Observing the Moon: The Modern Astronomer's Guide

Written by an experienced and well-known lunar observer, this is a hands-on primer for the aspiring observer of the Moon. Whether you are a novice or are already experienced in practical astronomy, you will find plenty in this book to help you raise your game to the next level and beyond. In this thoroughly updated second edition, the author provides extensive practical advice and sophisticated background knowledge of the Moon and of lunar observation. It incorporates the latest developments in lunar imaging techniques, including digital photography, CCD imaging and webcam observing, and essential advice on collimating all common types of telescope. Learn what scientists have discovered about our Moon, and what mysteries remain still to be solved. Find out how you can take part in the efforts to solve these mysteries, as well as enjoying the Moon's spectacular magnificence for yourself!

Table of Contents:
Preface; Acknowledgements; 1. 'Magnificent desolation'; 2. The moon through the looking glass; 3. Telescopes and drawing boards; 4. The Moon in camera; 5. Stacking up the Moon; 6. The physical Moon; 7. Lunarware; 8. 'A to Z' of selected lunar landscapes; 9. TLP or not TLP?; Appendix 1. Telescope collimation; Appendix 2. Field-testing a telescope's optics; Appendix 3. Polar alignment; Index.

About the Author :
Gerald North graduated in physics and astronomy. A former teacher and college lecturer, he was also a Guest Observer of the Royal Greenwich Observatory. He is now a freelance astronomer and author. He is a long term member of the British Astronomical Association, and has served in several posts in their Lunar Section. Other observing guides include the acclaimed Advanced Amateur Astronomy (Cambridge University Press, 1997) and Observing Variable Stars, Novae, and Supernovae (with Nick James, Cambridge University Press, 2004).

Review :
From reviews of the First Edition: 'North advises the novice observer based on his own extensive experience, and he includes a brief review of lunar science from Apollo to Lunar Prospector. He richly illustrates his 48 crater descriptions with drawings, amateur and professional photographs, and spacecraft images ... I recommend North's observing guide as visually pleasing, meaty, and easy to read.' Sky & Telescope 'North is an experienced lunar astronomer, and it shows ... Observing the Moon will certainly help you on your way to make the most of your time behind the telescope.' Sarah Dunkin, Physics World 'Observing the Moon is a beautifully produced, well illustrated, and thorough guide to the techniques of lunar observations, as well as being a detailed A to Z (well Agarum and Albategnius to Wargentin and Wichmann actually) of the more interesting features of the lunar landscape. Huge enjoyment can be obtained from studying our nearest celestial neighbour, and this book will help to improve your technique.' David W. Hughes, The Observatory 'Guided by this book amateurs can undertake observations of real scientific usefulness and thus can make their own contributions to the understanding of our Moon.' Orion (Societe Astronomique de Suisse) 'Observing the Moon is a pretty comprehensive guide to beginning lunar observation and recommended reading.' Astronomy and Space 'North is full of useful information for backyard astronomers who would like to move to the next level in their observations of the earth's satellite ... Key advantages of North's volume include its practical focus - e.g. lots of advice on the strengths and weaknesses of various types of equipment - and its mix of vivid photographs and clarifying maps and charts.' Booklist 'The latest in a long and venerable collection of astronomy titles from Cambridge University.' Bloomsbury Review '... the friendly and chatty style of Observing the Moon continues in this second edition. ... Chapters 4,5, and 7 ... have had major modifications to reflect the changes in the past seven years and cover subjects such as camera attachments to the telescope, modern CCD cameras, camcorders and webcams, image processing techniques ... and ... online web resources. ... this book is a good friendly way to introduce amateurs to lunar observing ...' Journal of the British Astronomical Association