Mars And How To Observe It (astronomers' Observing Guides)
by Peter Grego /
2012 / English / PDF
11.1 MB Download
Mars, popularly known as the Red Planet because of its distinct
color, is visible with the naked eye and is one of very few planets
in the Solar System in which it is possible to see weather
phenomena and surface features and thus is a favorite for amateur
and practical astronomers. Commercially made telescopes can reveal
its dusty surface markings, brilliant polar ice caps, and
atmospheric phenomena. Many of Mars's features appear to change
shape and intensity with the seasons: its polar caps grow and
shrink cyclically, clouds billow above the Martian surface, and
sometimes great dust storms obscure vast sections of the
planet. The first part of Mars and How to Observe It sets out
our current knowledge of Mars as a planet - its orbit, physical
characteristics, evolution over time, and current geology. A
planet-wide tour of Mars's topography is featured, along with
clearly labeled maps and close-up images of a variety of features.
The second part of the book explains how amateur and practical
astronomers can observe Mars successfully. Many aspects are
considered in depth, including preparing to observe, calculating
phase and tilt, and making observational sketches and drawings.
There are also plenty of details about how best to make
high-resolution CCD images. Since Mars changes in its apparent
size in the sky according to its position in relation to Earth, it
is best observed during its closest approaches. Future
apparitions (appearances of the Red Planet) are therefore
featured.
Mars, popularly known as the Red Planet because of its distinct
color, is visible with the naked eye and is one of very few planets
in the Solar System in which it is possible to see weather
phenomena and surface features and thus is a favorite for amateur
and practical astronomers. Commercially made telescopes can reveal
its dusty surface markings, brilliant polar ice caps, and
atmospheric phenomena. Many of Mars's features appear to change
shape and intensity with the seasons: its polar caps grow and
shrink cyclically, clouds billow above the Martian surface, and
sometimes great dust storms obscure vast sections of the
planet. The first part of Mars and How to Observe It sets out
our current knowledge of Mars as a planet - its orbit, physical
characteristics, evolution over time, and current geology. A
planet-wide tour of Mars's topography is featured, along with
clearly labeled maps and close-up images of a variety of features.
The second part of the book explains how amateur and practical
astronomers can observe Mars successfully. Many aspects are
considered in depth, including preparing to observe, calculating
phase and tilt, and making observational sketches and drawings.
There are also plenty of details about how best to make
high-resolution CCD images. Since Mars changes in its apparent
size in the sky according to its position in relation to Earth, it
is best observed during its closest approaches. Future
apparitions (appearances of the Red Planet) are therefore
featured.