Product Description

Galaxies are perhaps the most popular of all visual targets that are sought after by visual observers. At present the only way to get up-to-date information, is to query various (often highly technical) speciality books or digging deeply into the Internet. This can be a time consuming and often frustrating task, as the data aren’t often compatible. This book satisfies the need for a modern, comprehensive review in combining the three major aspects: the physical background on the nature and data of galaxies, the relevant instrumentation and viewing techniques, and finally the targets and their individual appearance in telescopes of various apertures. To illustrate the latter, a comprehensive sample of galaxies, including quasars, groups and clusters of galaxies is presented. This combination of theoretical knowledge and practical information guarantees successful observing sessions. The book could become a standard source on galaxy observing for all kinds of amateur observers, from the beginner to the experienced.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #570484 in Books
• Published on: 2006-12-12
• Original language: German
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 246 pages

Review

From the reviews:

"The Springer series Astronomers’ Observing Guides is a bit of a mixed-bag, with some books much better than others; this is certainly one of the better ones. … The book is well illustrated with images of galaxies, many in colour … . Numerous references are given; in fact there are more references in this book than in many academic ones. In summary, this is an excellent book which I have no hesitation in recommending. Even experienced observers will find much useful information in its pages." (Stewart L. Moore, The Observatory, Vol. 127 (1200), October, 2007)

"This guide for amateur astronomers is one in a series of ‘Astronomers’ Observing Guides.’ … The text contains a wealth of detailed information valuable to the serious amateur … . The appendix gives useful lists of books, magazines, sky mapping software, Internet databases and links, as well as footnoted references. Many of the beautiful color photographs used throughout were taken with some of the world’s best telescopes … . Summing Up: Recommended. General readers." (M. Dickinson, CHOICE, Vol. 44 (11), July, 2007)

About the Author

Wolfgang Steinicke:

www.klima-luft.de/steinicke
amastro: deep sky observation mailing list (US)

I’ve been a visual observer since I was 10. I started early to collect literature and data on various deep-sky objects (Messier, NGC, and IC), especially galaxies. My preference for science led me to study physics and mathematics in Aachen and Freiburg, Germany, later specialising in relativistic astrophysics and general relativity.

Since 1976 I’m a member of several astronomical organisations. In 1984 an amateur observatory was build on the Schauinsland near Freiburg at 1250 m. With its 14-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain, and now complimented with a 20" Dobsonian, I have observed a wide variety of deep sky objects including galaxies, quasars and groups of galaxies. I have also published observing catalogues of the latter classes ("Catalogue of Bright Quasars and BL Lacertae Objects" and "Catalogue of Galaxy Groups"). My long-term interest in deep sky data led to the compilation of the "Revised New General and Index Catalogue", first published in 1996.

At present I’m a staff member of the "Institute for the History of Science" at Hamburg University, Fellow of the "Royal Astronomical Society" (F.R.A.S.), council member of the "Webb Deep Sky Society" (and director of the "Nebulae & Cluster" section), core team member of the international "NGC/IC Project", head of the section "Geschichte der Astronomy" of the German "Vereinigung der Sternfreunde" (being also their vice-president), member of the "Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte" of the "Astronomische Gesellschaft", editor of the "Journal für Astronomie", and editorial staff member of the magazine "Interstellarum". I’m author of many papers in German and international magazines, of the "Praxishandbuch Deep Sky" (Kosmos) and the monograph "Extragalactic Objects Discovered as Variable Stars" (published by the Webb Deep Sky Society).

Rich Jakiel:

My interest in astronomy dates back to my youth in the 1960’s, as I had a keen interest in the race to the Moon. Under the dark skies of Western New York, I started out by learning the constellations and using my father’s binoculars to find the brighter Messier objects. In 1974, I bought my first real telescope – a 4 ½-inch reflector and soon I was hunting down all the Messier list and brighter NGC objects. In 1978, I purchased an 8-inch homebuilt telescope that I used to study the structure of bright galaxies such as M51, plus it allowed for detailed study of the planets. In 1987, I had moved to Atlanta, GA. to take a teaching position. After joining the local astronomy club, I soon had access to much larger and more sophisticated telescopes than what I had in New York. Using the AAC’s 20 and 24-inch telescopes, plus my own 17.5-inch Dobsonian, I greatly expanded the range and depth of my observing programs. Currently I have observed well over 5000 galaxies, and I specialise in the visual study of unusual/peculiar, interacting and active galaxies. I have sketched nearly 1200 galaxies, and in 1996 was presented the Webb Society’s Graphics Award for my work. I have given numerous presentations and workshops on Drawing at the Eyepiece for many regional and national star parties.

