Observing our Solar System: A beginner’s guide - Softcover

Kerss, Tom; Royal Observatory Greenwich; Collins Astronomy

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0008532613 ISBN 13: 9780008532611

Publisher: Collins, 2022

Synopsis

The ideal gift for aspiring astronomers.

The sights in our Solar System are dynamic reminders of our planet's position as part of a larger neighbourhood. Study the ever-changing face of the Moon, watch the steady march of the planets against the stars, witness the thrill of a meteor shower, or the memory of a once-in-a-generation comet.

In a few short generations, scientists have taken us from wondering about the nature of the Solar System to exploring every corner of it with advanced robotic probes, and inexpensive but powerful telescopes have become ubiquitous, allowing all of us to follow in the footsteps of Galileo as explorers.

In this guide, you will learn how the Solar System came to be understood – from ancient theories of its mechanics to the modern age of remote sensing, We'll then look at the significant targets for amateur astronomers – the Moon, Sun and planets – to see how they can be explored by eye and with telescopes. We'll discuss some of the more obscure but fascinating worlds, including asteroids and dwarf planets, and dazzling special events, such as meteor showers, conjunctions, occultations and eclipses.

About this title

About the Authors

Tom Kerss F.R.A.S. is an astronomer and the author of numerous best selling books about the night sky for both adults and children. Having worked at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich for more than six years, he now shares his passion for the stars with people all over the world, delivering courses, podcasts and media interviews. Tom loves nothing more than to seek out the darkest and most beautiful skies on Earth, but he does most of his stargazing from his home in London. Find out more about Tom’s projects at tomkerss.co.uk

The Royal Observatory, Greenwich is the home of Greenwich Mean Time and the Prime Meridian of the World, making it the official starting point for each new day and year. It is also home to London's only planetarium, the Harrison timekeepers and the UK's largest refracting telescope. It runs the annual Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition.

Collins Astronomy is the home of the bestselling annual Guides to the Night Sky, Night Sky Almanac and also publishes the Astronomy Photographer of the Year collection and other popular astronomy books.

Edition details

• Publisher: Collins
• Publication date: 2022
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0008532613
• ISBN 13: 9780008532611
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 112