In the 1960's, American amateur astronomer, John Dobson, designed a revolutionary kind of astronomical telescope featuring a lightweight large-aperture reflecting system on a simple mounting, using the then-revolutionary material called teflon. The design combines simplicity and portability with large-aperture prowess. Thirty years later Dobsonians remain supreme for visually observing faint deep-sky objects and are one of the best-selling large telescopes in the USA and Europe. This popularity is reflected in the recent increase of companies now heavily marketing Dobsonians, in particular, Meade (the "Lightbridge" range), Orion USA (XT Intelliscope series), and Skywatcher (Skyliner and Flextube models). This book is the ultimate guide to buying and using commercial Dobsonians, both 'Econo' and 'Primo' models, with in-depth accounts for the various models (plus accessories) on the market and descriptions of the many innovations that amateurs have made to optimize their telescopes' performance.
In the 1960's, American amateur astronomer, John Dobson, designed a revolutionary kind of astronomical telescope featuring a lightweight large-aperture reflecting system on a simple mounting, using the then-revolutionary material called teflon. The design combines simplicity and portability with large-aperture prowess. Thirty years later Dobsonians remain supreme for visually observing faint deep-sky objects and are one of the best-selling large telescopes in the USA and Europe. This popularity is reflected in the recent increase of companies now heavily marketing Dobsonians, in particular, Meade (the "Lightbridge" range), Orion USA (XT Intelliscope series), and Skywatcher (Skyliner and Flextube models). This book is the ultimate guide to buying and using commercial Dobsonians, both 'Econo' and 'Primo' models, with in-depth accounts for the various models (plus accessories) on the market and descriptions of the many innovations that amateurs have made to optimize their telescopes' performance.
Über den Autor
Dr. Neil English has a BSc in Physics and Astronomy, and also a PhD in Biochemistry. He is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and a regular contributor to Astronomy Now (the UK's major astronomy magazine), as well as to Ireland's Astronomy & Space. Neil's astronomical images have been published in various magazines and journals, including a full page in the June 2006 issue of Astronomy. Neil has, and continues to, make contributions to Cloudy Nights in the form of several detailed telescope reviews. He is the author of Guide to Mars (Pole Star Publications, 2003) and he has a number of books published by Springer, including Classic Telescopes, Choosing and Using a Refracting Telescope and Choosing and Using a Dobsonian Telescope. Neil currently has (among other instruments) a large 12-inch Dobsonian, which he uses on the darkest, steadiest nights at his home in rural Scotland.
Zusammenfassung
A recent upsurge in sales of commercially-made Dobsonians make this book very timely
Includes speculation on how Dobsonians will change and improve in the future
Contains many practical and useful hints and tips from a variety of Dobsonian owners
Includes supplementary material: [...]
Inhaltsverzeichnis
Preface.- Part I: The Dobsonian Telescope.- Chapter 1: John Dobson, The Man and His Legacy.- Chapter 2: Know Thy Dob!.- Chapter 3: The Mini-Dobs.- Chapter 4: Getting Serious.- Chapter 5: The Planetary Dobs.- Chapter 6: The 12-inch to 16-inch Dobs.- Chapter 7: Different Strokes.- Chapter 8: Here Be Monsters!.- Part II: Using Your Dobsonian.- Chapter 9: Accessorizing Your Dob.- Chapter 10: Adjusting, Maintaining, and Testing Your Dob.- Chapter 11: Sketching and Imaging with Your Dob.- Chapter 12: Where Next, Columbus?.- Appendix A: References.- Appendix B: Useful Formula.- Appendix C: Glossary.- Index.