SAS Library
Compiled and reviewed by Chris Wheeler
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Review:
***** Every SAS member should read; * or less - don't bother. |
Galaxies
This well illustrated Time-Life (magazine) book is at an intermediate
level, designed to inform the reader about our own milky way, other
galaxies and the astronomers who spent so much of their time viewing,
thinking and talking about them. It does so very successfully in an
easy to read way. A little dated (published circa 1980) but an engrossing
and informative read made easy by the plates and illustrations. Kindly
donated to the club by founding member Petr Marpelli. |
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This American book is a
school/university textbook written for students and is a fast way to
learn the essentials about the solar system and universe. You get it
all in one fat book—instead of five score and one books. It is
also a comprehensive introduction to the methods of science, how science
operates and how we know what we know. There are end of chapter study
guides, links to an extensive website that accompanies the text, and
heaps more. A welcome new addition to our library. Amaze your friends—become
an expert! ***** 5 Stars |
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Another moon book by Patrick Moore-- he does specialise in the Moon
after all! Published in 1981, it is a little dated and comes across
as a detailed reference work. |
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An older style book, published
in 1977, but full of good stuff. It examines the Moon’s origins
and its place in the Universe, how it moves and its close relationship
with Earth. The formation of its surface features is dealt with in great
detail, in particular the origin of walled plains and craters. It also
deals with Transient Lunar Phenomenon. There are Lunar maps and detailed
descriptions of individual features. Donated to the library by founding member, Peter Marples, this book is a great addition to our libraries section on the Moon. A good Moon starter book---very readable. **** 4 Stars |
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A book for amateur astronomers
at all levels, Patrick Moore gives a fascinating account of astronomy’s
historical background, then deals with the selection and maintenance
of suitable observing equipment. Objects easily viewed in both North
and South hemispheres are described, and the book can be used by observers
anywhere in the world. What I like about Patrick is his ability to explain
the principles and phenomena of astronomy in a charming, understandable
and memorable way. I am a great fan of his! Book first published in
1957 but extensively updated in 1990. ***** 5 Stars |
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Tells the story of gamma
ray burst research and of the scientists behind the discoveries. Translated
from the Dutch edition and has rave reviews. Compulsory reading by our
members. Kindly donated to the club by Brian Schmidt—the American
Gamma Ray researcher now based in Canberra who has the power and authority
to commandeer the Hubble Space Telescope at short notice, and point
it at a gamma ray source. We met him at Duckadang in 2006 where he gave
a fascinating talk. Easy and interesting reading. ***** 5 Stars |
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A brand new book, published
in 2007, it has just been purchased for our library.
Featuring accurate and clear star charts covering the
northern and southern hemispheres, the book begins with a brief introduction
to the stars. It reserves a full page for each constellation, detailing
its naming and mythology, location in the sky, best times of the year
to view, and key stars and nebulae. |
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I loved this new book, published
in 2005, and read every page from cover to cover over a few days! It
has just been purchased for our library. It is a lavishly illustrated collection of essays, each devoted to one of histories greatest scientists. Here we find Newton rubbing shoulders with Marie Curie, Charles Darwin rubbing shoulders with Galileo Galilei, and Edwin Hubble with John Dalton. Not only is it a centralised source of information about our greatest scientists, it also explains, in a very understandable way, the theories, postulations and/or achievements that they are famous for. Did you know for example that the Englishman Charles Babbage invented the worlds first computer in 1821 with 25,000 moving parts.....or that Albert Einstein didn’t learn to speak until he was three years old, hated school where he showed little academic promise and left at 15? This book is a must read! ***** 5 Stars |
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A new book, published in
2006, which has just been purchased for the library! Whether you are an inveterate star gazer; or a new student of astronomy, this lavishly illustrated small book will enhance your knowledge and understanding of the universe. It includes the most recent and spectacular images from the Hubble telescope and Cassini Probe to Saturn. Each planet has its own chapter, and comets, constellations, galaxies, nebulae etc, etc are all concisely covered. In a few words, it is: • Lavishly illustrated with the latest photographs • Informative, authoritative and accessible • A concise introduction to the night sky. Worth taking off the shelf for a gander! ***** 5 Stars |
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Written by Australians David
Reidy and Ken Wallace, this small book was published in 1987 and is
one of the earliest useful handbooks for amateur astronomers living
in the Southern Hemisphere. I wish I had come across it 20 years ago! |
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Written in 1973 by Larry
Kalinowski, these notes have been kindly donated to the club by our
senior member, Ray Suckling. The notes provide astro photographers who
use emulsion and slide film, with correct apertures and exposure times
for a variety of astronomical objects, in various conditions and at
various times of the year. Very informative and very useful. Great to
have in our library.
