Star Clusters and How to Observe Them

Astronomy enthusiasts will all appreciate the detailed yet easily-assimilated description of star clusters, how they were formed as our Milky Way galaxy, how they evolved, and how they are classified. The latest research has revealed a vast amount of fascinating information about the clusters, along with some spectacular photographs.§Modern commercially-made telescopes enable amateur astronomers to see a surprising amount of detail, and to record using CCD cameras, video, webcams or even film some remarkably beautiful and detailed images. Contained here also is detailed information on using refractors, reflectors, and, of course, Meade and Celestron s ubiquitous range of computer-controlled SCT telescopes.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.§Star Clusters and How to Observe Them is a mine of information for all levels of amateur observers, from beginners to experienced observers. It begins with a detailed yet easily assimilated description of star clusters, how they were formed as our Milky Way galaxy evolved, and how they are classified. The latest research has revealed a vast amount of fascinating information about the clusters, along with some spectacular photographs.§Modern commercially-made telescopes enable amateur astronomers to see a surprising amount of detail, and to record using CCD cameras, video, webcams or even film some remarkably beautiful and detailed images. There is detailed information on using refractors, reflectors, SCT s (like Meade and Celestron) and computer-controlled telescopes§The book includes an Observing List cataloguing star clusters to be observed or imaged using a variety of different instruments, all of them available commercially to amateur astronomers.Star clusters are among the most spectacular objects for amateur astronomers to observe and image. They represent the beginning, the present and the future of the universe, from sparse open clusters containing only a dozen stars, to giant globular clusters, each replete with a million suns.§Part one of this detailed book provides a comprehensive review of star clusters including open, globular, extragalactic, and even cluster remnants along with their evolution and physics.§Part two is about observing. The larger clusters can be observed through the most basic equipment normal binoculars or budget telescopes but Mark Allison talks about instrumentation and accessories, for observers from beginner to expert. Finally there is an observing guide and a comprehensive observing list for a wide range of telescope apertures.§This one book provides all you need to observe star clusters, and to understand the many and varied objects that fall under this classification.