Average customer rating:
- An excellent review of galactic structure and dynamics
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Dynamics of Galaxies
Giuseppe Bertin
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
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ASIN: 0521472628 |
Book Description
Our understanding of galaxies has advanced significantly in recent years. Powerful computer simulations and detailed observations from ground- and space-based telescopes have been instrumental in this. This graduate textbook provides students with a complete, accessible introduction to modern galactic dynamics. The first two parts of the book define the astrophysical problems and the methods for building sound physical models. Next, coverage examines the observational properties and models of spiral then elliptical galaxies. A selection of exciting topics from contemporary research are also reviewed, including the formation and evolution of galaxies, cooling flows, accretion disks, and galaxies at high redshift. Throughout, the volume helps students develop a clear understanding and good physical intuition of the processes involved. Full derivations are provided for key results and helpful problems are included.
Customer Reviews:
An excellent review of galactic structure and dynamics.......2000-10-05
It is a difficult but inspiring book written by one of the leading world experts who, in spite of the relatively young age, has obtained an impressive record of new results in the field of galaxy dynamics. If compared to the standard reference in the field (Galactic Dynamics by Binney and Tremaine), the book stands out for conciseness, clarity and homogeneity of treatment. Bertin, in fact, puts emphasis on physics rather than phenomenology and succeeds in compressing the huge field of galaxy dynamics in a relatively short book structured in few chapters. Each chapter is focused on a different physical mechanisms which is then used to gain deeper and deeper insights into the structure of the stellar systems.The book is up to date and provides the reader with an exhaustive list of references. An excellent book to be recommended to graduate students as well as to researchers active in the field
Customer Reviews:
The best.......2005-09-25
One of the best done books I've ever seen on a topic - don't know how it could be done any better.
Average customer rating:
- A fine intro and very useful quick reference
- Just an amazing textbook covering masses of astrophysics...
- Very badly written - and confusing...
- Very badly written - and confusing...
- Very disappointing
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Galactic Astronomy (Princeton Series in Astrophysics)
James Binney , and
Michael Merrifield
Manufacturer: Princeton University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Similar Items:
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Galactic Dynamics (Princeton Series in Astrophysics)
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Galaxies in the Universe: An Introduction
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Astrophysics Of Gaseous Nebulae And Active Galactic Nuclei
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Radiative Processes in Astrophysics
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Modern Cosmology
ASIN: 0691025657 |
Book Description
This is the definitive treatment of the phenomenology of galaxies--a clear and comprehensive volume that takes full account of the extraordinary recent advances in the field. The book supersedes the classic text Galactic Astronomy that James Binney wrote with Dimitri Mihalas, and complements Galactic Dynamics by Binney and Scott Tremaine. It will be invaluable to researchers and is accessible to any student who has a background in undergraduate physics.
The book draws on observations both of our own galaxy, the Milky Way, and of external galaxies. The two sources are complementary, since the former tends to be highly detailed but difficult to interpret, while the latter is typically poorer in quality but conceptually simpler to understand. Binney and Merrifield introduce all astronomical concepts necessary to understand the properties of galaxies, including coordinate systems, magnitudes and colors, the phenomenology of stars, the theory of stellar and chemical evolution, and the measurement of astronomical distances. The book's core covers the phenomenology of external galaxies, star clusters in the Milky Way, the interstellar media of external galaxies, gas in the Milky Way, the structure and kinematics of the stellar components of the Milky Way, and the kinematics of external galaxies.
Throughout, the book emphasizes the observational basis for current understanding of galactic astronomy, with references to the original literature. Offering both new information and a comprehensive view of its subject, it will be an indispensable source for professionals, as well as for graduate students and advanced undergraduates.
Customer Reviews:
A fine intro and very useful quick reference.......2005-12-16
Astronomy today deals with a wide array of exotic objects for which relevant physical processes vary so much. To be comprehensive and up-to-date at the same time in such an academic subject is no easy task. If you have the pleasure or dismay of having to expose yourself to the cutting edge information about any subject in astronomy, you know that astronomy in general is confusing as hell. To illuminate the most essential concepts and connection between what appears to be entirely different astrophysical phenomena is very hard, yet in my opinion this text book does a fairly decent job in that respect.
