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Care of Astronomical Telescopes and Accessories

A Manual for the Astronomical Observer and Amateur Telescope Maker

  • Book
  • © 2005

Overview

Authors:
  1. M. Barlow Pepin
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  • Deals in depth with the practical side of telescope maintenance
  • Describes how to evaluate new and used telescopes of all types
  • Covers the routine care, cleaning and maintenance of all astronomical optical systems
  • Includes practical collimation (alignment of optics) instructions for all major optical designs
  • Sections deal with mountings and mechanical assemblies
  • Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

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

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Table of contents (13 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xv
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  2. Optical Equipment

    1. Treasure in the Cellar

      Pages 3-5

    2. Buying It Right: Consumer Strategies

      Pages 7-8

    3. New Instruments

      Pages 9-59

    4. Used Equipment

      Pages 61-76

    5. Optical Accessories

      Pages 77-96

  3. Care and Maintenance

    1. Lens Optics

      Pages 99-113

    2. Figured Mirrors and Flats

      Pages 115-123

    3. Optical Tube Features

      Pages 125-135

    4. Mounts and Tripods

      Pages 137-152

    5. Collimation and Adjustment Techniques

      Pages 153-178

    6. Protection, Refinishing and Surface Treatments

      Pages 179-195

    7. Storage

      Pages 197-199

    8. Equipment Projects and Tips

      Pages 201-225

  4. Back Matter

    Pages 227-253
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Keywords

About this book

Commercially-made astronomical telescopes are better and less expensive than ever before, and their optical and mechanical performance can be superb. When a good-quality telescope fails to perform as well as it might, the reason is quite probably that it needs a little care and attention! Here is a complete guide for anyone who wants to understand more than just the basics of astronomical telescopes and accessories, and how to maintain them in the peak of condition. The latest on safely adjusting, cleaning, and maintaining your equipment is combined with thoroughly updated methods from the old masters. Here, too, are details of choosing new and used optics and accessories, along with enhancements you can make to extend their versatility and useful lifetime. This book is for you. Really. Looking after an astronomical telescope isn’t only for the experts - although there are some things that only an expert should attempt - and every serious amateur astronomer will find invaluable information here, gleaned from Barlow Pepin's many years’ experience working with optical instruments.

Reviews

From the reviews:

"Internationally known amateur author Pepin has produced a useful manual for both the beginning and experienced telescope user and/or maker. His descriptions … are so clear that they should be mandatory reading for anyone thinking of purchasing a new or used telescope. … Practical hints for many aspects … are detailed and clear. The book is profusely illustrated with drawings and images. Several appendixes … add to its value. … Summing Up: Highly recommended. General readers; professionals." (M.-K.Hemenway, CHOICE, Vol. 42 (9), May, 2005)

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