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by Lawrence Harris (Author)
Computers and Astronomy Perhaps every generation of astronomers believes that their telescopes are the best that have ever been. They are surely all correct! The great leap of our time is that computer-designed and machined parts have led to more accurately made com- nents that give the astronomer ever better views. The manual skills of the craftsman mirror grinder have been transformed into the new-age skills of the programmer and the machine maker. (The new products did not end the work of craftsman te- scope makers, though. Many highly skilled amateur/professional opticians cont- ued to produce good-quality mirrors that are still seen today. ) Amateur-priced telescopes are now capable of highly accurate tracking and computer control that were once only the province of professionals. This has greatly increased the p- sibilities of serious astronomy projects for which tailor-made software has been developed. Add a CCD camera to these improved telescopes (see Chap. 3), and you bring a whole new dimension to your astronomy (see Fig. 1. 1). Look Before You Leap! But first, a word of caution. Unless you are already familiar with astronomy and basic telescopes, it is not wise to start spending large amounts of money on a we- featured telescope. Such an instrument might otherwise be subsequently abandoned due to a perceived overcomplexity coupled with a waning interest.
Back Jacket
The revolutionary computer-controlled Meade LX200 series of telescopes was introduced in 1992 and represented a giant step forward in technology. The series was an instant success, and Meade LX200 telescopes have since sold in huge numbers compared with many other astronomical telescopes!
The LX200s are extraordinary telescopes capable of producing amazing results, but managing them can be a chore. So You Want a Meade LX Telescope! includes the essential hardware operations and reviews the best of the many software packages available to aid you in the setting up and use of the telescope. Typical results and various ways to achieve these results are given in detail, so readers can know what to expect from construction to image. Also included are reviews of essential accessories such as CCD cameras and the latest "active optics" units.
This book gives readers the benefit of Harris's many years of experience as both a professional astronomer and owner of Meade LX telescopes, including the top end LX400. For anyone owning or considering buying a high-end Meade telescope, this book is the most valuable accessory you can buy!
Author Biography
Lawrence Harris retired from his job as a British government scientist where he had worked as a professional astronomer in solar studies and then astronomical satellite operations. For the last seventeen years he has been a columnist, specializing in writing about weather satellites, along with occasional articles on astronomy. He also contributes to astronomical society magazines.
