Amateur astronomy, with its image as a cold, dark and damp passtime has generally attracted only the most hardy enthusiasts! This is set to change. In recent years technology has advanced so much that amateur astronomers are now able to achieve what professionals were doing at the end of the 1960s. Observers are able to make use of sophisticated equipment such as CCDs and robotic telescopes in the comfort of a their own homes.
Such improvements have meant that the observer / photographer can capture an image, and within minutes e-mail it to fellow observers worldwide. The wider availability of computer controlled telescopes has meant that astronomers can do real science and make discoveries in their own gardens. Amateurs can measure comet and asteroid positions and even chart the weather patterns on Jupiter if they so wish!
Martin Mobberley has written The New Amateur Astronomer to inspire determined beginners and experienced observers alike. All the aspects of the new hi-tech astronomy are covered. The book is divided in to two parts, the first dealing with the basics and equipment, and the second discussing the observers and their techniques. Throughout the book there are numerous planetary, cometary and Deep Sky images and also pictures of the observers and the equipment discussed - all designed to spur the astronomer in to this exciting and innovative field!