Small telescopes, whether simple beginners' telescopes or refined computer-controlled instruments, are gaining popularity fast as technology improves and public interest increases. In this book the author has brought together the experience of small telescope users to provide an insightful look into just what is possible. It is written for newcomers to astronomy and experts. Topics covered include: refractors, reflectors, advanced catadioptric telescopes, and a simple radio telescope. Almost everyone with an interest in practical astronomy will want this book.
From the reviews:
"Astronomy with Small Telescopes offers the amateur astronomer practical ‘how-to’ advice. Specifically, this book shows the amateur how to get the most performance out of a small telescope. ... The chapter entitled ‘Visual Observation of Deep-sky Objects with Small Telescopes’ includes information that would be helpful to the novice amateur. ... some readers will appreciate the convenience of having all of this information in one well written and easy to read book. Astronomy with Small Telescopes is recommended for public and school libraries." (Travis Dolence, E-STREAMS, Vol. 5 (10), 2002)
"As a regular user of small telescopes to explore the night sky, I was keen to discover if Stephen Tonkin’s book would encourage the newcomer to astronomy and provide useful information for the more experienced observer. I am delighted to say that it succeeds admirably in both respects. ... This is a well-produced, informative book which goes a long way to dispel the notion that you need an expensive, large-aperture telescope to enjoy or contribute to the world of astronomy." (Mike Ropelewski, The Deep Sky Observer Magazine, Issue 126, 2001)
"This latest book summarizes the experiences of several authors who have used telescopes ranging from a simple 60 mm aperture refractor on an altazimuth mount, through to the workings of the fork-mounted ETX telescope and the portable C5. ... the advice given in this book will certainly help to improve the performances of almost any instrument. ... the individual chapters made very interesting reading ... . I would warmly recommend this book to anyone thinking of buying a portable telescope for work or for pleasure." (Neil English, Astronomy Now, April, 2002)
"This is a book concerned primarily with astronomical hardware. Each chapter is written by one of eight contributors, all users of small telescopes. ... Kevin P. Daly’s account of his Celestron 114-mm reflector and favourite objects to observe is a pleasure to read, containing much that will be of interest to the newcomer. ... this chapter should inspire even the most house-bound armchair astronomer to spend a night under the stars with the telescope." (Nigel Bannister, The Observatory, Vol. 121 (1165), 2001)
"The book is part of ‘Patrick Moore’s Practical Astronomy Series’. It discusses the use of telescopes up to 5-inch aperture (125mm) and thus includes a number of modern popular instruments. ... I found the chapter on the ETX telescopes very useful ... . Apart from the equipment itself, the book contains suggested projects including deep sky and a chapter on ‘meteor observing with a small radio telescope’. A useful and very practical book for the amateur astronomer starting with a first scope." (The Astronomer, Vol. 38 (446), 2001)