If you are literate about any of the details of astrophysics that this text book might gross over, you sure will find the information to be obsolete and rather simplistic. After all the book is not meant to be a collection of review articles. But since the book means to give you the first exposure to just about any subject in astronomy, the discussions are shallow yet to the point so that you will not lose your big picture in bogging yourself down to boring details. This still might be a slow read if you are really just starting out, but as you pick more astronomy you will start appreciating the conciseness which only help you connect things that you learned but have not necessarily been related in your world of knowledge.
And another important point is, can you come up with any other book that covers introductory astrophysics better? Maybe Shu or Carroll and Ostlie, but the list ends there pretty much.
Just an amazing textbook covering masses of astrophysics..........2002-12-08
This book is, as it says on the cover, for readers with a background in physics - specifically, for professionals, graduate students, and advanced undergraduates. It will therefore be heavily mathematical, as there is no other way in which to express the theories within, and to quantitatively distinguish between them - an essential part of all scientific research.
The ideas are explained clearly, and there are frequent up-to-date references: the book was published mid-1998, and updated quite a lot from its previous incarnation. Where a field is moving very rapidly, like in parts of astrophysics, there is clearly always a danger that the work will become out of date, but most (at least all I have had to read) of what is in this book is still current.
This book is not only beautifully written, and presented, it also covers an incredible range of subjects, making it suitable not only for background reading for those who study galactic astrophysics, but also those working in stellar astrophysics. The authors clearly know their stuff in very wide-ranging areas of astrophysics, and are passionate about them, as it comes across very clearly, and adds to the joy of reading this book.
One of the many things that makes this such a wonderful book is the clear linking of astrophysical phenomena with basic physics, something which is easy to lose sight of when confronted with exotic objects and processes. A particularly lovely example of this (IMO) is the explanation of the effects of the kappa-mechanism in variable stars in terms of the humble heat engine in thermodynamics.
Admittedly, if you were wanting an introduction to galactic astronomy this would not be the book for you, but, for its target audience it is an amazing book.
Very badly written - and confusing..........2001-06-28
I read the complete book but I must admit I understood very little of it. The main reason for this is that the authors seem to have written the book for those who already are fully versed in the technical details of the subject. I am not, and I was hoping this book would elevate my understanding of the field. Unfortunately it did not. Furthermore, I found the book completely lacking in information about the more recent discoveries in cosmology. It appears to be about ten years behind.
Very badly written - and confusing..........2001-06-28
I read the complete book but I must admit I understood very little of it. The main reason for this is that the authors seem to have written the book for those who already are fully versed in the technical details of the subject. I am not, and I was hoping this book would elevate my understanding of the field. Unfortunately it did not. Furthermore, I found the book completely lacking in information about the more recent discoveries in cosmology. It appears to be about ten years behind.
Very disappointing.......2001-04-22
There are three specific areas in which this book fails. I will address them in turn: 1) The information is way out of date. Although the publishing date is recent, the authors have made very little attempt to present the major advances that have occurred in this science over the last few years. As a result of this problem, there is some critical information in the book that is simply inaccurate. The information reflects understandings that are five to ten years old - not what we know today. 2) The writing style is very difficult to follow. The authors seem to think they are writing for their fellow professional astronomers, not for students. They don't explain the concepts sufficiently and they end up leaving the reader confused and disappointed. 3) About half the pages are mostly mathematics. This is fine if you understand advanced math and you can follow the authors reasoning. The problem is that as I closely checked the math I found glaring errors in it. On just about every few pages there would be a math error. This makes it that much more difficult to understand the information. I would suggest you save your money - and frustration! Find a better book.
Book Description
Galaxies are perhaps the most popular of all visual targets that are sought after by visual observers. At present the only way to get up-to-date information, is to query various (often highly technical) speciality books or digging deeply into the Internet. This can be a time consuming and often frustrating task, as the data aren’t often compatible. This book satisfies the need for a modern, comprehensive review in combining the three major aspects: the physical background on the nature and data of galaxies, the relevant instrumentation and viewing techniques, and finally the targets and their individual appearance in telescopes of various apertures. To illustrate the latter, a comprehensive sample of galaxies, including quasars, groups and clusters of galaxies is presented. This combination of theoretical knowledge and practical information guarantees successful observing sessions. The book could become a standard source on galaxy observing for all kinds of amateur observers, from the beginner to the experienced.