***** 5 Stars |
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Here is the ultimate book
about the Apollo Moon landing programme. The author, Hamish Lindsay,
was involved with the Gemini and Apollo programmes and brings each mission
to life in readable but meticulous detail. “Tell it as it was”
is the theme of this book and this theme has been followed by using
first hand accounts wherever possible. There are plenty of good photos
and the book is divided into self contained sections which enable you
to pick it up and put it down without loosing the thread. NASA’s
first flight director Chris Kraft has said…..”Hamish Lindsay
has done a marvellous job of telling the story of manned space flight”.
I enjoyed it! ***** 5 Stars |
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A very popular book which
is always out on loan from our library. The cover says it all…..”The
ultimate guide to choosing, buying, and using telescopes and accessories”
Makes an ideal companion to “Astronomy Hacks” also in our
library and also always out on loan! We also have the revised edition
which is even better. Nice one!
***** 5 Stars |
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Written by the Director of
the Prague Planetarium in 1990, this fine book found its way into our
library in 1993. It is in excellent condition and presents as yet another
excellent reference manual on the moon which we have in our library.
It’s diagrams are clear and concise, and it’s text is neat
and to the point. I have no doubt at all that should one of us take
it upon him/herself to study these books in detail, he or she will very
quickly become the clubs, if not the worlds, authority on the moon. |
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Written by an American husband
and wife team of professional technical writers, I cannot heap enough
praise on this marvellous paperback. Every amateur astronomer should
have a copy within their home library (or preferably library and travelling
kit) and every club library should have a well dog eared copy too. The
word Hack is misleading to us in Australia or for those from an English
background. To Americans it means a tip, practical advice or a shortcut.
To us, a hack is a drone, or at worst a teenager doing something wicked
on a computer. This book is about improving our skills, knowledge and
hence enjoyment of our wonderful hobby. Has to be seen to be appreciated.
Once seen, never forgotten! Kindly donated to the Club by the authors. |
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Written in1998 by American
David M Levy, the famous comet hunter and co-discoverer of comet Shoemaker-Levy
which broke into many pieces; all of which spectacularly crashed into
Jupiter, I started to read this book with eagerness. I expected a more
exciting, enthusiastic and conversational approach than that taken by
most astronomy writers, who do tend to be rather pompous and dry. Well—disappointment!
Mr Levy turns out to be quite dry too. A must read to complete your
education about comets though, and easy to pick up and put down. Funny,
that also seems to have been the way it was written. Pick up and put
down! Kindly donated to the club by our comet man, Colin Drescher. On
ya Colin! Any others ya new wife wants ya to turf out?
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Although small, this book
is made formidable by its authority and detail. Written in 1982 by an
Australian it covers the anatomy of comets; discoveries, orbits and
origins; famous comets; and Halleys Comet. If you only read this one
book, it will take you a long way to becoming very knowledgeable about
these “Dirty Snowballs in Space”. However, the book is well
over due for updating. |
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This is the ideal book for
young and old who wish to join the worldwide community of radio amateurs.
It contains all the information required to obtain the Foundation Licence
in an easy to use and understand format, and covers technical basics
of receivers, transmitters, and antennas and will help you to operate
a station safely. Amateur radio is a rewarding hobby and has something
for everybody.
