Observing Handbook and Catalogue of Deep-Sky Objects

by Brian A. Skiff and Christian B. Luginbuhl

Book Overview

* A detailed and comprehensive guide to observing the deep sky * All descriptions meticulously researched and checked for this book * Information and descriptions for more than 2000 galaxies, nebulae and star clusters * Suitable for use with small telescopes * Helpful charts and advice on how to observe * Comprehensive catalogue included * Essential reference for telescope users and astrophotographers This is the most detailed guide to observing galaxies,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0521625564
• ISBN13: 9780521625562
• Release Date: October 1998
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 1.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 8.3" x 10.9"

Customer Reviews

excellent deep sky reference

My volume is c.1989; there may be corrections i have not noted. There is little to add to the previous reviews. All comments are pertinent: it's not for beginners tho' not opaque for the motivated , interesting observing tips in the intro chapter (a nice overview even for the experienced observer), twenty-eight hundred objects observed through a reasonable spread of apertures, and the occasional bxw sketch to remind us of what we should be constantly attempting to do: train our vision. For more sketches and verbal descriptions i refer the reader to Burnham's or more recently O'meara's three volumes. For detail, inclusivity, consistency and elegance, this is the amateur's source. The tables in the back ARE a bit cumbersome, but this is not a fieldbook; rather a reference to mark up and compare to the other reference standards. The 1950 epoch coordinates ARE now a bit awkward to translate to 2000, but the information is there, it just needs effort, and other sources are perhaps better suited for coordinates (planetarium apps). This is a serious amateur's benchmark reference.

Great Reference For Hard-Core Observers

I'm a hard-core observer and love nothing better than a good reference book with information that is relevant to my goals. Since my friend Roger and I started an Observer's Challenge with the Las Vegas Astronomical Society, he has been telling me to get that book. After almost a year, I finally got it as a Christmas present. The book is not cheap, but it is well worth it. If you are a hard-core observer, or just a casual observer, this is a great reference source. For years, all I had were Burhams books, and there is a lot missing from them, despite being three volumes. Skiff & Luginbuhl list over 2,000 deep sky objects, most of them visible in small to moderate back yard telescopes. The book is organized by constellation, and the key objects are listed with concise descriptions. These descriptions (along with a few other references) are usually the basis for our Observer's Challenge each month. Included are a few photos here and there to help you spot the objects, especially in the crowded galaxy fields. At the end is a listing of all the objects plus an additional list of double stars. My only beef with the book is that the listing at the end includes some objects that are not obtainable, including some anonymous galaxies, and some with magnitudes in the 16-17 range. I created an observing list in Megastar using their list and found some of the objects not listed, or having a different designation. I also had to filter out anything of magnitude 15.7 or fainter as my 16" scope will never see a galaxy that faint unless power goes out to the entire west coast on a super clear and stable night. Not likely. If you are a dedicated observer, this book should be a mandatory addition to your library. You will not be disappointed. Highly recommended.

Excellent resource

This is the best resource of its kind. I can't add much to what the other reviewers have said, other than to say that I use this book religiously to plan observing sessions. It's expensive, but is among the best $60 I have ever spent.

Good Planning Reference

This book is an excellent reference to use in planning deep sky observing sessions. It provides concise descriptions of what can be expected of telescopes of small and intermediate apertures.

Great for Serious Amateur Astronomers

If you're an amateur astronomer in a rut of a few dozen Messiers and want someting else, here's the place. Some 3,500 deep sky objects with paragraph descriptions. Helps you get a lot more enjoyment out of a scope. Describes objects through various apertures from 60mm through 30cm (=12"), consistently describing at 6" 10" and 12" apertures. Mostly text, some drawings, some pix. Organized by constellation: you can pick a constellation near zenith for the night, and then do "saturation viewing" of dozens of objects in that one area. The descriptions really help you learn to notice detail: you'll be directed to a red star at the s end of one cluster, or advised to notice a double or triple star in another cluster. Much attention paid to appearance of galaxies. Includes items by NGC, M, and IC numbers. Follows ascending RA in each chapter like the NGC catalog. Provides info on magnitude: surface brightness, visual magnitude, etc. Keyed to be used with a good skymap like Tirion. Extremely powerful tool in conjunction with digital computer. Main defect is that RA and Dec coordinates are in separate listings in back which is clumsy in field use; RA and Dec are also provided for 1950 and 2000 coordinates in a way that is difficult in field. If you're star hopping with a good map or have an e-brain for a digital setting circle system this isn't much of an obstacle, however. This book is one of the most underused resources in amateur astronomy. I am mystified as to why. If you have a scope 4" or bigger and want some universe to explore, this is the book.