Customer Reviews:
A very good book.......2007-10-04
It is excellent writting, comprehensive, analytical and all subjects well presented and in the appropriate order.
most up-to-date, clearly structured reference book on galaxy observing.......2007-08-13
Wolfgang Steinicke was the leading author of the german "Praxishandbuch Deep Sky"(Kosmos 2004), which I like very much. So I started reading his new book on Galaxies with high expectations...and I was not disappointed :
I believe this is the most up-to-date, clearly structured reference book on galaxy observing - satisfying a very broad range of interests.
In three major sections, the authors not only address the needs of the most ambitious observers, but frequently add encouraging hints for beginners as well.
I recommend it A) as a reading book to gain a broader knowledge
and B) as an excellent planning guide when you want to observe MUCH MORE than the most commonly known galaxies.
SECTION I (70 pages) provides a basic understanding of the different types of galaxies and clusters, plus all those data that are important for visually observing them.
Chapter 1 explains different galaxy classification schemes, special cases and pecularities - then chapter 2 introduces pairs, groups and clusters of galaxies and shows their place within the hierarchy of the universe.
Chapter 3 presents a well structured overview for many different types of galaxy catalogs, containing galaxy data and nomenclatures. Advantages/disadvantages of these catalogs are discussed and their data quality is critically judged.
I strongly recommend to study this chapter 3 on catalogs first, because the same presentation structure is followed in the later SECTION III on observing programs.
SECTION II (33 pages) covers the Technical Aspects on observing galaxies.
Key technical instrumentation aspects are only summarized briefly (chap.4), but the Theory of Visual Observation (chap.5), together with practical recommendations on observing, star hopping and observing logs (chap.6) demonstrate the authors very broad experience in finding, identifying faint galaxies and documenting them.
SECTION III (110 pages) on "What to Observe? - The Objects" contains the largest, most valuable part of the book.
An instructive combination of "photo/textual" descriptions presents a large number of objects in the most "objective" way :
Not counting individual galaxies inside groups or clusters (though mentioned in the tables), a total of 500 objects are listed in data tables - following that same structure introduced in SECTION I. Each data table is immediately followed by a separate table with textual descriptions. Around 600 such descriptions are given, based on the visual appearance of each object with different instruments: 1. binocular (if possible),
2. medium aperture telescope(6-10"), 3. large telescope(13-20", sometimes larger).
All these observation descriptions in chapters 7 to 10 stem from renowned observers; e.g. Steve Gottlieb, Steve Coe, beside the authors.
Chapter 7 suggests a variety of Observing Programs, based on
a) M-, NGC/IC- or UGC- CATALOGS
b) Sky Areas and constellations
Chapter 8 suggests selection criteria which are dependent on the characteristics of the individual galaxy; i.e. by sorting them by their distance or by their appearance.
Chapter 9 concentrates on Groups and Clusters; i.e. by listing a) pairs and trios, b) small groups and chains, then c) clusters.
Chapter 10 finally suggests interesting targets "off the beaten path" or in the category of "ultimate challenge".
My reason for mentioning all these details is to demonstrate that this book is quite well organized - especially for all those readers with a minimal amount of patience and learning will.
There is only one unfortunate omission : Springer printed the 1.edition of this unique reference book without a page index !!!
However, after I emailed the author, he swiftly produced an INDEX OF ALL OBJECTS (xls), which can easily be downloaded
from the (Homepage Wolfgang Steinicke).
A Wealth of Information, Poorly Organized.......2007-04-17
This book is filled with a lot of really interesting information on galaxies. However, it is extremely disorganized. My copy of this book is now full of bookmarks to help me find information later. Why? This book has no index. Let me repeat that--this book has NO INDEX. This is an unforgivable sin for any reference book! Furthermore, the subtitle is "and how to observe them." There is not a clue about how to observe galaxies. Instead, the pictures of galaxies are taken through large professional telescopes that for the most part are not even identified. There are observer's descriptions for some galaxies, but most of these are through 20" and larger telescopes. Only a few descriptions are for telescope sizes you might be likely to own.
On the plus side, there are a number of pointers to more information sources, but often these are given in large, undifferentiated lists, instead of the authors making specific recommendations.
Some of the descriptions of galactic structure and evolution are extremely sparse. You won't find a clear definition of Seyfert galaxies, for example.
If you're looking for a definitive work on galaxies, this isn't it. But if you want to learn some interesting facts, you might find this book a fun read. You'll probably come away with some observing ideas as well, but stock up on bookmarks!