**** 4 Stars |
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This excellent book was written
by one of our members in 1993 and was republished in 2001. Recently
again donated to our club by the author, we now have two signed copies
available. The book is an absolute must for any southern hemisphere
library and an ideal companion for exploring our night sky using the
naked eye, binoculars and telescopes. It teaches the novice the basics
of stargazing and is an excellent reference manual for novice and experienced
observer alike with explanatory diagrams, photographs and detailed drawings
made at the eyepiece. There are even tips on choosing equipment and
making the best use of your eyesight. I love this little book and recommend
it to everyone. For those of us lucky enough to live in Queensland,
we can also visit Greggs “Skywalker” and “Infinity”
educational and thrill maker attractions at Surfers Paradise. On yer
Gregg! |
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A new acquisition by the
club, this fantastic little book has been written for new and intermediate
amateur astronomers. It teaches you how to find your way around the
constellations and the interactions between them. By the use of clear
maps and instructions, it shows you how to find the stars, how to roughly
measure the distance between them and how to judge their brightness.
All southern amateur astronomers should have a copy for home and field
nights. Very enjoyable. ***** 5 Stars |
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This is a North American
school text book which appears to have been first published in 1983.
in Canada. It is divided into 20 chapters and each one is extremely
well explained and concludes with topics for class discussion, a reading
review, problems to be solved by the students and recommendations for
further reading. This is an excellent book which will teach you more
about the cosmos in one volume than a whole series of other interest
only type books with pretty pictures. Highly recommended. ***** 5 Stars |
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This book features a gallery
of some of the most breathtaking space imagery ever assembled between
two covers. Focussing on our solar system, the book offers dramatic
full page and full colour photos. Detailed text accompanies each image
providing background information and a road map to orientate the reader
A good quality and up to date book which was published in 1998 in the
UK. ***** 5 Stars |
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This slim childrens book
on the moon is far too basic for our library and will be presented,
free of charge, to the first lucky member who reads this and contacts
me at our next meeting. No Stars |
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Interesting and well written,
it is too brief a history of astronomy in Australia. This book is essential
reading for all club members and can be read at a sitting!! *** 3 Stars |
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This large book represents
the efforts of a team of young astronomers, each qualified in the field
they write about, and is an international collaboration. It draws together
many remarkable discoveries and presents them in a theme rather than
in a disjointed alphabetical listing. The authors have produced a reference
work of lasting value by taking the difficult middle path between a
too simple popularisation and a scientific textbook. A heavy, technical
tome which takes a very long time to read. A reference book first and
foremost. Useful to have on the shelf. *** 3 Stars |
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Similar in content to other
broad astronomy compendiums, but having the unique Sir Patrick Moore
stamp, this book gives you a very good grounding in amateur astronomy.
Published in 1972, it is dated, as are so many of the similar styles
of book in our library. It would be good to get them all out at once
to compare notes *** 3 Stars |
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Another door stop! Although
published 27 years ago and dated, these older, non specialised books
are often able to explain concepts and ideas more simply and clearly
than modern sophisticated books. They are also interesting simply because
they are old and have old ideas!! The book covers a lot of ground and
is useful as a general reference. Well worth a read. *** 3 Stars |
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Books written about the
heavens are often large and heavy—and this 1987 tome is no exception!
Written by a Frenchman, it’s interesting to get a French and slightly
different slant on our favourite subject. Broken into three parts, this
history book takes us from Chaldean times to the space age. Part 1 deals
with contributions to astronomy made by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks,
Chinese, and Arabs. It then deals with advances made by the Europeans
from Copernicus to the modern day. Part 2 deals with the telescopes
and instruments used to study the heavens and Part 3 discusses the evolution
of stars, galaxies and the interstellar medium. Well presented and informative
with lots of photos and drawings. **** 4 Stars |
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A beautifully presented
book which was first published in 2001. The illustrations are marvellous
and the text reasonably easy to follow although sometimes dry and lacklustre.
