lessons that every amateur astronomer should learn.
Part II of the book entitled: A Walking Tour of the Cosmos is what makes this book a keeper. This section of the book goes over examples of objects that are perfect for city observation. The four chapters as you might imagine are broken up by season, Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. Each season gives 4 lists of objects that the Author feels are viewable for the given season and time. An example of such a tour is Spring's Tour 1. Objects included in this tour are M94, M51, M106, M63, M81, M82, M101, M97, M3 and the Double Star Cor Caroli.

Each object is discussed in detail with the author's notes from his personal journal. Mr. Mollise discusses the use of filters that can enhance a particular object, magnification that should be used to view certain objects, and what you should expect to see at the eyepiece. The author also includes his personal illustrations of objects he's included in his journals, which gives you a good idea of what you should be able to see in the eyepiece. The illustrations are very good and to me are much more useful than the Hubble type images commonly seen in astronomy books.
The only thing I found a little odd about this book would be the inclusion of such difficult to see objects as M1 and M51. The author even writes: "Sadly, I have to admit that in the city it (M51) is something of a dud." He also writes: "you have to be satisfied just to say you've seen it (M1)." These are just two of several objects the author himself confesses are extremely challenging, if not impossible to view from a light-polluted location. Why not focus on objects that are less challenging? Maybe have one object at the end of each tour that might be a challenge.
This is not to say the book does not reward the reader with some surprisingly easy to see objects. I was recently treated to a "hidden treasure" in the open cluster M46. As it turns out there is a small planetary nebulae (NGC2438) within this semi-impressive cluster that makes M46 a showpiece object in my opinion. If not for this book, I may not have spent much more than 10 minutes viewing M46. I now find myself going back to it time after time just as I do with M42 and M45.
Overall the book is a good read. This book in written for beginner's with some experience and can be useful to intermediate amateurs who might not be getting the most from their telescopes due to light pollution issues within the Urban setting. Part II in particular I've found invaluable and it will definitely keep me coming back for more.

Indispenisble definitive guide for citybound deep-sky enthusiasts!.......2006-09-02

This is a work that has been long overdue. A book on urban astronomy that focuses soley on deep-sky objects, and practical recommendations for how to view them, equipment and techniques. A most comprehensive list, more than any other book of its kind. But by no means the only things that can be seen, there are more than in this book (as I have discovered). But by showing what you can see, you can try for more.

Another quality book from Rod.......2006-07-05

Rod writes with an authority about many subjects at hand, but his style is very approachable and appreciated by us amateurs. His subject matter is applicable to my Miami (Florida) skies and I am proud to display this book among the many astronomy books that I own.

Adam Stuart
Miami, Florida

Outstanding Repeat read value.......2006-07-04

This is an excellent book for anyone who lives in light polluted skies (OK, this includes EVERYONE EAST of the Mississippi river, and a good part of the rest of the civilized world).

Rod's approach and writing style, make this a good book for amateur astronomer's of all levels.

The first half of the book is filled with tips, and ideas, and how-to's that are worth the price of the book alone, all designed to help everyone get the most out of their skies no matter how much light pollution they have. Nothing will make the light pollution go away, so Rod's book is the perfect inspiration for those of us who feel like giving up when we look up and see so few stars from our urban or suburban locations.

The second half holds the key to making this an outstanding book for generations to come, because Rod goes into detail with personal observation's and descriptions about a large number of objects that those of us with "darkness-challenged" skies will still be able to enjoy. All of this gives Rod's book a very high repeat read value, since Rod covers objects for all seasons, and his Southern wit, charm, and humor combine to make this a 5 stars book.

The Sky Is Not the Limit: Adventures of an Urban Astrophysicist

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by a sixteen-year old
out of this world!
A life in astronomy
Heavenly Joys!
A GREAT BOOK FOR JUST ABOUT ANYBODY

The Sky Is Not the Limit: Adventures of an Urban Astrophysicist
Neil de Grasse Tyson , Tyson Neil De Grasse , and Neil De Grasse Tyson
Manufacturer: Prometheus Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 159102188X

Amazon.com

Cool, classy, articulate, and brilliant--rarely do all of those adjectives apply at once to an astrophysicist. But Neil de Grasse Tyson is no ordinary scientist; as the director of New York City's Hayden planetarium, his job is to inspire the public with the beauty and grandeur of the universe, just as he was inspired there in his youth. The Sky Is Not the Limit is his memoir of the events leading from his birth to his acceptance of his dream job and beyond, and is a marvelously entertaining look at one man's pursuit of his life's calling. Tyson emphasizes the nurturing roles played by his parents, friends, and teachers, in contrast to the sometimes well-meaning but always disappointing discouragement he experienced from all sides in his quest for his Ph.D.

