The Study of Variable Stars Using Small Telescopes

Book Description

A never-before-published masterpiece from science fiction's greatest writer, rediscovered after more than half a century.When Joel Johnston first met Jinny Hamilton, it seemed like a dream come true. And when she finally agreed to marry him, he felt like the luckiest man in the universe.nbsp;There was just one small problem. He was broke. His only goal in life was to become a composer, and he knew it would take years before he was earning enough to support a family.But Jinny wasn't willing to wait. And when Joel asked her what they were going to do for money, she gave him a most unexpected answer. She told him that her name wasn't really Jinny Hamilton---it was Jinny Conrad, and she was the granddaughter of Richard Conrad, the wealthiest man in the solar system. nbsp;And now that she was sure that Joel loved her for herself, not for her wealth, she revealed her family's plans for him---he would be groomed for a place in the vast Conrad empire and sire a dynasty to carry on the family business.Most men would have jumped at the opportunity. But Joel Johnston wasn't most men. To Jinny's surprise, and even his own, he turned down her generous offer and then set off on the mother of all benders. And woke up on a colony ship heading out into space, torn between regret over his rash decision and his determination to forget Jinny and make a life for himself among the stars.He was on his way to succeeding when his plans--and the plans of billions of others--were shattered by a cosmic cataclysm so devastating it would take all of humanity's strength and ingenuity just to survive.

Customer Reviews:

Not great.......2007-09-14

I didn't think this was that good. This book represents the decline of science fiction. I don't need the author's perspectives on the war in Iraq in an SF novel about a space journey at the speed of light. I read SF to expand my mind and stimulate my imagination, not dwell on stuff going on in the real world. Oh and Spider, if you're going to go on about new age concepts, get your chakras straight.

A typical Heinlein book, a better than average Robinson offering.......2007-09-10

Let's get something straight: only Nixon could go to China, and only Spider Robinson could write this novel. The reviewers that say "this isn't Heinlein" are exactly right, but only in the same way they'd be right if they said "The Mote In God's Eye" isn't Niven or "Time's Eye" isn't Clarke. Two authors are going to produce a different product than one of them alone would. Robinson may not be the new Heinlein -- I'd have to say Allen Steele fits that bill a lot better -- but no one is better-qualified as a Heinlein collaborator than Spider. It's dangerous to put words in the mouths of the dead, but I daresay the Old Man himself would have chosen Spider for the job. [...].

That said, a lot of the complaints about "Variable Star" as a novel are spot on. While I disagree that Robinson is somehow more political than Heinlein (Huh? Never mind "Starship Troopers", "Stranger In A Strange Land", and "Time Enough for Love" for a moment; just re-read the first chapter of "Glory Road"!), the idea that the specific events of the last four or five years are going to be significant or even known to characters in this book is a stretch and their insertion seems pretty clunky. And while I love a good pun, these seemed like too much of a *wink* *wink* to Robinson's core fans -- next time he should leave it at Callahan's.

Finally, true enough, the ending was a disappointment. On the other hand, I thought the same thing about "The Number of the Beast" and "The Cat Who Walks Through Walls" -- at least this is a different disappointing ending.

