Writers from Universe Today have created the ultimate resource for all backyard space enthusiasts. They provide everything you need to know to become an amateur astronomer.
Universe Today is a top space science and technology website.
David Dickinson and Fraser Cain of Universe Today were the writers. David is an Earth science teacher and backyard astronomer.
Benefits and Assorted Highlights
They start from handy basic rules and tips like – Stars flicker or twinkle but planets do not.
The naked eye can see 2.5 million light years away and see the Andromeda Galaxy.
They guide you through the equipment, photography, planets, moons, asteroids, meteors and stars.
The Perfect Telescope
They discuss the perfect telescope and go over the different types. There is a two-page do-it-yourself project to make a simple Newtonian refractor for under $50. It has a 14-centimeter lens.
An Observatory for Under $500
Another two-page four project guides you through building an observatory for under $500.
You can get it today from Amazon.com.
“This guide has something for everyone with even the slightest interest in the skies above: easy-to-follow advice for finding the good stuff, fun activities to deepen your appreciation of cosmic wonders, key events to watch for when the skies are clear and lots of tales and trivia to muse over when they’re not.”
―Alan Boyle, author of The Case for Pluto
“The Universe Today Ultimate Guide to Viewing the Cosmos is a really useful guide for the enthusiastic astronomer. A brilliant introduction for amateur astronomers.”
―Charles Black, founder of the Space Exploration Network (SEN)
“Even readers who already have a background in amateur astronomy will murmur ’ah hah’ when they encounter the lovely diagrams in this book. This is the astronomy book that we’ve always wanted.”
―Seth Shostak, senior astronomer at the SETI Institute, author of Confessions of an Alien Hunter
Brian Wang is a Futurist Thought Leader and a popular Science blogger with 1 million readers per month. His blog Nextbigfuture.com is ranked #1 Science News Blog. It covers many disruptive technology and trends including Space, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Anti-aging Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology.
Known for identifying cutting edge technologies, he is currently a Co-Founder of a startup and fundraiser for high potential early-stage companies. He is the Head of Research for Allocations for deep technology investments and an Angel Investor at Space Angels.
A frequent speaker at corporations, he has been a TEDx speaker, a Singularity University speaker and guest at numerous interviews for radio and podcasts. He is open to public speaking and advising engagements.
To be fair, even a Newtonian telescope will usually have lenses at the eyepiece.
In which case, a telescope with a 14 cm lens at the eyepiece should have about a 1 meter mirror, and is quite a bargain for $50.
“(…)do-it-yourself project to make a simple Newtonian refractor for under $50. It has a 14-centimeter lens.”
Newtonian telescopes are reflectors, hence mirror – not lens.
I hope that overall accuracy of the guide is better than that….