Book Description
Two of the world's leading astrophysicists, James Binney and Scott Tremaine, here present a comprehensive review of the theory of galactic dynamics at a level suitable for both graduate students and researchers. Their work in this volume describes our present understanding of the structure and dynamics of stellar systems such as galaxies and star clusters.
Nicknamed "the Bible of galactic dynamics," this book has become a classic treatise, well known and widely used by researchers and students of galactic astrophysics and stellar dynamics. Praised for its modern approach, as well as for the rigor and exemplary clarity with which the authors handle the material in this book, Galactic Dynamics includes classic results and data while also reflecting the many recent developments in the field. The authors maintain an effective style of exposition throughout, keeping clear what is present knowledge and what is still speculation, while allowing the reader to grasp an overview of the subject before following through (where needed) with the mathematical detail. Most of the astronomical community since the late 1980s was introduced to galactic dynamics through Galactic Dynamics, and it remains the most widely used graduate textbook in galactic astrophysics today. No other book gathers together and presents our current understanding of the field in such a clear and concise way. Through this approach, Binney and Tremaine succeeded in creating a classic reference of enormous pedagogic value.
Customer Reviews:
Galactic Dynamics.......2007-01-11
Not for the faint of heart. Well written, but very technical. Needs good math and physics background.
THE Definitive Work on Galaxies.......2006-12-28
Binney has cleary established Galactic Dynamics and its companion volume Galactic Astronomy as the definitive works on the subject. The NASA Astronomy Abstract Service lists 3411 citations for this book as of 12/2006 so it is clearly an important part of the literature of astrophysics.
This book is written at the graduate or researcher level. As it deals with the behavior of galaxies, potential theory, energy distribution, angular momentium and dark matter so the mathematics employed are quite powerful.
Please create an audio adaptation ..........1999-06-02
To the publisher I would appreciate it if the publisher could produce an audio adaptation of this book. I would love to listen to this while I drive to work and to let my 16 month old son listen to it as a bedtime story. Arnold D Veness
The "Bible" of Galactic Dynamics.......1998-04-18
This book is a very well-known and widely used reference for students in extragalactic astrophysics and stellar dynamics. A solution manual for the problems would be highly welcomed.
Average customer rating:
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Globular Clusters (Cambridge Contemporary Astrophysics)
C. Mart^D'inez Roger ,
I. P^D'erez Fournon , and
F. S^D'anchez
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
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ASIN: 0521770580 |
Book Description
Globular clusters are spherical, densely packed groups of stars found around galaxies. They are thought to have formed at the same time as their host galaxy and thus provide a powerful probe for understanding galaxy evolution, as well as being studied as objects of interest in their own right. This volume presents invited articles by a team of world leaders who gathered at the X Canary Islands Winter School of Astrophysics to review our current understanding of globular clusters. It provides an accessible introduction to the field for graduate students, and a comprehensive and up-to-date reference for researchers.
Customer Reviews:
the night sky.......2005-02-15
What must is be like to live on a planet of a star inside one of these globular clusters? A night sky that is never dark? This perhaps is an inevitable thought if you read the book. It goes into all sorts of technical detail about our current understanding of the clusters. And the latter are described, both within the Milky Way and in other galaxies.
A very specialised book, that is best suited for the professional astronomer. Most of the observational details discussed will probably be mostly intelligible to such a person.
Book Description
Arp's new book is a frontal assault on the standard model of the universe, replete with anecdotes and illustrations, including 8 pages of colour plates.
"Seeing Red" represents a senior scientist's personal account of the crisis in moderrn astronomy. Dr. Arp presents observations showing that extragalactic redshifts are not caused by an expanding universe. He crafts up an empirical picture of the birth and evolution of quasars and galaxies, demonstrating that crucial observations have been ignored and suppressed by the astronomy community. Finally, he cites examples of how academic science fails its ideals and potential.
Customer Reviews:
Calling it as he sees it........2007-08-30
One of the greatest travesties committed in science in the last 100 years was the excommunication and banishment of professional astronomer Dr Halton Arp. In this down-home account of his 5-decades journey in astrophysics, Arp describes his observational discovery of objects that could not be explained within the context of prevailing cosmological doctrine, and gives a surprisingly evenhanded report of his apalling treatment at the hands of those in control of major US observatories and the journals of astrophysics. He must be angry, surely, yet he doesn't show it. Read my version of events in my new book. The Virtue of Heresy: Confessions of a Dissident Astronomer
Hilton Ratcliffe
Astronomical Society of Southern Africa
Scholarship and Dogma.......2007-07-22
It's an indictment on establishment science that a scholar of this calibre found it necessary to publicise his research and findings in book form in the public domain, rather than through the normal peer review channels.
