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Choosing and Using a New CAT

Getting the Most from Your Schmidt Cassegrain or Any Catadioptric Telescope

  • Book
  • © 2009

Overview

  • Commercial astronomical telescopes are readily available and affordable, but are more complex than previously (sophisticated computers are the norm)
  • All amateur astronomers and prospective amateur astronomers will need help choosing and understanding these complex new instruments
  • The author has a proven track record in helping even the “can’t set the clock on the VCR” people to learn to use computerized telescopes and enjoy astronomy

Part of the book series: The Patrick Moore Practical Astronomy Series (PATRICKMOORE)

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Table of contents (13 chapters)

Keywords

About this book

Choosing and Using the New CAT will supersede the author’s successful Choosing and Using a Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope, which has enjoyed enthusiastic support from the amateur astronomy community for the past seven years.

Since the first book was published, a lot has changed in the technology of amateur astronomy. The sophistication and variety of the telescopes available to amateurs has increased dramatically. Computerized SCTs, Maksutov-Cassegrains, and most recently Meade’s new and acclaimed Ritchey-Chrétiens have come to dominate the market. That means that all amateurs considering the purchase of a new telescope (not only a SCT, and not just beginners) will benefit from this detailed guide. Choosing the right telescope for particular kinds of observation (or even for general work) is far from easy – but Rod Mollise gives invaluable advice and guidance.

Reviews

From the reviews:

"This book covers a huge subject: catadioptric telescopes. … It’s an invaluable resource describing what equipment is available, including Schmidt-and Maksutov-Cassegrains and their Newtonian variants. … Mollise includes details of brands such as Sky-Watcher and Orion Optics, increasing the book’s value to a wider audience. … overall this is an enjoyable and very informative book … ." (Steve Richards, Sky at Night Magazine, September, 2009)

“If you frequent online discussion areas for astronomical assistance or amusement, you’ve no doubt seen a message or 20 from ‘Uncle Rod’ Mollise. … His latest book tackles one of his favorite subjects: the compact … powerful catadioptric telescope (a ‘CAT’), which comes in Schmidt-Cassegrain, Maksutov, and Ritchey-Chrétien configurations. … Mollise walks you through everything you need to know about these scopes … you can make an informed decision to buy one and operate it effectively.” (Sky & Telescope, April, 2009)

Authors and Affiliations

  • Mobile, U.S.A.

    Rod Mollise

About the author

Rod Mollise is a test engineer for Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, and is affiliated to the University of South Alabama (Part Time Faculty (Physics Department)). He is the author of Choosing and Using a Schmidt Cassegrain Telescope (Springer), The Urban Astronomer’s Guide (Springer), Introduction to Astronomy: Activities (University of South Alabama Physics Department (co-author), and a contributor to Night Sky, Sky and Telescope and Amateur Astronomy.

Bibliographic Information

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