AstroFAQs

For Louise, Tim and Siân, to whom I was a stranger whilst I was preparing this book.

Contents

Preface

1. Choosing Equipment

	1.1 Choosing Binoculars
	1.2 Choosing a Telescope
	1.3 Choosing Eyepieces
	1.4 Choosing Accessories
	1.5 Astrophotography

2. Setting Up

	2.1 Polar Alignment
	2.2 Using Setting Circles

3. Getting the Best out of Your Optics

	3.1 Telescope Function
	3.2 Understanding Aberrations
	3.3 Basic Star Testing
	3.4 Collimation
	3.5 Cleaning the Optics

4. Observation

4. Observing Criteria

5. Understanding the Celestial Sphere

	5.1 Positional Astronomy
	5.2 Time
	5.3 Interpolating Ephemerides

6. Miscellaneous

	6.1 Counteracting the Dew
	6.2 Dressing for the Cold
	6.3 Magnitudes

7. Handy Formulae

	7.1 Telescope Magnification
	7.2 Exit Pupil Size
	7.3 Diagonal Offset
	7.4 Limiting Magnitude
	7.5 Telescope Resolution
	7.6 Co-ordinate Conversion

8. Glossary

9. Bibliography

© 2000