Of course, it's still shamefully difficult for a black American scientist to merit the same quality of attention as his or her peers, and Tyson's insights into the subtle but still-pervasive racism in academia are enlightening. His description of his own shock at seeing himself on television--a black man sought as an expert on something other than being black--is powerfully moving. But, as with his other books, like the gorgeous One Universe: At Home in the Cosmos, the quest for knowledge is more important than the obstacles, and his spirit, determination, and sense of humor prove that the sky really isn't the limit. --Rob Lightner

Book Description

As the youngest-ever Director of the Hayden Planetarium, Neil de Grasse Tyson is America's best-known astrophysicist, constantly called upon by the media to explain news-making scientific phenomena such as the discovery of water on Mars. How did an African American kid growing up in the Bronx, expected by everyone to become a star athlete, not an intellectual, become an extraordinarily successful scientist? This is the fascinating and moving account of Tyson's love affair with the night sky, beginning with the fateful day when he, as a small boy, happened to turn a pair of binoculars up toward the moon and was struck with wonder.

Packed with gorgeous descriptions of the night sky, The Sky Is Not the Limit invokes the grandeur of the cosmos as it tells Tyson's compelling personal story. In addition, it is a perceptive look at life and society as seen through the eyes of an astrophysicist, providing a valuable look into how scientists work in, and think about, the social, political, and physical world. From that eye-opening first glimpse of the moon, through his struggle to fulfill his dream of becoming an astrophysicist, to the triumphant opening of the new Hayden Planetarium, Tyson's story is remarkable.

Customer Reviews:

by a sixteen-year old.......2005-08-03

The sky is not the limit is a novel that goes deep into the heart of the author, Neil de Grasse Tyson, who started out at a young age shooting for his dream to become an astrophysicist. This book gives the reader a mental view of the objects surrounding us both in space and on earth. Throughout Neil's life he has worked hard pursuing his passion in astrophysics.
I enjoyed this book because it is scientific and also teaches lessons of life that you may not otherwise encounter. I also enjoyed the comedy in his statements. I have learned that if I want to become a scientist like Neil, then I must start training at a young age. This book has opened up my eyes to become aware of many things that I did not notice before.

out of this world!.......2004-08-31

Neil de Grasse Tyson's writing style is unpretentious and reads like a letter from a good friend. It reaches a wide audience from the high school student interested in astronomy to the astrophysist. It is easy to understand and appreciate, even if you don't have a degree in astrophysics. Upon completion of this book you will have gained a wealth of knowledge and a basic understanding of astronomy. This book is a great find for anyone intersted in learning about the how's and why's of the stars, solar system and the universe. The book is jam packed with interesting information presented to you as an autobiography rather than a text book, which makes it very easy to read and very enjoyable. I would give it more stars if I could.

A life in astronomy.......2002-02-02

Tyson is an astrophysicist and the director of the Hayden Planetarium. He's also black. This unusual juxtaposition provides the grist for this autobiography.

The black part of it is actually not that significant, at least for the most part. Tyson was a gifted and capable student who knew early on that he would go into astronomy. He had a supportive family and encouraging teachers. It would be an insult to Tyson to say he had a charmed life, but certainly he set himself on the right course from the outset (unlike, say, Ben Carson) and had good support along the way.

He goes on to talk about a life in astronomy and some of the technical issues he cares about, from the importance of understanding science and the associated silliness of being terrified of mathematical equations to the dangers of a meteorite striking the earth and destroying human life. He also spends a chapter talking about science, religion, and the fate of the universe. He insists that science and religion are two separate spheres, though without ever explicitly stating his own religious beliefs.

He does devote one chapter to racial issues, pointing out in a low-key way the myriad insults (usually indirect) that he has experienced due to the color of his skin, from police stops to people not realizing that he is as intelligent as he is. It's a sobering chapter and makes me realize how far this country still has to go in terms of eliminating racial prejudice.

Most of the book, though, is about the wonders of the skies and how a young man found his life's calling there. It's well worth reading for anyone but particularly for a young person thinking about making astronomy a career.

Heavenly Joys!.......2000-09-12

Dr. Tyson has written a wonderful memoir that will inspire anyone who reads it to become more interested in astrophysics, how to be a better parent, ways to improve as a mentor, and to seek out an inspirational profession.

The ultimate charm of this book is that Dr. Tyson is a warm, witty, self-effacing, and passionate human being. I seldom get the feeling from reading a book that I would enjoy having the author as a friend, but Dr. Tyson affected me that way.

