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Related Reading |
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 Astronomy
For DummiesŪ
Star maps and color photos inside! Do you know the difference
between a red giant and a white dwarf? If you gaze up at the
night sky and wonder what's out there, then this is the book
for you. From asteroids to black holes, this easy-to-understand
guide takes you on a grand tour of the universe — and
shows you how to get the most out of stargazing, planetarium
visits, and other cool astronomical activities.
 The
Backyard Astronomer's Guide
What type of telescope is best for beginners? Can I use my
camera to take photographs through a telescope? How good are
the new computerized telescope mounts? What charts, books,
software and other references do I need? These questions are
asked time and again by enthusiastic new amateurs as they
take up recreational astronomy.
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Astronomy101
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Baffled.
That's what the first people who looked into the sky felt.
They didn't know a thing about the night sky or the galaxies
that lay beyond it. It's too bad they couldn't watch Jack
Horkheimer on public television.
Even with all the assumptions made in science-fiction
movies and Star Trek sequels, we still know little about
what actually goes on in the universe or, heck, even in
our own galaxy. So don't be embarrassed about your lack
of astronomical knowledge. Unless you were one of those
unlucky cavemen, you can always feed your head by doing
a few simple things.
•Visit
a local planetarium
Many universities show off their planetariums
with nights for educating
the public free of charge. You might be surprised at what
you can pick up from one visit. Learn where all the constellations
and planets are located. Refresh your memory with their
names, in case you've forgotten.
•Feed your brain
So many books about astronomy exist that you'd be hard-pressed
not to find the right one for you. One of the most famous
authors of astronomy is Carl
Sagan, who, among other things, worked with NASA
on Project
Galileo. Although he died in December, 1996, his theories
still persist. He may have been the most prolific writer
for astronomy since Galileo
or Copernicus.
•Search the stars
You can find
affordable telescopes in most major department stores.
Of course, if you want to see farther into the heavens,
you'll have to buy a bigger scope. But, with software
like
Cosmic Voyager, you can take a virtual journey throughout
the galaxy.
•Blast off with your new hobby
Astronomy may be one of the most mysterious and
intriguing sciences out there. Just think of the possibilities.
While snooping the skies, you might even discover a new
star or planet. You can always name
or donate
a star. Who knows, you might even be the first person
to step on Mars or develop ways to get us there. Or perhaps
you'd just like to live
in space for a while.
Written by Jeremy M. Rottgen
Have you bought a star? E-mail
us!
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On the Web
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Astronomy.com
The
Solar System in Pictures
Welcome
to the New NASA
Space.com
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Supernova What?
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Astronomy Jargon
OBAFGKM
— spectral types (used by astronomers to classify
stars). You can remember them with the pneumonic device "Oh
Boy, A Fine
Girl Kissed Me"
HR Diagram — the different stages for the
life of a star.
Black
hole — based on the theory of relativity,
it is a gravitationally collapsed object that does not let
light escape.
White
Dwarf — a star at the end of its life (white
hot, and about the same size as Earth).
Supernova
— the explosion of a star.
The
Drake Equation — equation for exobiology.
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