Saturn and How to Observe It (eBook)

Saturn is the second largest planet in the solar system, and the only one with a spectacular ring system easily visible from Earth. Julius Benton's Saturn and How to Observe It provides a compendium of the latest information, amateur and professional images of Saturn. These images are followed by advice on how to observe Saturn using a variety of telescope apertures, color filters and magnifications. This text is a goldmine of information for all levels of amateur observers, from the beginner to the highly experienced. Brought to life by crisp color photographs, Saturn and How to Observe It is a modern comprehensive review of Saturn as a planet and its magnificent ring system. The book includes some of the latest detailed theories and physical descriptions of Saturn and its satellites. The techniques for observing Saturn are outlined in this book, giving the reader a thorough explanation of what they are viewing.

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I received my ?rst telescope, a 60 mm (2. 4 in) Unitron refractor, as a surprise Christmas gift from my father when I was 10 years old,and over the next several years, I spent countless hours exploring the heavens, seeking out virtually every celestial object I could ?nd with this small aperture. I consider myself quite for- nate to have been blessed with a dark,unobstructed observing site for most of my childhood,unlike many of my astronomical friends who were always trying to get to a remote location away from city lights to do worthwhile deep-sky observing. I only had to carry my telescope and star charts just a few feet away into my backyard. By the time I entered high school,the night sky had become a delightfully fam- iar place. I had tracked down virtually all of the galaxies,nebulae,and star clusters within reach of my little instrument,and I split most of the double stars that were theoretically possible with its exquisite optics. Eventually,I earned suf?cient funds working part-time jobs (and saving school lunch money) to purchase a premium 10. 2 cm (4. 0 in) refractor, another Unitron that I quickly put through its paces, once again surveying my favorite deep-sky objects. Despite the fact that I could see all of them much better with increased aperture,I soon recognized how virtually changeless they were, so I started expanding my observational pursuits.