A Beginner's Star-Book, an Easy Guide to the Stars and to the Astronomical, Uses of the Opera-Glass, the Field-Glass and the Telescope (Classic Reprint)

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Excerpt from A Beginner's Star-Book, an Easy Guide to the Stars and to the Astronomical, Uses of the Opera-Glass, the Field-Glass and the Telescope This book has been made in the hope that it will prove of service. It is, in a sense, but one effort more to help those who are without technical equipment to claim through the unaided eyes, or through simple optical instruments, their heritage in the things of the sky. And yet the book would not have been undertaken but for the conviction that it represents certain new and useful departures in scope and method. For a fuller statement of these I must refer to the introductory pages. While intended for the general reader I trust it may also prove of value in some of our educational institutions. Many a teacher of sound culture and adequate training who would like to observe and would like to help others to observe, has had no opportunity to know the use and possibilities of the small telescope. Most of the manuals of observation assume as already known many of the things that the beginner chiefly desires to know - both as to the stars and the instruments employed. In dealing with the practical side of observation I have tried, therefore, to be explicit and to be definite. I have not avoided repetition but have tried to employ it in the interest of clearness and usefulness. I have attempted also to meet the small problems the very existence of which - when once overcome - the experienced observer has been altogether too likely to forget. I have not given the volume the form or manner of the text-book, for, as already stated, it is especially intended for the general reader. And yet as a book for supplementary use, and as a simple observational manual, it may be employed concurrently with any of our modem volumes on astronomy. It is not unlikely that a little actual experience in observation will give broader value to the use of such texts both by the general reader and by the student, and may add an interest to the theory and mathematics of the science. Even where there is no formal course in "astronomy, " the student will find a real gain to pleasure, to imagination, and to a larger conception of the universe in the mere experience of intelligent observation. It is worth while to know something of the things of the sky, not merely from a picture or a lantern slide, but with that sense of actuality which comes from seeing the things themselves. The volume is also intended for those who wish to add to their knowledge of the skies without optical aid of any kind. Even to readers unable to use a telescope, the information as to the telescopic objects among the stars, in the moon, etc., is of interest and value. While, therefore, such information is kept distinct, it is presented in close connection with the more popular discussion of the moon, the planets, and the constellations. Tables are included indicating the positions of the planets in their course through the stars, month by month, till the year 1931. The telescopic objects are grouped directly under the Key-Maps in three different classes, - (a) those for the opera-glass and field-glass, (b) those for telescopes of 2 inches, and (c) those for telescopes of 3 inches, in aperture. Though almost all the selected objects are, therefore, extremely easy, they nevertheless afford abundant opportunity for larger instruments. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com