For young people thinking about a career in science, Dr. Tyson is an excellent role model of how focusing on the joy you feel from the subject matter can evolve into additional joy from the intellectual content. In his description at the end of the book of how the putative Big Bang may have happened, I was enthralled. It was almost like reading poetry. Now, I have read many descriptions of the same subject, and have never been moved by them before.

Dr. Tyson also makes an eloquent case for creating planetary defense capabilities to divert or destroy asteroids or comets that could create catastrophic collisons with the Earth. I came away convinced that this was a worthwhile activity. You may, too.

Dr. Tyson had wonderful parents and mentors. I enjoyed reading about them as much as I did about the main subjects of the book. Anyone will pick up tips for being better at both roles from this book.

He also has a great sense of humor, telling many funny stories in a wonderfully straight way. In the process, he gently tweaks the racism that means that black astrophysicists have many confrontations with the police that white ones don't have, errors in popular movies (Jodie Foster will blush after she reads what he has to say about her), and our earthbound perspective that keeps us from appreciating the heavenly beauty above.

Dr. Tyson often appears with Peter Jennings on television. Watch for him, and notice his ties. He likes to wear ones with astrophysical references. He is the director of the Hayden Planetarium in New York, so you will often see or hear him quoted on the latest space-related issues.

I should admit a bias to you. When the college I attended holds an annual alumni gathering in December each year in Boston, I always go to the astrophysics lectures. The photographs are gorgeous, and the ideas are very exciting. If you have a chance to do the same, you should do so.

After you read this book, ponder his section on science and religion and reconsider how the two areas relate to one another. I found his ideas interesting. Then consider how the two areas could relate to each other better. That's a question hardly anyone asks.

A GREAT BOOK FOR JUST ABOUT ANYBODY.......2000-08-15

Tyson's book is somewhat of a 90s classic masterpiece. He goes from topic to topic about his exeriences and always entertains the reader while doing so. Such as the being black in academia and New York section, to the public's stupidy concering the natural laws of world. He also displays his wide knowledge of astrophysics and anything above the sun. In the end the book entertains, informs, and delights with the sky not being the limit!

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Picture book of CGI spacecraft exteriors

Space Architecture
John Zukowsky
Manufacturer: Edition Axel Menges
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 3930698102

Book Description

When visitors to the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., walk through the Skylab of 1967-73 they experience the vehicles interior space but learn nothing about the industrial design of the spacecraft nor the designers who created it.

Customer Reviews:

Picture book of CGI spacecraft exteriors.......2007-07-20

The book's subtitle is "The Work of John Frassanito & Associates for NASA". While it is certainly true that this firm worked on the interior for Skylab, there is only a single image related to Skylab's interior space, and only a few other interior concept drawings.

The book primarily consists of one to two (large-format) pages of text for each chapter, and then a series of images. A few pages contain thumbnails (i.e., the assembly sequence for the International Space Station), but most contain one or two high-resolution images, with a hand-full of two-page spreads.

I gave this book two stars (and returned my copy to Amazon) because it was not at all what I'd hoped for. I took "Architecture" in the title (and the one-sentence description) as an indication that the book would address aspects of the interiors and habitable spaces of manned spacecraft, and hoped it would show alternative concepts and address the evolution of designs for those of its topics that have actually been realized. It does not. It appears that most of the work that this architectural firm has done for NASA is the preparation of concept/visualization artwork (stills and animations) for the presentation of established spacecraft designs, rather than interior work or design-evolution work.

Based on the Preface by Buzz Aldrin and the Introduction (both too long to retype here), it seems that the goal of the book was to be a modern equivalent of Bonestell's illustrations of proposed space projects from the '50s and '60s. In this, it may well succeed. The illustrations are certainly beautiful and include some spacecraft concepts I hadn't seen before.

The Urban Astronomer: A Practical Guide for Observers in Cities and Suburbs (Wiley Science Editions)

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Tailored for City Observing
If looking for a guide to urban observing, SKIP THIS ONE.

The Urban Astronomer: A Practical Guide for Observers in Cities and Suburbs (Wiley Science Editions)
Gregory L. Matloff
Manufacturer: John Wiley & Sons Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Urban Astronomer's Guide: A Walking Tour of the Cosmos for City Sky Watchers (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series)

ASIN: 047153143X

Book Description

Designed for amateur astronomers living in or near large urban centers. It offers a comprehensive and thorough discussion of astronomical observing, including the observation of our nearest neighbors in the heavens as well as those farther away--some constant and some only appearing every hundred years or so. Topical coverage includes discussions of the problem of seeing the night sky in cities, the wonders of naked eye astronomy, the ``seeing'' instruments necessary for observation in an urban setting, planning an observing session in a city park and looking at the moon, planets, spacecraft, meteorites, comets, solar and lunar eclipses, unusual phenomena such as variable and double stars and the sun. The final chapter stresses the importance of astronomy as an invaluable educational tool and presents a number of projects that can be performed by the urban amateur astronomer.

