Nebulae and How to Observe Them

This Astronomers' Observing Guides are designed for practical amateur astronomers who not only want to observe, but want to know the details of exactly what they are looking at.

Nebulae are the places where the stars are born.  For amateur astronomers, the many different kinds of nebulae vary from "easy" targets that can be seen with modest equipment under mediocre skies, to "challenging" objects that require experienced observers, large telescopes and excellent seeing.

The concept of the book - and of the series - is to present an up-to-date detailed description and categorisation (part one); and then (part two) to consider how best to successfully observe and record the large range of astronomical objects that fall under the general heading of "nebulae".

Nebulae and How to Observe Them is a mine of information for all levels of amateur observers, from the beginner to the experienced.

From the reviews:

"If you’re a beginning or intermediate observer, and if you’re interested in observing nebulae, this is a book you should check out. I like the book for many reasons. Coe writes in a conversational tone. … Coe’s book works as an advanced checklist, but with lots of highly valuable notes." (Michael Bakich, www.astronomy.com, December, 2006)

"This slim volume is part of Springer’s Astronomers’ Observing Guides series which is aimed at more-advanced amateur astronomers. … the first 42 pages are taken up with fairly basic information on how to select an observing site. … The second section of the book describes some of the author’s favourite nebulae arranged by observing season. … for beginners who want a basic guide to observing nebulae the book will have a few good tips and a list of targets for them to track down." (Owen Brazell, The Observatory, Vol. 127 (1200), October, 2007)

"Coe has written an excellent how-to guide based on his years of observing nebulae in dark locations, mostly in the deserts of the western US. This volume is one in a series of "Astronomers’ Observing Guides’ intended for serious amateur astronomers. … Helpful tips include the use of planetarium software and advice on how to dress warmly. … An appendix lists hundreds of nebulae with catalog number, coordinates, and brief observing notes. Summing Up: Highly recommended. General readers." (M. Dickinson, CHOICE, Vol. 44 (11), July, 2007)

"This book, by S.R. Coe, is published in the series Astronomers’ Observing guides and provides an up-to-date information to the amateur astronomers who want to know all about what they are observing. The objectives and the scope of this book are thus clear … . An appendix contains a listing of a wide variety of nebulae across the entire sky." (Emile Biemont, Physicalia Magazine, Vol. 29 (4), 2007)