Presently, I am a research scientist working for The State of Georgia’s Radiation Protection Program. Over the past twenty years, I have contributed over 50 astronomy articles to magazines and journals that include Sky & Telescope, Astronomy, Deep Sky Observer (DSO), The Strolling Astronomer (ALPO), Astronomie Heute, Magellan, Amateur Astronomy, plus numerous descriptions and drawings for the Night Observer’s Guide. I have taught astronomy and physics at the University of West Georgia (1997-2002), and I am currently the director of the Webb Society’s Galaxy Section. I am also a member of the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers (ALPO), the Astronomical League (AL),

Customer Reviews

A Wealth of Information, Poorly Organized
This book is filled with a lot of really interesting information on galaxies. However, it is extremely disorganized. My copy of this book is now full of bookmarks to help me find information later. Why? This book has no index. Let me repeat that--this book has NO INDEX. This is an unforgivable sin for any reference book! Furthermore, the subtitle is "and how to observe them." There is not a clue about how to observe galaxies. Instead, the pictures of galaxies are taken through large professional telescopes that for the most part are not even identified. There are observer's descriptions for some galaxies, but most of these are through 20" and larger telescopes. Only a few descriptions are for telescope sizes you might be likely to own.

On the plus side, there are a number of pointers to more information sources, but often these are given in large, undifferentiated lists, instead of the authors making specific recommendations.

Some of the descriptions of galactic structure and evolution are extremely sparse. You won't find a clear definition of Seyfert galaxies, for example.

If you're looking for a definitive work on galaxies, this isn't it. But if you want to learn some interesting facts, you might find this book a fun read. You'll probably come away with some observing ideas as well, but stock up on bookmarks!

most up-to-date, clearly structured reference book on galaxy observing
Wolfgang Steinicke was the leading author of the german "Praxishandbuch Deep Sky"(Kosmos 2004), which I like very much. So I started reading his new book on Galaxies with high expectations...and I was not disappointed :
I believe this is the most up-to-date, clearly structured reference book on galaxy observing - satisfying a very broad range of interests.
In three major sections, the authors not only address the needs of the most ambitious observers, but frequently add encouraging hints for beginners as well.
I recommend it A) as a reading book to gain a broader knowledge
and B) as an excellent planning guide when you want to observe MUCH MORE than the most commonly known galaxies.
SECTION I (70 pages) provides a basic understanding of the different types of galaxies and clusters, plus all those data that are important for visually observing them.
Chapter 1 explains different galaxy classification schemes, special cases and pecularities - then chapter 2 introduces pairs, groups and clusters of galaxies and shows their place within the hierarchy of the universe.
Chapter 3 presents a well structured overview for many different types of galaxy catalogs, containing galaxy data and nomenclatures. Advantages/disadvantages of these catalogs are discussed and their data quality is critically judged.
I strongly recommend to study this chapter 3 on catalogs first, because the same presentation structure is followed in the later SECTION III on observing programs.
SECTION II (33 pages) covers the Technical Aspects on observing galaxies.
Key technical instrumentation aspects are only summarized briefly (chap.4), but the Theory of Visual Observation (chap.5), together with practical recommendations on observing, star hopping and observing logs (chap.6) demonstrate the authors very broad experience in finding, identifying faint galaxies and documenting them.
SECTION III (110 pages) on "What to Observe? - The Objects" contains the largest, most valuable part of the book.
An instructive combination of "photo/textual" descriptions presents a large number of objects in the most "objective" way :
Not counting individual galaxies inside groups or clusters (though mentioned in the tables), a total of 500 objects are listed in data tables - following that same structure introduced in SECTION I. Each data table is immediately followed by a separate table with textual descriptions. Around 600 such descriptions are given, based on the visual appearance of each object with different instruments: 1. binocular (if possible),
2. medium aperture telescope(6-10"), 3. large telescope(13-20", sometimes larger).
All these observation descriptions in chapters 7 to 10 stem from renowned observers; e.g. Steve Gottlieb, Steve Coe, beside the authors.
Chapter 7 suggests a variety of Observing Programs, based on
a) M-, NGC/IC- or UGC- CATALOGS
b) Sky Areas and constellations
Chapter 8 suggests selection criteria which are dependent on the characteristics of the individual galaxy; i.e. by sorting them by their distance or by their appearance.
Chapter 9 concentrates on Groups and Clusters; i.e. by listing a) pairs and trios, b) small groups and chains, then c) clusters.
Chapter 10 finally suggests interesting targets "off the beaten path" or in the category of "ultimate challenge".
My reason for mentioning all these details is to demonstrate that this book is quite well organized - especially for all those readers with a minimal amount of patience and learning will.

There is only one unfortunate omission : Springer printed the 1.edition of this unique reference book without a page index !!!
However, after I emailed the author, he swiftly produced an INDEX OF ALL OBJECTS (xls), which can easily be downloaded
from the (Homepage Wolfgang Steinicke).

A very good book
It is excellent writting, comprehensive, analytical and all subjects well presented and in the appropriate order.