Measure Solar System Objects and Their Movements for Yourself!
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Beschreibung
Instead of taking somebody's word about the basic size and distances for the solar system's objects, this book shows amateur astronomers how to measure these things for themselves. This is an enriching experience for any amateur astronomer - to understand and personally measure fundamental astronomical quantities and distances.
A basic knowledge of geometry is required, but it is amazing how simple the ideas can be. Readers are led through the details as gently as possible - and in a light-hearted way - presuming that most will have half-forgotten most of the mathematics.
The practical astronomical equipment recommended is no more than a typical commercially-made amateur telescope and a camera of some sort - these days a webcam works very well. Apart from that all the reader will need is access to a computer with internet service, the know-how to download free software, and an enthusiasm to expand his knowledge of the basics of scientific astronomy.
Instead of taking somebody's word for it about the basic size and distance statistics for the solar system, this book shows amateur astronomers how to measure these things for themselves. This is an enriching experience for any amateur astronomer - to understand and personally measure some fundamental astronomical quantities and distances.
A basic knowledge of geometry is required, but it is amazing how simple the geometry can be. Readers are led through the geometry as gently as possible - and in a light-hearted way - presuming that most non-academics will have half-forgotten most of their mathematics.
The practical astronomical equipment recommended is no more than a typical commercially-made amateur telescope and a camera of some sort - these days a webcam works very well. Apart from that all the reader will need is access to a computer, the know-how to download free software, and an enthusiasm to expand his knowledge of the basis of scientific astronomy.
Shows amateur astronomers how they can measure planetary sizes and distances for themselves, as well as orbital speed Improves the reader's appreciation and perspective of what he or she might see and image in the sky A small step (but also a giant leap) into astrometry written in an entertaining, anecdotal style Measurements require simple math early on and more subtle concepts appear only towards the final chapters
Autor*in
John D. Clark
Themen in »Measure Solar System Objects and Their Movements for Yourself!«
Astrometry at home Astronomical Quantities Astronomical Unit Astrophysical Calculations How Far is the Moon How Far is the Sun Measuring Orbits Measuring Solar System Distances Planet Planetary Masses Solar Solar System Sun
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From the reviews:
“This delightful book … is really a breath of fresh air in popular science publishing, taking us back to astronomical basics and starting from the beginning. With the help of very clear diagrams and graphics, the text takes you through fully-worked examples, asking questions about sizes, distances and motions within the Solar System. It then sets about, always with simple, readily available and inexpensive equipment, to show you how to answer those questions for yourself. … Overall, this is a very worthwhile text … .” (John Rowlands, Astronomy Now, January, 2010)
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