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.

Double and Multiple stars are among the most fascinating astronomical objects. They range from 'optical binaries' that can be easily observed with a modest telescope, to distant and complex multiple systems that challenge even professional observers.

The first part of Jim Mullaney's book provides a comprehensive review of the different classes of double and multiple systems, along with a look at the astrophysics of these objects. This is followed by a detailed guide for amateur astronomers, describing how to observe them - using a variety of different techniques - and outlining how to record the observations.

In one book, here is all you need to observe double and multiple stars, and to understand the systems you are looking at.

Résumé
You are holding in your hands, dear Reader, your passport to an exciting cosmic adventure exploring the universe of double and multiple stars! These are the sky's tinted jewels and waltzing couples, and they are waiting patiently in the darkness of night to dazzle and delight you. This is actually two books in one. The ?rst part surveys the current state of knowledge about double stars how they are born, evolve and interact, their signi?cance in the cosmic scheme of things,and the valuable insights they provide into such fundamental matters as stellar masses and the ultimate fate of stars.The more we know about these fascinating objects, the more enjoyment we will ul- mately derive from actually viewing them ?rsthand with binoculars and telescopes from our gardens or backyards or ?elds.As Charles Edward Barns stated in his long out-of-print classic 1001 Celestial Wonders, Let me learn all that is known of them, Love them for the joy of loving. For,as a traveler in far countries Brings back only what he takes, So shall the scope of my foreknowledge Measure the depth of their pro?t and charm to me.

Contenu
All About Double and Multiple Stars.- Types of Double Stars.- Astrophysics of Double Stars.- Observing Double and Multiple Stars.- Observing Techniques.- Tools of the Trade.- Observing Projects.- Double and Multiple Star Observing Lists.- Conclusion.