"Her eyes were hazel, stoned, rolling.".......2007-07-19

I picked up this book with some trepidation, for two reasons: A novel begun (or, in this case, heavily outlined) by one author and completed by another "as" (in the style of) the first author is almost always a bad idea. And, while I have nothing against him, I've never been especially drawn to Spider Robinson's work, no matter how many awards he's won. My tastes just don't run that way. However, I'm a longtime Heinlein fan, so I had to find out if this book was worth the reading. And, well, it is -- if you don't expect too much. It's several centuries in the future and Joel Johnston, college student, talented sax-man, and son of a Nobel-winning physicist, is involved with a girl with a mysterious past, to whom he proposes. And then finds out she's the granddaughter of one of the wealthiest men in the Solar System. Granddad assumes he'll give up all his own plans to train to take over the family empire, and Joel responds by getting drunk and then shipping out on a colony ship, the voyage of which will take twenty years. I.e., there ain't no going back. Most of the story is about his experiences and personal development within the ship's microcosm and it's interesting enough, but it's really not very Heinlein-ian. However, just when you've settled in for the ride, the real story rises up and smacks you in the face. Robinson has set this thing a couple of generations after the end of the Prophets' reign, and Coventry is still in use, so it's one version of RAH's "Future History," though the author has the sense to move it sufficiently far in the future that readers a few years from now won't have passed it by. (Heinlein set most of the events in his own stories in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.) The dialogue is good and Spider throws in plenty of his patented puns and cultural side-glances, but the result is still not great Heinlein, nor (I think) great Robinson.

not even for liberals.......2007-07-10

spider robinson is not Heinlein. The book should be a wet dream for us liberals, a young man running to the stars to avoid being icky icky rich. the book has the the good Buddhists, the evil christian nation, the evil capitalist, alternative life styles (including multiple married partners), entertainment sex (including a gal who wants to have sex with everyman on the ship), the near deification of musicians, touchy feely psychobabble healers, and much more that should make us liberals stand up and cheer but its like the author took all the tasty pieces of the liberal point of view stirred them into a stew and what we ended up with tasted like pooh. this book just plain sucks. the only way to get through it is to speed read it, if it wasnt for the fact that i paid so much for the hard cover addition i would have thrown it away. the folks who gave it high ratings must be liberals who care more about assuring that the future is perceived as being a liberal utopia then being entertained. and whats up with that ending? spider your contrived and very boring ending was pathetic, are you not very bright? couldn't you have at least used nuclear winter or global warming catastrophic events? a sure fire gainer of four stars for the al Gore fans amongst us.

A middling effort.......2007-06-24

This book is a strange one, with a strange history. Way back in 1955 (before my father was born), Robert Heinlein wrote a partial outline for a juvenile novel and, for whatever reason, opted not to write it. Fast forward a half-century, and Spider Robinson (whose Callahan's Bar stories are a must-read, by the way), was commissioned to write a novel from said outline. The results are mixed.

Don't get me wrong-I enjoyed myself through and through. It's a good, fun, brisk read. But it does have a few annoyances. 1) It chooses to, for no reason I can see, use not Heinlein's Future History, but rather an offshoot of Heinlein's Future History. Why? Those who don't know Heinlein well won't get it, and those who do know the History will be annoyed by the off-shooting continuity. I know I was. 2) It pulls one of my big pet peeves in science fiction-namely, pop culture references. As though people will be quoting The Simpsons in the 23rd Century. Right. 3) The deus ex machina at the end. I won't spoil it, but it's not foreshadowed or possible to pre-conceive at all. It's a cheat, and it bugged me. Personally, I thought that it was building to an entirely different ending (and my ending rocked, by the way), and so I was annoyed when the rug was pulled out.

However, let me repeat that the above represent mostly annoyances. I think that both Heinlein and Robinson fans will enjoy this one. It's a fun read. But not much more than a fun read, I'm afraid.

Observing Variable Stars (PATRICK MOORE'S PRACTICAL ASTRONOMY SERIES)

Average customer rating:

Great book for all amateur astronomers

Observing Variable Stars (PATRICK MOORE'S PRACTICAL ASTRONOMY SERIES)
G. A. Good
Manufacturer: Springer-Verlag
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1852334983

Book Description

Observing variable stars is one of the major contributions amateur astronomers make to science. There are 36,000 variable stars listed in the General Catalogue of Variable Stars, so it is clearly impossible for the limited number of professional observatories to target even the majority of them. That's where amateur astronomers come in - thousands of them turning their telescopes to the sky every night. Variable star observing is the most popular of "real science" activities for amateurs, and Gerry Good's book provides everything needed. The first part of the book provides a highly detailed account of the various classes of variable star, with examples, illustrations and physical descriptions. The second section covers practical aspects of observing, everything from preparation and planning, through observing techniques, to data management and reduction.