Hawking guides us on his search to uncover the secrets of the universe—from
supergravity to supersymetry, from quantum theory to M-theory, and from
halography to duality. He seeks to combine Einsteins General theory
of Relativity and Richard Feymans idea of multiple histories into one
complete unified theory that will describe everything that happens in
the Universe. May require several readings for it to be fully understood by most of us. ***** 5 Stars |
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Originally published in
1950 but timeless, this 1999 fourth printing has placed in the hands
of amateur astronomers the knowledge of telescope optics and tools to
apply it. A well written book which will arouse your curiosity and answer your questions. Why are there so many different kinds of telescopes and what does each type have to offer? What makes one type of telescope better than another and which are best? What are the tradeoffs? How do you test them? Newtonians, Cassegrains, Maksutovs, Schmidt cameras—name a design and you’ll find it here. Become an optical expert and amaze your friends! ***** 5 Stars |
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Published in 1982, this
large and heavy book covers a lot of ground and is in the style of a
text book designed for astronomy students. It has learning objectives
and study exercises with each chapter. Well written and lucid, set aside
a lot of time to read and appreciate this one. *** 3 Stars |
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This handbook is Volume 2
of a series of independent volumes addressed to serious amateur astronomers.
First Published in 1978, this second volume provides the techniques
to observe, measure and record two types of nebulae. An excellent reference. |
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This handbook is a series
of independent volumes addressed to serious amateur astronomers. First
Published in 1975, this initial volume is a complete guide to double
star observing, and covers techniques for measuring and recording magnitudes,
colours, position angles and separation. An excellent reference. **** 4 Stars |
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Can a star collapse to nothing?
Is there an edge to the universe? Do naked singularities exist? In his
search for an answer to these questions, acclaimed British physicist
and author Paul Davies provides an illuminating introduction to black
holes and beyond. A great companion to books by Stephen Hawking. *** 3 Stars |
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Sir Patrick Moore is at
it again! Some questions are easy, and some are not so easy. Great fun
at monthly club nights. Members watch out—I shall be asking zee
questions after my librarians report! ** 2 Stars |
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Another very enjoyable book
by Sir Patrick Moore. He provides very informative general background
information about Halley’s Comet and comets in general, and his
co-author John Mason provides the technical bits in his own chapters.
An easy read. *** 3 Stars |
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‘“ Muller goes after scientific
discovery the way a lion stalks it’s prey, and the reader of this
book is completely drawn into the suspense of the hunt’” William Press, Professor of Astronomy and Physics at Havard University. ……..is there a killer star—Nemesis---orbiting eccentrically but regularly to a schedule of aeons, which will extinguish life on earth on a regular basis? Kindly donated to the club by John and Diane Hughes. |
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Discover the amazing quantum
universe, where fact is stranger than fiction! When you journey into
the quantum universe, you enter a world ruled by chance. It is here
that scientists hypothesize the most amazing claim of all: that there
exist myriads of alternative realities in parallel with our own. This book is a lucid exposition of the fields of exploration opened by quantum theory. A fascinating read. Astonish your friends with your intellect. **** 4 Stars |
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This book describes the
scientific processes by which our understanding of planetary nebulae
have been derived. A major part of the book is devoted to a catalogue
of planetary nebulae---1340 objects—with notes about objects of
particular interest (24) and provides finder charts. The catalogue is
valid for late 1990. A specialist book which can be a little heavy going. Useful as a reference. *** 3 Stars |
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‘The Illustrated On
The Shoulders Of Giants’ edited by Stephen Hawking. This book is a follow up the Stephen Hawkings’ previous book of the same name---this one is illustrated. It is an extraordinary book which not only summarises and provides commentary on the work of five of the greatest early astronomers and mathematicians, but goes on the provide extracts from their work----so you can actually read the source! You will find abridged versions of:- • ‘On the revolutions of heavenly spheres’ by Copernicus. • ‘Dialogues concerning two new sciences’ by Galileo. • ‘Harmonies of the world, book five’ by Kepler. • ‘Principia’ by Newton. • Original papers from Einstein, first published in ‘The principle of relativity’. Thoroughly recommended! ***** 5 Stars |
