Astronomy Hacks: Tips and Tools for Observing the Night Sky

by Robert Bruce Thompson, Barbara Fritchman Thompson

Why use the traditional approach to study the stars when you can turn computers, handheld devices, and telescopes into out-of-this-world stargazing tools? Whether you're a first timer or an advanced hobbyist, you'll find Astronomy Hacks both useful and fun. From upgrading your optical finder to photographing stars, this book is the perfect cosmic companion. This handy field guide covers the basics of observing, and what you need to know about tweaking, tuning, adjusting, and tricking out a 'scope. Expect priceless tips and tools for using a Dobsonian Telescope, the large-aperture telescope you can inexpensively build in your garage. Get advice on protocols involved with using electronics including in dark places without ruining the party. Astronomy Hacks begins the space exploration by getting you set up with the right equipment for observing and admiring the stars in an urban setting. Along for the trip are first rate tips for making most of observations. The hacks show you how The O'Reilly Hacks series has reclaimed the term "hacking" to mean innovating, unearthing, and creating shortcuts, gizmos, and gears. With these hacks, you don't dream it-you do it--and Astronomy Hacks brings space dreams to life. The book is essential for anyone who wants to get the most out of an evening under the stars and have memorable celestial adventures.

Genres: Astronomy, Reference, Science, Nonfiction

410 pages, Paperback

First published June 17, 2005

About the author

Robert Bruce Thompson was an accomplished author and scientist, publishing books on computers and the sciences. He built and sold science kits in support of home school education throughout the United States.

Reviews

[Jose Moa · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best books in giving advices and tricks for choosing telescopes,oculars,barlow lenses,finders,apertures,colimation of reflectors,places and gear to a comfortable observation,teach how understand celestial coordenates and star hopping,astronomic software and many more.
The authors are strongly in favor of a 10 inch dobsonian telescope as the best compromise in aperture , portability and easy of use, because in dark places allmost all interesting targets can be observed with this tube,yet also recomend as a cheap alternative ,over all for a beguiner ,a 6 inch dobsonian or for a grab and go a 90mm f11 refractor in altazimutal mount.
Another imprescindible book in the library of a backyard astronomer

[Aprilleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find the title of this book amusing because very few of these "hacks" could really be considered hacks. There are some exceptions, however, like Hack #37: Build a Film Can Collimating Tool and Hack #42: Improve Dobsonian Motions with Milk Jug Washers. Most of these are just good tips and advice for observers. They're organized into four chapters: Getting Started, Observing Hacks, Scope Hacks, and Accessory Hacks. The first section is just good advice for beginners, found in numerous beginner astronomy guides. The organization is pretty decent, and they include a 10-page index to help you find that tip you know you saw in here somewhere. The one caveat is that the sections about software and other technology (web pages and so forth) are sadly out of date (I had a good laugh over the section on Palm OS apps). RBT died in 2018, so there is unlikely to be an update.

[Jason Voegele · Rating 4 out of 5]

An indispensable guide to observing the night sky. The level of depth in the individual topics ("hacks") was perfect and I learned a ton from reading this book. It is somewhat dated and there is definitely deeper coverage of Dobsonian telescopes than there is of other kinds of telescopes, but if you can live with those minor flaws then you will most assuredly get a lot out of this book.

[Jeff]

This is my vacation-reading book (soon!). Since when did O-Reilly put out non-computer books? I can't wait to sink my teeth into this one ...

[Sigurd Magnusson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Accessible bite sized approach to learning Astronomy. Content only reduced by typical northern hemisphere centricity but can't complain if there's less people down here'