Observing the Solar System The Modern Astronomer's Guide

Written by a well-known and experienced amateur astronomer, this is a practical primer for all aspiring observers of the planets and other Solar System objects. Whether you are a beginner or more advanced astronomer, you will find all you need in this book to help develop your knowledge and skills and move on to the next level of observing. This up-to-date, self-contained guide provides a detailed and wide-ranging background to Solar System astronomy, along with extensive practical advice and resources. Topics covered include: traditional visual observing techniques using telescopes and ancillary equipment; how to go about imaging astronomical bodies; how to conduct measurements and research of scientifically useful quality; the latest observing and imaging techniques. Whether your interests lie in observing aurorae, meteors, the Sun, the Moon, asteroids, comets, or any of the major planets, you will find all you need here to help you get started.

1. Earth and sky; 2. Moon and planet observer's hardware; 3. The Solar System framed; 4. Stacking up the Solar System; 5. Our Moon; 6. Mercury and Venus; 7. Mars; 8. Jupiter; 9. Saturn, Uranus and Neptune; 10. Small worlds; 11. Comets; 12. Our daytime star; Appendices; Index.

Gerald North graduated in physics and astronomy. He was a former teacher and lecturer in both subjects and a former Guest Observer at the Royal Greenwich Observatory, and is now a freelance astronomer and writer. He is a long-term member of the British Astronomical Association and has served in several senior posts in their lunar section. He has published widely over the years and is the author of this book's popular companion volume Observing the Moon: The Modern Astronomer's Guide, 2nd Edition (Cambridge University Press, 2007).