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This slim volume of astronomy fundamentals
by Jim Hollings was first published in 2000 in New Zealand. It is based on the philosophy that the best way to build a sound knowledge of astronomy is to begin studying the basic principles of celestial and terrestrial position, and by understanding the motion of objects, as seen by an observer on the surface of the earth; or from a point in space within the solar system. Want to know the steps in calculating the position of a planet? Yes?....then this book is for you! I find this little book a refreshing change from the door stopper sized tomes, full of pretty pictures designed for the casual astronomer, which we come across so often. It will really advance the knowledge of a keen amateur, and is full of interesting facts as well to lighten the prose. I loved it. Thoroughly recommended! ***** 5 Stars |
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Did you know that a single
teaspoonful of matter belonging to a neutron star can weigh billions
of tons? If not for Radio Astronomers, we’d probably still be gazing at the stars through optical telescopes. In this book you will learn how scientists use the unique properties of the electromagnetic spectrum to study the distance and topography of heavenly bodies. Read how the radio telescope enabled astronomers to map out the heavens on an ever expanding canvass that later revealed the existence of pulsars, neutrons and black holes Very interesting reading. **** 4 Stars |
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For nearly 30 years, the
first edition of this book was considered by many to be the best guide
for making a Newtonian telescope. The author takes you step by step
through the process of grinding, polishing, testing and installing your
mirror in a tube on either an altazimuth or equatorial mount. This new edition has entire chapters on making a Cassegrain telescope, optical window, equatorial mount, computer programmes in generic BASIC for the reduction of the Foucault test data and the design of two mirror telescopes---Cassegrain, Dall-Kirkham, Pressmann-Carmichael and Ritchey-Chretien For telescope constructors, the book is an absolute must. ***** 5 Stars |
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With this book and a good
pair of binoculars, you are equipped for a month by month guided tour
that will enable you to observe the moon in its full and fascinating
detail. The author focuses his binoculars each night on the high contrast strip along terminator, which separates the bright section of the moon from the dark. This makes it easy for you to find the objects discussed by the author and ensures that you see them under optimum conditions. There are seven double page photographs of the moon in various phases and fifty three other illustrations, including diagrams and large scale photographs relayed back from Ranger, Surveyor and Lunar Orbiter flights. Excellent. ***** 5 Stars |
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What star is that? Where
is the Southern Cross? Who was Orion? A Walk through the Southern Sky
is a beautiful guide to pathways in the night sky which answers these
questions and many more. Its unique simplified maps make it easy to
find by eye the constellations and the stars within them. Clear instructions
guide the user on how to gauge sizes and distances, and how to move
easily between constellations. Ancient myths and legends of the sky, thousands of years old, are retold to add to the mystery of the stars. Written with the complete beginner in mind, this book introduces the patterns of the starry skies in a memorable way. No equipment is needed to use this practical guide-- an ideal introduction to the wonders and beauty of astronomy. **** 4 Stars |
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Whether you own a two inch
refractor or a twelve inch reflector, the chances are that you are not
getting the most out of your telescope. The mounting may be incorrectly
adjusted, the instrument may be lacking the essential accessories for
the type of observation you wish to make, and/or your observational
techniques may be less versatile than they should be. Or… stiffen
the wombats… you could simply be using the wrong instrument for
the job! In this book you will find comprehensive instructions for the proper care and maintenance of your telescope, together with explicit explanations of correct observing techniques for all celestial bodies that you are likely to be interested in. There are even discussions of the times when binoculars and the naked eye are preferable to the ‘scope.What a great book! Highly recommended. ***** 5 Stars |
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Edited by well known amateur astronomer David
Levy, and lesser known Dr John O’Byrne, this book is both a guide
to observing the night sky and a source of reference.