However, this greater accessibility has been a bonus for laymen like myself. Arp's work is quite simply of profound importance in showing the serious problems underpinning current assumptions - and conclusions - regarding redshift, and cosmology in general.
This book, and his equally excellent earlier work "Quasars, Redshifts, and Controversies" are a 'must read' for anyone interested in astronomy based on true scholarship.
Apart from being textbook source material for astronomical studies, the books also provide a sobering insight into the unethical manner in which Arp has been treated by the establishment: from being a pillar of respect, he was treated like a pariah after pursuing observations and conclusions that were contrary to accepted models.
The Modern Day Galileo.......2007-07-09
Halton Arp is regarded as the Modern Day Galileo for good reason. His telescope time was taken off him when his observations contradicted theory, and he moved to work at the Max Planck institute in Germany, where the academic climate was more liberal. In Chapter 10 Arp likens Academic Science to the medieval church, as many now do!
Arp was a brilliant student of the famous Edwin Hubble, whose work is more palatable to the mainstream. Arp, however, has probably surpassed his mentor, and has effectively destroyed the theoretical basis for an expanding universe. Bye bye Big Bang, it was nice knowing you!
Oh, and by the way. This book is a great and fascinating read.
Wow, just wow!.......2006-11-23
I suppose as a relative layman I may not be qualified to assess the scientific merit of this book. However, Arp's no-nosense explanations both of the observations, the data and the politics leave little doubt in the mind that there are disturbing problems in "modern" science.
It is sad to see that science has become the very dogmatic expression of ideas that it was supposed to supercede.
Anyway, I guess I should say that the book is a great read. I made it through the intro and up to about page 25 before I even knew what hit me. If it wasn't for a call from an emphatic relative interrupting me with a phone call, I might have gotten half way through the book in one sitting.
For those unfamiliar with the technical jargon A) look it up (expand your mind) B) look at the various pictorial plates and their simple-language explanations. This book really can be good for both laymen and the more technically inclined. It does seem to be geared relatively well toward the lay reader. If you have a passing knowledge of the subject or are an amateur hobbyist, most of the concepts aren't so arcane that you couldn't look up definitions online and get a sense of what's being said.
That said, if you know what Arp is talking about, it's a real page-turner. If you're unfamiliar with Arp's work and how it has been suppressed and marginalized in mainstream circles (ostensibly ignoring solid scientific data), it's something of an eye-opener.
At what point does a series of "just one more isolated incidence" translate into a landslide of technical data that SHOULD overwhelm and overturn the rickety old boat known as the Big Bang theory? If just a small fraction of what Arp suggests is accurate (redshift =/= recessional velocity =/= distance), it would mean the death of the Big Bang theory, and hopefully the rise of a newer, better, observationally sound theory. As Arp says, theory should be fitted to the data, NOT the other way around. Observe first, theorize later. Otherwise, you're looking through the wrong end of the telescope and telling us only what you "imagine" you see.
This book should be a wake-up call to the scientific community. Anyone who hasn't read it, should. Even if you don't become a convert, it is sometimes good to be able to look through a "new"/"different" set of eyes. You just MIGHT, then, learn something.
What an amazing book!.......2005-03-30
As recently as the the era of Galileo in the 17th century, the dominant human institution was the Roman Catholic Church. Today, 400 years later, the world has changed greatly, yet we humans are very much the same. Human nature has changed little, if at all. The contemporary Church, of course, is a dead or dying echo of its former self. The dominant institution today is the scientific establishment: now manned by an elite priesthood of technocrats, most of them specialists who know more and more about less and less. World class maverick astronomer Halton Arp, who spent a career studying emerging galaxies in the deep ranges of space, compares the lot of them to the medieval Church. Arp has it exactly right. Oh ecce homo: The more things change...
Our biggest problem today is a science establishment that has made a number of erroneous fundamental assumptions about the natural order, assumptions that are comparable to the religious doctrines of the medieval Church. The public is generally unaware of these assumptions. They are so much a part of the fabric of science itself as to be all but invisible even to scientists!
Arp deconstructs one of these in this amazing book: the red shift. Arp piles up case on case, example after example, until the sheer weight of evidence becomes overwhelming. Yet Arp was rewarded for his trouble by having his telescope taken away!
