Introduction

Welcome to the Amateur Astronomer's Notebook! This site is the result of a joint effort by two amateur astronomers, Joe Roberts and Peter Chapin. Here you will find information on a variety of topics that may be of interest to both casual star watchers as well as experienced amateurs. Below is a list of topics available for your inspection. We hope that you will find this site useful!

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Telescope Basics

• Advice for first time telescope buyers. Are you thinking of getting into Astronomy? Here is some advice about what to look for and what to avoid.

• Anatomy of a Newtonian Reflector Telescope A page that shows the basics of a classic telescope design.

• Anatomy of a Refractor Telescope A page that shows the basics of a classic refractor telescope.

• A Typical Junk Telescope Ad An extreme example of what NOT to look for when considering the purchase of a telescope!

• Tasco Telescopes: Why they are to be avoided (and how to fix them up) Can't see a thing with your Tasco telescope? This article explains why and also offers some suggestions on how to significantly improve the optical performance of your Tasco (or other "department store" telescope).

• Simulated Telescope Images A comparison of how Saturn looks through various sized telescopes (and also through small telescopes pushed beyond their limits).

• Can you see the Flag on the Moon with a Telescope? Not a chance, but read here as to what size scope you would need (HUGE)!

Astrophotography

• Joe Roberts Astrophotography. A chronicle of my activities in astrophotography (includes both film and CCD images). Over 200 amateur astrophotos for your perusal! Nearly 100% of the photos in this gallery are original pictures taken by Joe Roberts.

• Astrophotography for Beginners. Here are some hints on getting started with taking pictures of the sky. You might be surprised at how little specialized equipment is necessary! However, astrophotography does present some special problems that regular photography doesn't.

Information For Observers

• Naked Eye Observing. Many people believe that a telescope is required to participate in amateur astronomy. However, that's not true. A lot of very interesting observing can be done without any optical aid at all -- particularly if you have dark skies.

• Equipment Reviews. My personal reviews of selected astronomical equipment.

• Software Reviews. My comments on selected astronomical software packages.

• Keeping warm at the telescope. Here is some advice on ways to stay warm while enjoying the clear winter skies.

• Joe Roberts' observation log. Check out personal observations to see comments about some of the objects I've seen. Use it to get an idea of what you might be able to see with similar scopes.

General Information

• Questions and Answers. We receive a fair amount of e-mail on various astronomical topics. Compiled here are a number of Q+A items that may benefit other visitors.

• Light Pollution Topics. Light pollution is a serious threat to astronomy in most areas of the US. Learn what Light Pollution is, how to recognize it, and how to help reduce it.

• Useful Data for Amateur Astronomers Below are several articles you may find useful.
  • Magnitude Comparison Tables Tables containing data which will help you to determine how much brighter (or fainter) stars will appear in various size amateur telescopes.
  • How far is that Star? An attempt to put the vast distances of astronomy into "human" terms...
  • How to do Greek Letters in HTML A list of the Greek alphabet characters and the code to generate them in HTML documents.
  • Calibrate Your Monitor Suggested for the best possible viewing of images on this site.

• Astronomical links. Other places on the Internet of interest to amateur astronomers. There are many astronomy links on the 'net and this is only a sampling.

Advanced Topics

• CCD Imaging:
  • CCD Imaging with the Meade Pictor 216XT. My experiences with this entry level CCD imager.
  • CCD Image Gallery Images I've obtained using the Meade Pictor 216 XT.
  • Noise Reduction in CCD Imaging An introduction to the concept of noise reduction in digital imaging.
  • Stacking Astronomical Images in PhotoShop A look at how to use PhotoShop to stack astronomical images, along with a proof that the method does indeed work as desired.
  • Field of view of the Meade Pictor 216XT CCD camera when used with the Celestron C-11.

• Amateur Radio Astronomy. This document attempts to describe how an amateur with modest equipment can get involved with radio astronomy.

• Building of a Backyard Observatory. After 30+ years of waiting my childhood dream of a backyard observatory has been realized! See a detailed chronicle of the construction...

That's how the Amateur Astronomer's Notebook looks today. Thanks for stopping in. If you'd like to drop us a note, address your message to me.