It has been deigned for observers of both the northern and southern
skies and although fairly elementary at times, it often surprises at
other times with its detail and depth. |
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‘“ This is one of the loveliest
books in the world,’ the professor had said, still clinging to the
large flat volume. ‘Norton’s Star Atlas. Half the great astronomers
living in the world today started with this as boys.’” James a Michener, Space. Kindly donated to the club by John and Diane Hughes. ***** 5 Stars |
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In this revised and updated
edition of Star Ware, the essential guide to buying astronomical equipment,
the author does the work for you, analysing and exploring today’s
astronomy market and offering point by point comparisons of everything
you need. Whether you are an experienced amateur astronomer or just
getting started, this book will help you on your journey to explore
space by providing: • Extensive reviews of leading telescopes and accessories, • A step-by-step guide to purchasing everything you need to buy • Eleven new do-it-yourself projects • Tips on the maintenance of your equipment, photography and star mapping • Lists of where to find things you need. An excellent must read book for all amateur astronomers ***** 5 stars |
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Halleys comet comes round
once every 76 years and the next time it will appear is 2061. This book
is an authoritative and straightforward account of what we know about
Halleys comet, its history, what it looks like and famous people and
events associated with it. Essential reading for comet hunters. **** 4 stars |
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This easy to use guide to
discovering lunar sites takes the observer through 14 observing sessions
from New Moon to full Moon. For each evening, the book shows which craters,
mountains and other features can be seen, and how to find them. Each
photogragh shows what the observer actually sees through a telescope
solving the usual beginners difficulties of orientation. Excellent.
***** 5 stars |
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This book is about imaging
and manipulating images--making good images,extracting data and enhancing
what can be seen. It is an in-depth analysis and exploration of how
image processing works; and goes into the maths in depth.You will learn
about the potential that digital imaging has unleashed in astronomy.No
longer is taking and analysing high quality data restricted to professional
astronomers. Comes with a CD--AIP4WIN which is astronomical image processing
software. A highly technical book suited to the most advanced amateur
astronomer. 3 stars *** |
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John Tebbutt was Australias
most famous amateur astronomer and lived on his farm at Windsor in NSW
between 1834 and 1916. He established single handedly his own privately
run observatory on the farm, which rivalled the much larger, state run
observatories of his day. Extremely capable and knowledgeable,he discovered
two comets, had many scientific achievements and was internationally
recognised. His home is now a museum. Compulsory reading for all budding
Australian astronomers. *** 3 stars |
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A thrilling investigation
into the secrets of the sun and new scientific developments which are
causing us to rethink our perception of the planets principal life source.
Does the sun breathe? Can it make sound? How hot is the centre? Award
winning John Gribbin answers all! **** 4 stars |
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The title says it all. A collection of contributions
from family and friends of Stephen Hawking which build up a sort of biography
of both him and his theories about time and the universe. A new library
edition. Not essential reading for amateur astronomers unless you have
a special interest. **** 4 Stars |
| This small book, written by one of Australias
best loved astronomers, Fred Watson, presents the most up to date historical
scholarship in a lively and uniquely entertaining manner. It is the perfect
introduction to the telescope in the run up to its 400th year. I enjoyed
this book immensely and found it a good companion to the American book
in our library about the same subject….The Telescope, SAS 1 *****5 Stars Stargazer—The life and times of the telescope |
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Written by American author Geoff Anderson
and published in 2007, this new addition to our library covers every aspect
of optical telescopes—from the humblest backyard setup to the Hubble
Space Telescope and everything in between. An immensely readable book
which moves along at a rapid pace, it is a must for all amateur astronomers.
See also Stargazer, the life and times of the telescope at SAS 2, which
is another recent 5 star library addition. ***** 5 Stars |
See Chris to borrow free for SAS members