Customer Reviews:

Tailored for City Observing.......2005-10-24

Written by a professional astronomer who headed the NYC Parks dept metro astronomy program, this book details the types of objects and techniques for viewing them not found in any general amateur astronomy text.

A text for the beginning city observer, Matloff's book concentrates on subjects such as how to find your way around the sky when there are only a few dozen or less stars visible; what objects are are visible under such conditions; and deals with the Moon Sun and bright planets at leagth as these objects are the meat on the urban observer's plate.

Altogether, this book is recommended to those city dwellers who have a hesitant interest in astronomy, wondering just what can be seen under severely light polluted skies. Turns out there is a great deal after all and Matloff makes for a good beginning guide.

If looking for a guide to urban observing, SKIP THIS ONE........2004-02-21

This book mostly consists of introductory general information about astronomy. The gimmick of this book that gives it its title is the automatic insertion of the word "urban" in front of the word "astronomer", "astronomy", or "observer". The star charts included in the book are among the worst ever printed and depict all the stars as the same brightness. Don't waste your money on this one (I bought mine used).

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Nicely produced basic introduction to urban observing

Urban Astronomy
Denis Berthier
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 052153190X

Book Description

Denis Berthier has spent thirty years observing the night sky from within a city and his practical guide will enable amateur astronomers to observe and photograph stars, planets and other celestial objects from their own town. It is becoming more and more difficult to find an observing site with clear, dark skies away from light and industrial pollution. However, by choosing the right targets to observe, with patience and simple equipment, amateur astronomers can still find observing from towns and cities to be a rewarding hobby. Denis Berthier is the French journalist who has been passionate about astronomy for the last thirty years. He has been Laureate of the French Association for Astronomy and has published numerous papers on astronomical photography and instrument construction.

Download Description

Light pollution has spread so much in the last few decades that it often compromises our view of the stars. It is becoming more and more difficult to find an observing site with clear, dark skies away from light and industrial pollution. However, with patience, some simple equipment, and by choosing the right targets to observe, amateur astronomers can still find observing from towns and cities a rewarding hobby. The result of thirty years of observing the night sky from within a city, Denis Berthier's practical guide will help amateur astronomers to enjoy their hobby without having to travel to distant sites, and without using complicated equipment or difficult techniques, enabling them to observe and photograph stars and planets as well as many other celestial objects.

Customer Reviews:

Nicely produced basic introduction to urban observing.......2006-09-02

Tackles commensense issues such as weather conditions. Beautiful illustrations of the seasonal night sky depicted in the city. Takes a conservative approach as to what can actually be seen beyond the planets. If only the list of deep-sky objects was larger. But a good introduction nonetheless.

For those wanting to delve deeper into the realm of deep-sky observing from the city, Rod Mollise's "The Urban Astronomer's Guide" is the book to get.

Urban Astronomy: Astronomy Lab Exercises for the City

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Urban Astronomy: Astronomy Lab Exercises for the City
William McDaid
Manufacturer: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

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Can we read cosmology in ancient Maya city plans? Comment on Ashmore and Sabloff. (Comments).: An article from: Latin American Antiquity

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Can we read cosmology in ancient Maya city plans? Comment on Ashmore and Sabloff. (Comments).: An article from: Latin American Antiquity
Michael E. Smith
Manufacturer: Society for American Archaeology
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

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Book Description

This digital document is an article from Latin American Antiquity, published by Society for American Archaeology on June 1, 2003. The length of the article is 5320 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Can we read cosmology in ancient Maya city plans? Comment on Ashmore and Sabloff. (Comments).
Author: Michael E. Smith
Publication: Latin American Antiquity (Refereed)
Date: June 1, 2003
Publisher: Society for American Archaeology
Volume: 14 Issue: 2 Page: 221(8)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Urban Astronomer, Fuzz Factor, Woody Allenesque Psych.(Bibliography): An article from: American Scientist

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Urban Astronomer, Fuzz Factor, Woody Allenesque Psych.(Bibliography): An article from: American Scientist

Manufacturer: Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

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ASIN: B0008GRYAA
Release Date: 2005-07-28

Light pollution: The adverse impact of urban sky glow on astronomy and on the environment

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Light pollution: The adverse impact of urban sky glow on astronomy and on the environment
David Livingstone Crawford
Manufacturer: National Optical Astronomy Observatories, Kitt Peak National Observatory
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B000713UPE

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