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 half of the book is devoted to describing "tours" of the sky, with physical and observational descriptions, at-the-eyepiece drawings, and photographs.

A complete guide for the amateur astronomer living in an urban or suburban center. The Urban Astronomer If you think a trip to the country is necessary to observe celestial objects, take a second look. Viewing the sky from an urban location can be just as fun and educational -- if you know how to go about it. The Urban Astronomer shows amateur and more advanced astronomers the best ways and times to observe celestial objects from a city or suburban environment. Complete with detailed illustrations, The Urban Astronomer: * Shows readers how to overcome the special problems of viewing the sky from cities and suburbs, such as light pollution * Describes in detail those objects most easily viewed from a city location * Includes many sky activities that can be enjoyed by novice and experienced urban astronomers * Provides helpful tips and checklists for preparing your own stargazing outing * Covers objects for naked-eye observation as well as those that need binoculars or telescopes and describes the best equipment for the urban stargazer

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.

Philip's The Urban Astronomy Guide provides the ideal introduction to the fascinating hobby of astronomy for the town dweller. These days, you don't have to live close to a city or town centre to suffer from the effects of light pollution. From your back garden or rooftop observing site, your night sky will be illuminated by light from the surrounding city or town. And while, like everyone else, you will have to contend with the vagaries of the weather, you will have the added problem of poor air quality. But despite these difficulties, there is still a host of celestial delights to be seen! In this book, author Robin Scagell shows that night-time lighting and the resultant brightening of the sky can be combated, and demonstrates how to make the best of poor conditions. Although the unaided eye may be able to pick out only a few hundred stars, binoculars or a small telescope will reveal many times that number. A little optical aid can also give you good views of every type of major astronomical object, including star clusters, nebulae and galaxies. For example, for those who want to develop their interest further, there are special filters that let through the light from distant nebulae while blocking out wavelengths infested by unwanted stray light from streetlights. And modern CCDs allow modest amateur telescopes to penetrate the urban sky glow and reveal sights that would have taxed the largest professional instruments only 30 years or so ago. Philip's The Urban Astronomy Guide will show you how to get the most out of almost any sky with whatever equipment you have, or even with none at all.

The ideal introduction to astronomy in the city. These days, skywatchers do not have to live close to a city or town center to suffer from the effects of light pollution. According to the National Park Service, city lights as far as 200 miles away diminish views of night skies. So even in a remote field, the sky above may be part of the "sky glow" of the surrounding city or town. Weather might be an issue too, as it is for all skywatchers. Nevertheless, there are many celestial delights to be seen. Urban Astronomy shows that nighttime lighting and the resultant brightening of the sky can be combatted and demonstrates how to make the best of poor conditions. Although the unaided eye may be able to pick out only a few hundred stars, binoculars or a small telescope will reveal many times that number. A little optical aid can also give you good views of every type of major astronomical object, including star clusters, nebulae and galaxies. For example, there are special filters that let through the light from distant nebulae while blocking out wavelengths infested by unwanted stray light from streetlights. Modern CCDs allow modest amateur telescopes to penetrate the urban sky glow and reveal sights that would have taxed larger instruments 30 years ago. The book also covers: How weather and pollution affect observing Specific tips to combat urban streetlighting The best objects to observe from cities and towns Deep-sky objects visible from urban locations in both the northern and southern hemispheres The range of telescopes and accessories for light-polluted skies CCDs and the rebirth of astronomy from cities and towns How to find dark skies. The book's nine chapters cover the basics of successful urban viewing, its "enemies" -- weather and streetlights -- and explain how to choose viewing targets and arm yourself with the right "weapons and ammunition" to find them. The book also covers indoor astronomy. Urban Astronomy is an ideal guide to skywatching while combating light pollution. It will show you how to get the most out of almost any sky.

A unique chronicle of a young man who at one time was both nerd and jock, Tyson's memoir could well inspire other similarly curious youngsters to pursue their dreams.

Offers amateur astronomers a guide to techniques and available technologies for observing the night sky from an urban location, discussing optimal weather conditions, ways to reduce the effects of light, different types of telescopes, and readily seen celestial bodies