Obviously the creme de la creme of modern science, the Big Bang astronomers, are so full of their own mathematical hubris and grand theory of all and everything that they wouldn't know how to interpret raw observational data if it slapped them cold in the face. It's one thing to examine a world of data and arrive at a hypothesis that explains the data. It's another to treat assumptions as if they were conclusions, meanwhile, tossing out as junk all of the anomalous material that didn't know it was supposed to fit the dominant Big Bang theory. Sad to say, this is the condition of astronomy, today.
All of which matters greatly because in 2005 we are staring down the barrel of peak oil, now just over the horizon and bearing down on us harder every day. The likelihood looms of a world economic meltdown. As the drama unfolds across the world stage the US colossus seems hell-bent to hasten and deepen the crisis by intervening militarily to protect America's privileged access to and sacrosanct control over the oil markets.
In a word: we face an energy crunch, and the growing likelihood of regional and world war fought for oil. We need a science that can help us out of this mess. And the picture one gets from Seeing Red is not encouraging. Credit Halton Arp for telling it like it is. This is an extremeing well written book -- though not an easy read. It took me 2 months to get through it, but it was well worth the effort.
If Arp is right, our current science model is NOT going to be able to deliver an abundant and clean energy alternative. These guys don't even know which end of a telescope is up. Obviously, we need a paradigm shift in science! Bravo to Arp for sounding the alarm and asking the appropriate questions!
Book Description
Cosmology is the study of nature on the grandest scale we know: that of the Universe itself. This successful and class-tested textbook covers all the essentials: galaxies, their formation, morphology, dynamics, stellar and gaseous structure, and interactions; radio sources, quasars, and other galactic nuclei and their spectra and absorption-line systems; and the interstellar medium and the Universe on a large scale -- in short, all of extragalactic astronomy. The emphasis throughout is on data acquired at all wavelengths, thanks to modern observational techniques, and on the concepts relevant to each type of object. The authors present the thinking that lies at the heart of the newest theories and developments, including the formation of stars and spiral and barred structures, the origin of absorption lines, the properties of galaxies, and recent inflationary theories in cosmology.
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Galaxy Formation and Evolution (Springer Praxis Books / Astronomy and Planetary Sciences)
Hyron Spinrad
Manufacturer: Springer
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Extragalactic Astronomy and Cosmology: An Introduction
ASIN: 3540254986 |
Book Description
The evolution in the form and structure of galaxies which has taken place since the universe was in its infancy is one of the most closely studied by astrophysicists and cosmologists today. It has profound implications for our understanding of how the universe itself has evolved over the past 12 billion years or so. This book will discuss the evolution of galaxies in detail, emphasising the boundaries of our knowledge about the most distant galaxies, but demonstrating how it is possible to make important comparisons between nearby galaxies and the most distant current observed. The author will also review galaxy morphology and its likely (but as yet unproven) history.
Customer Reviews:
THE book on galaxies.......2005-10-31
Spinrad is the man on galaxies--a life's work is before you from the preeminent researcher on distant objects.
Amazon.com
Steve O'Meara has been called "the best visual planetary observer of modern times." The first to spot Comet Halley on its return in 1985, the first to determine the rotation period of Uranus, he now turns his amazing visual skills to the deep sky.
Charles Messier was one of the best comet hunters of the 1700s, with 12 comet discoveries to his credit. He was frustrated because he kept wasting time looking at fuzzy objects that turned out not to be comets. The list he kept and published of "things that aren't comets" turned out to be his ticket to immortality.
Amateur astronomers of all ages enjoy tackling the Messier catalogue members, because they represent a good sampling of what's "out there," and because finding them helps to hone observing skills. In a sense, the Messier objects are the testing grounds for budding skywatchers.
O'Meara's guide is unique in conveying his approach to observing: "It's an approach based on creative perception and on using the imagination to see patterns and shapes in the subjects seen through the eyepiece. It involves using not just your eye but also your mind's eye to associate those patterns and shapes with things that are familiar with you, to create pictures and even stories." With O'Meara as your docent, you will truly appreciate the art of the universe. --Mary Ellen Curtin
Book Description
If there were a canon for viewing the night sky, Charles Messier would be its author. The galaxies, star clusters, and nebulae cataloged by the famous comet hunter in the late 1700s are still the most widely observed celestial wonders in the heavens. They are the favorite targets of amateur astronomers, with such rich variety and detail that they never cease to fascinate. This book provides new and experienced observers with a fresh perspective on the Messier objects. Stephen James O'Meara has prepared a visual feast for the observer. Using the finest optical telescopes available for amateur work, he describes and sketches the view from the telescope as never before. There are new drawings, improved finder charts, and new astronomical data on each object, including findings from the Hubble Space Telescope. Expand your universe and test your viewing acumen with this truly modern Messier Guide. It is a must for budding night watchers. Stephen James O'Meara is a contributing editor to Sky and Telescope.
