Asteroids and Dwarf Planets and How to Observe Them

Dwarf planets (which were formerly called asteroids except for the planet Pluto), and the smaller Solar System bodies still called asteroids today, are making front page news, particularly those that are newly discovered and those that might present a hazard to life on Earth by impacting our planet. In this age of giant telescopes and space probes, these small Solar System bodies have advanced from being tiny points of light to bodies worthy of widespread study. This book describes the dwarf planets and asteroids themselves, their origins, orbits, and composition, and at how amateur astronomers can play a part in their detection, tracking, and imaging. The book is divided into two parts. Part I describes physical properties (including taxonomic types) of dwarf planets and asteroids, how they formed in the early life of the Solar System, and how they evolved to their present positions, groups, and families. It also covers the properties used to define these small Solar System bodies: magnitude, rotation rates (described by their light-curves), and orbital characteristics. Part II opens with a description of the hardware and software an amateur or practical astronomer needs to observe and also to image asteroids. Then numerous observing techniques are covered in depth. Finally, there are lists of relevant amateur and professional organizations and how to submit your own observations to them.

Explains why dwarf planets and the larger asteroids are being studied in depth today Provides background material for those who have been following the Dawn space mission Helps prepare both experienced amateurs and newcomers in their efforts to detect and observe these bodies; the book can also serve as a handy reference for any astronomy library

Autorentext
Roger Dymock lives in Hampshire, England. He is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. His published work includes Journal of the BAA: The Observapod a GRP observatory; Minor Planet Bulletin, No. 32 2005: Lightcurve of 423 Diotima; Sky at Night magazine: How to track an asteroid; and Journal of the BAA: A method for determining the V magnitude of asteroids from CCD images (jointly with Dr Richard Miles).

Klappentext
ASTRONOMERS' OBSERVING GUIDES provide up-to-date information for amateur astronomers who want to know all about what it is they are observing. This is the basis of the first part of the book. The second part details observing techniques for practical astronomers, working with a range of different instruments. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ We live in a violent universe. The media constantly remind us of the possibility of an object suddenly appearing and hitting Earth. A hit by an asteroid is believed to have spelled the end of the dinosaurs. Such a collision by an object from space could cause another extinction event, if the object were large enough. And such objects are definitely out there. Often called the vermin of the sky, asteroids roam our Solar System often unseen. Many have been tracked, and their orbits calculated. But there are still many to be discovered and assessed. Many amateur astronomers are helping in this effort, sometimes even working with professional astronomers, to contribute to our knowledge and avert danger. Some people just enjoying locating these or the dwarf planets, such as Pluto, and then following their paths. Whatever your interest, Asteroids and Dwarf Planets and How to Observe Them will help you get started. It will tell you what you are looking at and why you should look. It will also help you learn how to look. This is definitely an area where amateurs can make a difference. Roger Dymock, in clear, engaging language can help you get started right now!

Inhalt
Asteroids and Dwarf Planets.- Small (and Not So Small) Solar System Bodies.- Groups and Families.- The Nature of Asteroids and Dwarf Planets.- Origins and Evolution.- Impact?.- Observing Guide.- Observatories.- Visual Observing.- Webcam and DSLR Imaging.- Astrometry Tools and Techniques.- Astrometry Projects.- Lightcurve Photometry Tools and Techniques.- Lightcurve Photometry Projects.- Absolute Magnitude.- Occultations.- On-Line Image Analysis.- A Final Word.