Customer Reviews:

Great book for all amateur astronomers.......2003-05-20

This is a great book for all amateur astonomers but variable star observers will be most pleased. The book covers a great amount of information such as how to observe variable stars, record observational data and report observations regarding variable stars. Also, there is a great amount of information regarding the many types of variable stars such as pulsating Mira type stars, cataclysmic variables, eclipsing binaries as well as many of the less known type variable stars such as SX Phe stars, BY Dra stars, Be stars and many, many more. The book does a very good job of covering so much information, much better than any other book available to the amateur at this time.
I would recommend this book to any amateur astronomer but I would strongly encourage any variable star observer to add this book to their library as soon as they possible could do so. This is a great book for the beginning variable star observer; you'll have more information than you can use for years.

Observing Variable Stars, Novae, and Supernovae

Average customer rating:

Excellent Primer on Variable Stars
Excellent Scientific Background Information
A Good Place for Amateurs to Consentrate

Observing Variable Stars, Novae, and Supernovae
Gerald North , and Nick James
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0521820472

Book Description

Gerald North's complete practical guide and resource package instructs amateur astronomers in observing and monitoring variable stars and other objects of variable brightness. Descriptions of the objects are accompanied by explanations of the background astrophysics, providing readers with real insight into what they are observing at the telescope. The main instrumental requirements for observing and estimating the brightness of objects by visual means and by CCD photometry are detailed, and there is advice on the selection of equipment. The book contains a CD-ROM packed with resources, including hundreds of light-curves and over 600 printable finder charts. Containing extensive practical advice, this comprehensive guide is an invaluable resource for amateur astronomers of all levels, from novices to more advanced observers. Gerald North is a lifelong amateur astronomer. In addition to being a member of the British Astronomical Association since 1977, he is also the author of many books, including Advanced Amateur Astronomy (Cambridge, 1997) and Observing the Moon (Cambridge, 2000).

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Primer on Variable Stars.......2006-03-25

I first heard about this book from a good review article in Sky and Telescope magazine and thoroughly enjoyed it. Overall, this book succeeds as a primer on Variable Star observing. And, for variable star observers, this is definitely a must-have book.

Although the beginning of the book provides in-depth information on how to do variable star observing, the real strength of this book comes later when the authors explain what is going on inside the stars which cause the observed variability. Again, the authors are very thorough in providing explanations for all of the different types of variable stars. The book also comes with an easy to use CD containing star charts and variable light curves which supplement the book very well.

Excellent Scientific Background Information.......2005-10-22

As an avid variable star observer myself, I found this book to be of great value. The first half of the book describes the process of observation in some detail. This detail includes a good deal of information about how the process should be done using CCD technology which I found quite interesting in it's own right as I am a visual observer and have not done any CCD observations yet. I do note the one weakness in the book is that the author brushes off the use of photometers in recording this data even though the AAVSO (the world's leading organization in variable star research) has a very lively group of photometric enthusiasts.

The real strength of the book in my opinion is in the second half. North goes into good detail discussing the science behind each of the various types of variables and why we believe they act as they do. This is information that I have found difficult to come by. It is especially useful, as it is quite readable and easy to reference.

All in all I recommend this book highly to anyone doing variable star observing, and I also recommend it in general to any amateur astronomer or arm chair scientist as a good source of information about a branch of science where it is the amateur who contributes the overwhelming amount of data to the field of study.

A Good Place for Amateurs to Consentrate.......2005-02-04

When I saw the title of this book I wondered why something like this would have any appeal to the amateur. The author immediately made this clear, these things have gotten boring to the professional so it is an area where the amateur can still do significant work.

After this, Mr. North spends the rest of the book on equipment, observing, and reporting your results. It's interesting that for this kind of work you don't need the biggest possible scope, in fact he says that you may have to stop down a larger scope to keep from overloading the image.

