Scientific American the Amateur Astronomer Paperback - 2000 - 1st Edition

First line

Back in 1925, an article in Scientific American described how a group of amateurs in Springfield, Vt., made a reflecting telescope powerful enough to show the mountains of the moon, the rings of Saturn, the Great Nebula in Andromeda and comparable astronomical objects.

From the rear cover

Are you an avid sky-watcher? Would you like to observe the changes in the moon's surface? Predict the orbit of a satellite? Record sunspots?
Finally, here is the book you've been waiting for! From the longest-running column in Scientific American's history comes this collection of fascinating projects for the amateur astronomer. Whether you're interested in designing your own telescope or determining the chemical composition of faraway stars, this unique book will help you satisfy your passion for the skies. You'll learn how to build and use astronomical tools that will help you better understand and appreciate the solar system, our galaxy, and the cosmos. Here you'll discover fascinating facts about astronomy along with helpful tips and clear instructions on how to build inexpensive astronomical instruments in home-based workshops using ordinary shop tools. From making a pendulum that detects the earth's rotation, to observing Jupiter with a homemade telescope, to taking picture-perfect images of a comet, these projects will help you go deeper into space than you've ever imagined.

Media reviews

Citations

• Booklist, 12/01/2000, Page 684
• Kirkus Reviews, 12/01/2000, Page 1655
• Publishers Weekly, 11/27/2000, Page 70
• Scitech Book News, 12/01/2001, Page 47