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The Cambridge Atlas of Herschel Objects

The Cambridge Atlas of Herschel Objects

The Cambridge Atlas of Herschel Objects

March 2011
Out of stock in print form with no current plan to reprint
Spiral bound
9780521138178
$43.99
USD
Spiral bound
USD
eBook

    This 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

    "Here's a celestial atlas of 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 3 1/2 AM'." - Roger W. Sinnott, Senior contributing editor, Sky & Telescope magazine

    "Beautifully illustrated and easy to use, it will be an asset to any observer, beginner or seasoned, as they navigate the celestial sphere. This atlas serves as a window not only into the work conducted by William and his sister Caroline but also by Williams’s son John Herschel who was as famous in his own right as his father. ... Along with an observers’ handbook and log book, 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." - Dave & Brenda Branchett, Herschel 400 Club, The Astronomical League

    "For the person wanting a dedicated Herschel atlas ... this is an excellent addition to their bookcase." Stewart Moore, J. Br. Astron. Assoc

    See more reviews

    Product details

    March 2011
    Spiral 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.
    Resources for
    Type
    Target list ordered by Herschel designation
    Size: 9.5 MB
    Type: application/pdf
      Authors
    • James Mullaney

      James Mullaney, a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society of London, is an astronomy writer, lecturer and consultant. He has published more than 500 articles and seven books on observing the wonders of the heavens.

    • Wil Tirion

      Wil Tirion is a full-time uranographer. He is famous for the numerous star charts he has created for astronomy books, atlases and magazines. The minor planet, 4648 Tirion (1931 UE), is named after him.