The Cambridge Atlas of Herschel Objects
The Cambridge Atlas of Herschel Objects
£34.99
GBPThis superb, all-purpose star atlas is the first of its kind devoted to observing the Herschel objects with binoculars and telescopes. It displays over 2500 of the most visually-attractive star clusters, nebulae and galaxies that were discovered by Sir William, Caroline and Sir John Herschel, and is a must-have for stargazers who want to explore these fascinating objects. Covering the entire sky from the North to the South Celestial Pole, and showing all 88 constellations, it is also a general sky atlas showing variable, double and multiple stars, and the Milky Way. Written by experienced observer James Mullaney and illustrated by renowned celestial cartographer Wil Tirion, this is a magnificent 'celestial roadmap' to some of the finest deep-sky showpieces. Spiral bound and printed in red-light friendly colors for use at a telescope, with color-coded symbols for easy recognition and identification, this is an all-purpose observing reference for all amateur observers. Additional resources, including a target list ordered by Herschel designation, are available to download from www.cambridge.org/9780521138178.
- The first star atlas of its kind devoted to the Herschel objects, it is written by experienced observer James Mullaney and illustrated by renowned celestial cartographer Wil Tirion
- Covering the entire sky, it features over 2500 of the most visually-attractive star clusters, nebulae and galaxies; all 88 constellations; variable, double and multiple stars; and the Milky Way
- Ideal for use at the telescope, it is spiral bound and printed in red-light friendly colors with color-coded symbols
Reviews & endorsements
'The maps by Wil Tirion are as beautiful as we have come to expect from the premier star map producer of our time … you will delight in this book and in the maps it includes.' The Astronomical League
'Here's a celestial atlas of a whole new type, one uniquely tailored to visual observing under a clear, dark sky. These charts can steer you to 2500 deep-sky targets that you've every chance of spotting with a good backyard telescope. We know this because William and John Herschel logged all of them with their own eyes, well before the advent of astrophotography (let alone Hubble). The feats of the Herschels, legendary in astronomy, remain an inspiration and challenge to stargazers everywhere. With this book you'll be all set for a magical evening like the one John Herschel recorded in his 1835 diary: 'The Night turned out glorious! Clear as crystal and pure as aether. … I had a perfect astronomical regale. … Retired at 3½ AM'.' Roger W. Sinnott, Senior contributing editor, Sky and Telescope magazine
'This atlas is an essential tool for anyone who wishes to follow the footsteps of the founding family of modern astronomy. It will not only help you navigate through the celestial back waters, it will serve as a treasure map as you discover new and wonderful celestial treasure that will ultimately enhance your observing skills.' Brenda Branchett and Dave Branchett, Herschel 400 club
'Unlike some recent additions of other popular star atlases, the book is easy to open out flat for use while observing, being spiral bound. Also (and a nice touch!) the maps are printed in 'red-light friendly' colours … The Cambridge Atlas of Herschel Objects is a good-looking volume, and a fitting celebration of the enormous contribution the Herschel family made to our knowledge and enjoyment of the night sky: a very desirable addition to both bookshelf and observatory.' Gnomon
'… superb … a magnificent 'celestial roadmap' to some of the finest deep-sky showpieces.' Spaceflight
'In addition to the star charts, which plot over 2,500 of the Herschel objects, there are sections summarising the Herschels' achievements, their telescopes and classification systems along with practical aspects of deep sky observing … For the person wanting a dedicated Herschel atlas … this is an excellent addition to their bookcase.' Journal of the British Astronomical Association
'The production of the atlas is very good and the charts are excellent.' Astronomy Now
'… the charts … are superbly drawn and very clear and … include a decent selection of deep-sky objects.' The Observatory
Product details
January 2011Spiral bound
9780521138178
190 pages
305 × 245 × 16 mm
0.91kg
32 colour illus.
Out of stock in print form with no current plan to reprint
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Who were the Herschels?
- The Herschels' telescopes
- The Herschel designations
- Map parameters and selection criteria
- Instrumental factors
- Observing hints
- Herschel showpieces
- Some recommended references
- About the authors
- Acknowledgements
- Star charts
- Appendix A. Constellation table
- Appendix B. The Cambridge Atlas of Herschel Objects target list.
