SAS Library

Compiled and reviewed by Chris Wheeler

Cover
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.
***** 5 Stars

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

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.
Donated to the library by founding member, Peter Marples, this Moon Atlas adds to our libraries many Moon books. Great if you are doing a project on Luna.
***3 Stars

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
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
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
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.
A good starter book.
**** 4 Stars

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
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

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!
It will guide you through most of the techniques used by amateur astronomers to make the most of your instrument. An important part of the book is the selection of over 100 hundred objects which can be seen with just a sixty millimetre telescope. These objects represent the best that the southern sky has to offer. There are galaxies, nebulae, double and multiple stars…..enough to keep the observer busy for many evenings. Each object has a finder chart to find it and many are accompanied by photographs. I loved it! Kindly donated to the club by John and Diane Hughes.
***** 5 Stars

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

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
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

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.
***** 5 Stars

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.
***** 5 Stars

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?
*** 3 Stars


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.
*** 3 Stars

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

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!
***** 5 Stars

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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

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.
**** 4 Stars

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
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
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
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
‘“ 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.
** 2 Stars

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
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
‘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
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

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
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
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
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
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
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.
Wonderful photos and certainly worth a read. A good home library book.
*** 3 Stars

‘“ 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
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
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
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
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 ***
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
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
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
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

 

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