This book clearly lays out an observation program that just might appeal to a wide range of amateur observers. Within its area, it speaks with authority.

Light Curves of Variable Stars: A Pictorial Atlas

Average customer rating:

The Variable Star Menagerie

Light Curves of Variable Stars: A Pictorial Atlas

Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0521020247

Book Description

This unique volume provides a complete reference on variable stars. It presents a wealth of typical light- and colour-curves to allow identification, together with a detailed and up-to-date description of each subclass. The editors, together with seven other world experts, have created a unique pictorial atlas of variable stars. In the first chapter they give a clear introduction to the nomenclature and classification of the light curves of variable stars, and to photometric systems. In the remaining chapters they provide a detailed account of each subclass: from eruptive, pulsating, rotating and cataclysmic variables, through to eclipsing-binary systems and X-ray binaries. Specific variable stars, types and classes of variables, together with key astrophysical terms can be quickly and easily located in the book by means of detailed object-name and subject indexes. This comprehensive and up-to-date volume provides an essential reference for all those interested in variable stars - from researchers and graduate students through to dedicated amateurs.

Customer Reviews:

The Variable Star Menagerie.......2000-06-05

This book is written for professional astronomers as a compendium of what is known (and unknown) about variable stars. (A lot of the "unknowns" are categorized as "poorly understood.") I consider the book very useful for amateur variable star observers, but general readers (it will be worth the effort) will likely need to refer to an introductory astronomical tutorial to interpret much of the material.

The "menagerie" of variables is subdivided into six natural groups bearing the following names with the numbers of sub-classes in each group as shown. Eruptive (5), Pulsating [including Cepheids] (7), Rotating [including Pulsars] (5), Cataclysmic [including Novae] (5), Eclipsing binaries (4), and X-Ray binaries (1).

The stars in the first four groups are presented as single stars that do "poorly understood" but weird and wonderful things such as radial pulsations. One subclass of pulsating variables is alternatively explained as a close binary with a common envelope.

(Gamma-Ray bursters are not covered but many light curves of these enigmatic objects bear strong resemblance to those of some X-Ray binaries.)

The book discusses a total of 279 different variable stars and provides light curves and graphed color information for 164 of them. The bibliography contains 521 references. Two pages of neat "addresses of interest" are given for new researchers to use to obtain further information.

Book Description

This text presents numerous illustrations of the observed variability of cataclysmic variable stars. It provides a clear explanation and thorough up-to-date overview of this phenomena at a level accessible to the advanced amateur or undergraduate student.

Customer Reviews:

nearly perfect.......2002-04-05

"Cataclysmic Variable Stars: How and Why They Vary" by Coel Hellier is
one of those rare books that successfully toes the line between being a
scientific and a popular book. This book is so popular with AAVSO HQ staff that it
frequently is taken home and has to be tracked down when someone needs it!
It works as both a reference and a straight-through read. As a reference,
one can confidentally refer to it when coming across any type of unfamiliar
CV. As a straight-through read, it is clearly structured and written in a
lively style that makes it easy to go from start to finish.
The majority of the book is broken up into sections about the different
types of CVs. Each section is well illustrated with light curves (many coming
from AAVSO observations from observers like you), historical background, a
breakdown of the system with easy-to-read diagrams, theory, and more. When
mathematics is introduced it is always in a sidebar or appendix which allows
those interested to get involved but does not require an understanding of the
equations for those who wish to avoid math.
The book is not simply an encyclopedia of CVs, though. It covers everything
from basic visual and CCD observing techniques to how to derive a stellar mass
from your observations.
This is a book that every CV lover should own along with anyone who is
interested in learning more about these enigmatic objects. The layout,
illustrations, structure, and writing have all come together to create what is
almost the perfect book on CVs. I hope the team that put together this book
continues to work together on future endevours. If so, the future of variable
star publications looks not variable at all, but bright and steady.