Customer Reviews:
Deep Sky Companions: The Messier Objects.......2007-09-10
Add this reference book to your collection and be ready to observe. Along with this addition Deep-Sky Companions: The Caldwell Objects (Deep-Sky Companions) and you can't miss.
A Beautiful Guide to Observine.......2007-03-28
The Messier Objects are one of the foundations of amateur astronomy (along with the planets and comets). The name comes from Charles Messier who was a comet searcher. To avoid confusion he created a catalog of some fuzzy objects that might be confused by other comet hunters as being potential comets. He listed 110 objects for comet hunters to avoid. He had actually discovered 41 of them, the others had been discovered by others but were in the list to avoid.
Today's amateur has access to equiptment far in advance of Messier's and these non-comets are among the most frequented things being observed. That's because Messier's objects include star clusters, nebula, as Mr. O'Meara says, the finest showpieces in the heavens.
In this book Mr. O'Meara illustrates the 110 objects with drawings and or beautiful photographs. Here is the Andromeda Galaxy (Messier 31), 300,000,000 stars, the light from whom began its journey to us 2.3 million years ago. Then, of course, there's M77, 47 million light years away and more than a little bit strange.
After showing all the Messier objects, Mr. O'Meara discusses (but does not show photographs) of twenty spectacular non-Messier objects that he considers to be his personal favorites. This book would be a great present for almost any amateur astronomer.
What a disappointment!.......2007-02-24
O'Meara starts this book out with real promise. Widely acknowledged as an expert observer, his efforts to set out and observe the Messier objects in detail (minimum 3 hours each) and sketch his impressions from a great dark-sky site sound impressive and exciting. After all, who wouldn't want to put their eyes up against the best? Better yet, it's well-known that it is easier to see something if you know exactly where to look for it and what it will look like. And the introduction leaves you hungering to explore these targets rather than punch them off a list in a few seconds.
But then O'Meara ruins it. He puts his own personal "interpretations" on the sketches, drawing bat figures or snakes over the objects - things that are only there in his imagination. For an experienced observer, it may be easy to draw the line between what is fancy and what is reality, but for someone approaching these objects for the first time, the only result is confusion and dismay. Do I look for that wispy segment or not?
A second version of the sketches would have been called for - one without the "extras." Instead, we're left with a book that had a lot of promise, but fails to deliver the very thing we're in need of - great, accurate sketches of the Messier objects as they appear in the eyepiece.
Seeing Messier objects with new eyes.......2007-01-10
After having read a few other books on the Messier Objects, I can confidently say that this one is a winner! Descriptions are both very helpful in preparing you for what to expect, if you have never seen a particular object before, but also provide new insight to those that think they have seen it all. The author describes subtle details, and guides you to persist on watching, until you can really see all that there is to see. After reading the descriptions, you will feel an urge to go to the field and see what you have been missing all the time!
The book also has a lot of historic comments, about Messier himself and the observations he did while compiling his list, that are both fascinating and intriguing to read. As for the drawbacks, I only wish the finder charts were more detailed. You will probably need a more detailed star map to locate the less prominent and obscure of these fine objects.Overall, I would warmly suggest this book to both new and experienced observers.
Making small scopes look good :).......2005-01-31
First of all I have to say that O'Meara is a brilliant writer and a superb visual observer. He manages to capture the spirit of observing and you feel like he is right next to you at the eyepiece when you read the book. But the defining thing about this book is the superbly detailed eyepiece impressions. Indeed he sees more through the eyepiece of a 4" TeleVue Genesis than most people through much larger telescopes. Its all about training ones eyes to see detail. Most of us are mere "peekers", just taking quick glimpses of objects. O'Meara encourages and inspires us to push our vision to the limit, to drink in the faint details of a galaxy's spiral arms. I for one have been inspired. Very highly recommended for visual observers.
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