From Casual Stargazer to Amateur Astronomer: How to Advance to the Next Level

264 Pages·2014·4.99 MB·English

by  Dave Eagle (auth.)

Dave Eagle
From Casual
Stargazer
to Amateur
Astronomer
How to Advance
to the Next Level
The Patrick Moore
The Patrick Moore Practical Astronomy Series
For further volumes:
http://www.springer.com/series/3192

From Casual

Stargazer
to Amateur
Astronomer
How to Advance to the Next Level
Dave Eagle
Dave Eagle
Higham Ferrers , UK
ISSN 1431-9756
ISBN 978-1-4614-8765-4 ISBN 978-1-4614-8766-1 (eBook)
DOI 10.1007/978-1-4614-8766-1
Springer New York Heidelberg Dordrecht London
Library of Congress Control Number: 2013947792
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Preface
Astronomy is one of the few sciences where the amateur can still make a valuable
contribution to real science. Today there are a growing number of professional-
amateur collaborations where professional astronomers rely on amateurs to collect
and process data. By observing the sky themselves, amateurs can still discover or
make an extremely useful contribution to making new discoveries.
Like any relationship, successful astronomical observing takes some level of
learning, commitment, communication and investment in both time and effort.
Only by doing this will you get the very best out of our fabulous hobby and that
intimate partnership to mature properly.
As a person who is interested in astronomy, do you feel that you could get
involved yourself? If not, why not? Is this because you don’t have enough knowl-
edge? Or is it because you don’t feel you just do not have enough experience?
There is really only one way to get the knowledge and experience needed, and
that’s to get out there and keep observing yourself.
Much as the term “stargazer” is much loved around the world, the term “amateur
astronomer” does sound far more professional, but at the same time intimidating.
Within these pages you will take a long hard look at where you currently lie along
your path of discovery. It will clear the way along this path, helping to steer your
journey with the least pain, or at least help you to avoid some of the major pitfalls.
You will also fi nd lots of hints and tips as well as sources of information so that
your knowledge and observing con fi dence matures and fl ourishes.
By the end of the book, you really will feel that you too consider yourself an
amateur astronomer, rather than a stargazer.
Higham Ferrers, UK Dave Eagle
v

Acknowledgements
Not only is this book the result of years of experience and frustration from years
of observing from under the cloudy skies of the UK, it is also the result of the
input of many people over many years of observing. So I really cannot take all
the credit for it.
It would not have been possible without the assistance and input of quite a num-
ber of people. This ranges from the many people I have met over the years at local
astronomy clubs, particularly Bedford Astronomical Society. Many of these have
become very good friends. Along the way they taught me a thing or two about
astronomy as I journeyed my own path of astronomical discovery.
I would also like to thank Dusko Novakovik and Nick Hewitt from Northampton
Natural History Society, Astronomy Section. Diligently reading my ramblings, they
picked up quite a few of my gaffs and spelling mistakes, gently advising me to
make a few changes. I hoped this would prevent me from making myself a laughing
stock. Let’s hope it has worked.
I cannot praise or thank my illustrators enough.
Seb Jay, for his major contribution on the chapter about drawing in this book and
his detailed astronomical drawings, which really do put most of mine to shame.
The wonderful line drawings of me by the telescope were produced by Gita
Parekh. I think they really stand out and give the book that little personal touch.
Most of all I would like to thank my loving wife, Sue. She endures the pas-
sion I have for my favourite hobby, (one of far too many), as well as the dome
taking up a good proportion of our back yard. Sue has put up with a lot since
we met, but throughout it all, she has always been extremely supportive in all
my endeavours.
vii
viii Acknowledgements
Now that this book is fi nally fi nished, Sue will be extremely relieved to have
her husband back in the land of the living once more, instead of being a slave to
his computer.
Higham Ferrers, UK Dave Eagle
About the Author
Dave Eagle has been interested in astronomy for most of his life. As a boy, he followed
with great excitement the landing of the Apollo missions, which sparked his enthu-
siasm even more. This set him well on the way to learning much more about the
night sky as he started to explore it for himself.
In his mid-20s, Eagle established the Bedford Astronomical Society, holding the
position of Secretary for many years before becoming Chairman. He also held the
post of Handbook Editor for the Federation of Astronomical Societies for 3 years
and is a Fellow of The Royal Astronomical Society. He is an enthusiastic ambas-
sador for the subject, frequently giving talks to local astronomical societies, social
clubs, schools, youth groups and other interested parties. He also encourages others
to get out and observe, producing a monthly sky guide which is free to download
from his website.
Eagle is a trained biological scientist, but after trying his hand at science teach-
ing he eventually moved out of the labs and into the fi eld of IT. He is fortunate
enough to have his own small personal observatory in his back yard and considers
himself a good all-rounder, enjoying all aspects of astronomy. Despite suffering
from a reasonable amount of light pollution in his small town, he is still able to
actively observe and image the sky.
ix