Scientific American the Amateur Astronomer - Paperback

by Shawn Carlson (Editor), Scientific American (Compiled by)

From the longest running column in Scientific American's history comes this collection of fascinating projects for amateur astronomers
For over seventy years, ""The Amateur Scientist"" column in Scientific American has helped people explore their world and make original discoveries. This collection of both classic and recent articles presents projects for amateur astronomers at all levels. Hands-on astronomy fans will find how to build inexpensive astronomical instruments using ordinary shop-tools. From making a telescope to predicting satellite orbits to detecting the chemical composition of faraway stars, this book has something for everyone interested in practical astronomy.

Back Jacket

Are you an avid sky-watcher? Would you like to observe the changes in the moon's surface? Predict the orbit of a satellite? Record sunspots?
Finally, here is the book you've been waiting for! From the longest-running column in Scientific American's history comes this collection of fascinating projects for the amateur astronomer. Whether you're interested in designing your own telescope or determining the chemical composition of faraway stars, this unique book will help you satisfy your passion for the skies. You'll learn how to build and use astronomical tools that will help you better understand and appreciate the solar system, our galaxy, and the cosmos.
Here you'll discover fascinating facts about astronomy along with helpful tips and clear instructions on how to build inexpensive astronomical instruments in home-based workshops using ordinary shop tools. From making a pendulum that detects the earth's rotation, to observing Jupiter with a homemade telescope, to taking picture-perfect images of a comet, these projects will help you go deeper into space than you've ever imagined.

Author Biography

SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN magazine reaches more than three million readers globally by subscription, on newsstands, and online at www.sciam.com. The company also publishes Scientific American Explorations, a quarterly family magazine, and Scientific American Archive, an online archive of issues from 1993 to the present at www.sciamarchive.com. SHAWN CARLSON has authored Scientific American's "The Amateur Scientist" column since 1995. He is the Executive Director of the Society for Amateur Scientists and a 1999 winner of the prestigious MacArthur Foundation "genius" Fellowship.