Astronomy of the Milky Way: The Observer’s Guide to the Northern Sky

352 Pages·2017·40.63 MB·English

by  Mike Inglis (auth.)

Mike Inglis
Astronomy
of the
Milky Way
The Observer’s Guide to
the Northern Sky
Second Edition
Patrick Mooreʼs
Practical
Astronomy
Series
The Patrick Moore Practical Astronomy Series
More information about this series at http://www.springer.com/series/3192
Astronomy
of the Milky
Way
The Observer’s Guide
to the Northern Sky
Mike Inglis
Second Edition
Mike Inglis
Long Island, New York, USA
ISSN 1431-9756 ISSN 2197-6562 (electronic)
The Patrick Moore Practical Astronomy Series
ISBN 978-3-319-49081-6 ISBN 978-3-319-49082-3 (eBook)
DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-49082-3
Library of Congress Control Number: 2017940193
© Springer International Publishing AG 2004, 2017
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Dedicated to
Steve Roach,
Musician, Composer & Friend
Second Edition
Preface
When I was asked to write a second edition of my book on the Milky Way, I was delighted. It would
not only give me the opportunity to correct the inevitable typos and mistakes in the original text, but
also to update the information on the many disparate objects mentioned, as well as refining the layout
of the book, adding new images, and improving the star maps.1
Writing such a book is only really achieved with the help and experience of others, and so I must
thank John Watson, Astronomy Consultant for Springer, and Maury Solomon, Senior Astronomy
Editor at Springer. Without both of their support and guidance, this book (like many others of mine)
would not have seen the light of day – or the dark of night.
The format of this book is similar to the first edition – describing the many stars, nebulae, clusters,
and occasional galaxy that can be seen within the confines of the Milky Way. There is also some
updated information on its appearance and astrophysical nature. Many of the embedded images within
the text are new in this edition, and thus I must thank those astronomers who have kindly given per-
mission for me to use these in the book.2 They are Robert Forrest, Steven Bellavia, and Bernhard Hubl.
Bob, a dear friend of mine, observes from his garden observatory in Market Harborough, UK,
whereas Steve, a college colleague, observes from Long Island, USA, and Bernhard observes from
Nussbach, Austria. What I find amazing is that these astronomers use relatively modest equipment –
telescopes and cameras – yet achieve stunning results from urban or semi-urban locations most of the
time. I find very humbling what they accomplish as I lack any skill in astrophotography. Any images
that I have taken must be forever hidden from public view.
I must also thank Frank Mirasola, a very experienced astronomer, also from Long Island, who took
on the unenviable task of reading the entire first edition to help me find errors and mistakes. He did
find many that I overlooked.
Thank you Bob, Steve, Bernhard, and Frank. Your contributions have vastly improved this book.
1 Please read the section on the new star maps, as it explains their purpose and scope.
2 There are also many images taken from the first edition, and my appreciation to the astrophotographers who took them
is given in the preface to the first edition, which can be found later in this book.
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Writing a book is, appropriately, similar to amateur astronomy in that for most of the time, it is a
solitary pursuit. However, when I was writing long into the night, I had the music of the extraordinary
musician, Steve Roach, as a companion. This book is dedicated to him. His atmospheric music is like
no other and really is the Music of the Spheres. Thank you, Steve.
Finally, to all of my fellow astronomers, use this book as it is intended, not as a nice coffee-table
objet d’art, but rather as a guide that you would take outdoors on any clear night when the Milky Way
is visible. Draw in it, write in it, record your observations, and experience all the wonders the Milky
Way can, and does, offer.
Best wishes and clear skies,
Long Island, NY, USA Mike Inglis
First Edition
Preface
Sometime during the last century when I was a boy, I remember looking at the night sky and being
amazed at how bright and spectacular the Milky Way appeared as it passed through the constellation
of Cygnus. It was an August Bank holiday in the UK, and so, naturally, it was cold and clear. I may
have looked at the Milky Way several times before that momentous evening but for some reason it
seemed to stand out in a way it never had before. It was then that I began to observe the Milky Way
as an astronomical entity in its own right and not as just a collection of constellations. It was also
about that time that I had an idea for a book devoted to observing the Milky Way.
Fast forward a few years to a fortuitous meeting with John Watson, the astronomy representative
to Springer-Verlag, who listened to my idea about a Milky Way book, and agreed that it would be a
good idea. So I began, writing down notes and traveling the world, but at the same time, observing
hitherto uncharted regions of the sky (for me anyway!) and delighting in the new wonders it pre-
sented. After what seemed like an age, the book was completed, and you hold the finished product in
your hands.
However, along the route I have been helped and guided by many people, both astronomers and
