Real Astronomy With Small Telescopes

These instruments provide sharp, crisp high-contrast images of the Moon and planets. The once very costly 90-mm Maksutov–Cassegrain, with its optimumcombinationofeffectiveopticsandportability,nowsellsforamodest price. During the past decade, innovations in optical design and manufacture have loweredcostandimprovedquality.Currentdevelopmentsinlensdesignmakeit possibletoproduceaffordablerefractingtelescopeswithshortertubelengthsand greater versatility. Through the use of common digital cameras, the limiting stellar magnitude andimagescaleofsmalltelescopescanbeincreaseddramatically,thusproviding resultsonenormallyexpectsfromlargerinstruments.Muchofthisbookapplies thatprincipletomakinginterestingandusefulastronomicalobservations.Ihave takennovelapproachestoextendingtheuseofsmallinstrumentsforquantitative observations by applying unique methods for the analysis of digital camera photographs. Despite their limits in types of observation, 80-mm refractors and 90-mm Maksutovs have sufficient aperture and magnifying power to provide a lifetimeofobservingpleasure.Theyareidealforlunaroccultationmeasurements, tracking the solar activity cycle, observing variable stars and measuring binary ix x Preface stars. With moderate care and minimal maintenance, the telescope and mount canlastforgenerations. Thesmallrefractingtelescopewithitssimpledirectdesignandconstructionand permanently aligned optics is the time tested standard for personal use. Until recently, however, the high cost ofsmalltelescopesofsufficientqualityforseriousastronomicalusehaslimited theiraccessibility. Easily portable, it can be taken out of the house and set up at a moment’s notice. They are less susceptible to the effects of unstable air than larger ones, and because of their low maintenance and durability they are ideal for the parent educator or lifelong learner. Or, it can be packed conveniently into a small car for traveling to a dark observing site. I have often seen small instruments referred to as “grab and go” or “quick look,”notworthyofconsiderationforseriousobserving.Imaintaintheycanbe much more. Although all the activities described here are equally applicable to larger instruments,noneofthemrequireanaperturelargerthan80mm.

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Real Astronomy With Small Telescopes