Compendium of Practical Astronomy

"Compendium of Practical Astronomy" is a revised and enlarged English version of the fourth edition of G. Roth's handbook for stargazers. In three volumes 28 carefully edited articles, aimed especially at amateur astronomers and students and teachers of astronomy in high schools and colleges, cover the length and breadth of practical astronomy. Volume I contains information on modern instrumentation and reduction techniques, including spherical astronomy, error estimations, telescope mountings, astro-photography, and more. Volume 2 covers the planetary system, with contributions on artificial satellites, comets, the polar aurorae, and the effects of the atmosphere on observational data. Volume 3 is devoted to stellar objects, variable stars and binary stars in particular. An introduction to the astronomical literature and a comprehensive chapter on astronomy education and instructional aids should make the Compendium a useful complement to any college library, in addition to its being interesting reading for all practical astronomers.