John D. Clark (auth.)0387895604, 9780387895604, 9780387895611
Instead of taking somebody’s word about the basic size and distances for the solar system’s objects, this book shows amateur astronomers how to measure these things for themselves. This is an enriching experience for any amateur astronomer – to understand and personally measure fundamental astronomical quantities and distances.
A basic knowledge of geometry is required, but it is amazing how simple the ideas can be. Readers are led through the details as gently as possible – and in a light-hearted way – presuming that most will have half-forgotten most of the mathematics.
The practical astronomical equipment recommended is no more than a typical commercially-made amateur telescope and a camera of some sort – these days a webcam works very well. Apart from that all the reader will need is access to a computer with internet service, the know-how to download free software, and an enthusiasm to expand his knowledge of the basics of scientific astronomy.
Table of contents :
Front Matter….Pages i-xv
How Do We Know That Venus Orbits The Sun?….Pages 1-20
How Big is the Earth?….Pages 21-27
How Far Away and How Big is the Moon?….Pages 29-56
Jupiter’s Moons: Where You Can Watch Gravity Do Its Thing….Pages 57-80
Sunrise, Sunset….Pages 81-96
Getting Further from the Sun: How do you Ride an Epicycle?….Pages 97-125
Size Matters….Pages 127-132
Back Matter….Pages 133-173
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