nonastronomers, and I want to take this opportunity to thank them for taking part in what was a long-
cherished labor of love. Firstly, my publisher, John Watson, who I mentioned above and has overseen
the project from initial idea to completed book, and without whose help this book would never have
seen the light of day. His knowledge of publishing and its many aspects is impressive. Add to this the
fact that he is also an amateur astronomer himself, and you have a potent combination.
I have also been fortunate to have the company and friendship of amateur and professional astron-
omers worldwide, who freely gave advice and observational anecdotes that subsequently appear in
the book. Amateur astronomers are a great bunch of people and none more so than Michael Hurrell
and Don Tinkler, fellow members of the South Bayfordbury Astronomical Society. Their companion-
ship has been a godsend, especially when life and its many problems seemed to be solely concerned
with preventing me from ever finishing the book. Thank you, chaps!
I have also had the good fortune to be associated with many fine professional astronomers, and so
I would like to especially thank Bob Forrest of the University of Hertfordshire Observatory at
Bayfordbury for teaching me most of what I know about observational astronomy. Bob’s knowledge
of the techniques and application of all things observational is truly impressive, and it has been an
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x First Edition Preface
honor to be at his side many times when he has been observing. Furthermore, I must mention Chris
Kitchin, Iain Nicolson, Alan McCall and Lou Marsh, also from Bayfordbury, for not only teaching
me astronomy and astrophysics, but for instilling in me a passion to share this knowledge with the
rest of the world! I am privileged to have them all as friends.
Several nonastronomy colleagues have also made my day-to-day life great fun, with many unex-
pected adventures and Jolly Boys’ Outings, and so it is only right and proper that the guilty be
named – Bill, Pete, Andy and Stuart.
However, astronomy and the writing of books is, shall we say, only a meteor- sized concern, when
compared to the cosmological importance of one’s family. Without their support and love – especially
when I was writing a book – patience and understanding, I would never have completed the project.
Firstly, I must thank my partner and companion Karen, as we whiz together through space on our
journey towards the constellation Hercules. Her patient acknowledgment that astronomers are strange
people and that sometimes astronomy is the most important subject in the universe has made my life
a wonder. At times, when it seemed as if I would never finish the book, and the road ahead looked
bleak and cloud-covered, she would come into the study with a cup of tea, a Hobnob and a few gentle
words of encouragement and suddenly, all was well with the world. Thank you, Cariad. Then there
is my brother Bob. He is a good friend, and a great brother and has been – and amazingly, still is –
supportive of all I have tried to achieve. Finally, I want to thank Mam, who has been with me all the
way, even from before I saw the Milky Way in the garden in St. Albans. She tells me that she always
knew I would be an astronomer, and that it comes as no surprise to her to know that her son still
spends a disproportionate amount of time standing outside in the cold and dark in the dead of winter
and the middle of the night!
To all who have helped me become an astronomer and who make my life a lot of fun, many thanks,
and don’t forget the best is yet to come.
St. Albans, Hertfordshire, UK Mike Inglis, Dr
Lawrenceville, NJ, USA
August 2003
Author’s Note
During the course of writing this book, it became apparent that it was going to be too big for a single
volume. Keeping the material in one large volume would have negated the purpose of this being an
observing guide that can and should be used at the telescope. After discussion with the publishers, it
was decided to divide this book into two volumes; Book 1, which you now hold in your hands, covers
the constellations in the Milky Way that transit during the summer and autumn months, from July to
December, and are thus best placed for observation in the northern hemisphere (but not exclusively).
The accompanying volume, Book 2, covers the Milky Way constellations that transit during the winter
and spring months, and so are best seen from the southern hemisphere (but again, not exclusively).
However, experienced astronomers will know that a considerable number of Milky Way constella-
tions residing in the northern part of the sky can be seen relatively easily from the southern hemisphere,
and vice versa. In addition, many constellations that straddle the celestial equator can be seen by both
northern and southern hemisphere observers. From an observational point of view, this just means that
quite a significant amount of overlap is possible. It is therefore possible for an observer living in, say,
the UK to make use of a considerable portion of Book 2 (that deals with the southern sky). Similarly,
an observer in, say, Australia can find Book 1 (covering the northern sky) quite useful.
In order to minimize repetition of data, the duplication of information has been avoided where
possible. However, to ensure that each book is self-contained, the introductory chapters, as well as
the appendices, are in both books.
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