Thanks, Coel, for writing this book.......2001-06-26

Thanks, Coel, this book has made my job of involving undergraduates in my research (on CVs, of course) much easier. It is suitable for amateurs, too, being self-contained with its chapter on CCD photometry. It's also nicely produced, and yet the price is quite reasonable...: I have no qualms with telling them to go out and buy their own copies, necessary since both my copies are already in the hands of students.

"Absolutely Astonishing".......2001-06-07

Gives the reader a full understanding of why these cataclysmic variable stars are so important to understanding the cosmos. Amateur astronomers will love this. Don't be surprised to find yourself gazing at a variable star next trip to the backyard.

Cataclysmic Variable Stars (Cambridge Astrophysics)

Average customer rating:

Nice Book, Shame about the Price
Great Overview

Cataclysmic Variable Stars (Cambridge Astrophysics)
Brian Warner
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 052154209X

Book Description

The study of cataclysmic variables - interacting binary stars containing a white dwarf accreting from an orbiting companion - is undergoing an exciting renaissance, as it embraces observations at all wavelengths. Cataclysmic variables allow, in particular, the direct and detailed study of equilibrium and non-equilibrium accretion discs; in turn these developments also help in our understanding of X-ray binaries, black holes and active galactic nuclei. This timely volume provides the first comprehensive survey of cataclysmic variable stars, integrating theory and observation into a single, synthesised text. An introductory chapter gives the historical background of studies of cataclysmic variables. The author then goes on to give an up-to-date review of both the observations (at all wavelengths, and over all time-scales), the theories, the models of the structures and accretion processes believed to be involved. A very detailed bibliography is also provided to guide the reader to pertinent primary literature.

Customer Reviews:

Nice Book, Shame about the Price.......2002-12-03

This is the definitive work on CVs and a great reference work even 7 years after its publication. However, after that time the price is still so high as put it beyond all but the most dedicated of textbook collectors. Get the library to buy a copy if it doesnt already have one and borrow it immediately.

Great Overview.......2000-07-26

This book is an absolute must if you are to be studying Cataclymsic Variable Stars. If you need to find equations on mass-radius relations or just find basic background information on close binaries, cataclysmic variable, SU UMa's, outbursts, superoutbursts, and superhumps from birth to death then this is your book. It has great cross references. This is the book of books on CV's.

Variable Stars in Globular Clusters and in Related Systems (Astrophysics and Space Science Library)

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Variable Stars in Globular Clusters and in Related Systems (Astrophysics and Space Science Library)

Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 9027703418

Average customer rating:

Previously published as

David Levy's Guide to Variable Stars
David H. Levy
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0521608600

Book Description

Found throughout the universe, variable stars are fascinating objects to observe. Their brightness changes over time and they can easily be seen with even the most basic equipment. David Levy explains how to begin electronic (or CCD) observing, as well as how to observe variable stars through a small telescope or binoculars. Featuring a section on Southern hemisphere stars, this book covers various types of objects that can be observed by amateur astronomers, including more exotic phenomena like gamma ray bursts, blazars, and polars. It will motivate anyone with even a basic interest in astronomy to begin observing variable stars.

David H. Levy is one of the most successful comet hunters in history. He has discovered twenty-one, eight of them using a telescope in his own backyard. With Eugene and Carolyn Shoemaker at the Palomar Observatory in California, Levy discovered Shoemaker-Levy 9, the comet that collided with Jupiter in 1994, and is currently involved with the Jarnac Comet Survey, based at the Jarnac Observatory in Vail, Arizona.

In addition to being the author or editor of 31 books and other products, David Levy is the Science Editor for Parade magazine and contributing editor for Sky and Telescope magazine and the Canadian periodical, SkyNews. Frequently interviewed in the media, he has given almost a thousand lectures and appeared on many television programs. His most recent CUP book is David Levy's Guide to Observing and Discovering Comets (Cambridge, 2003). First Edition Pb (1989) 0-521-62755-9

Customer Reviews:

Previously published as .......2007-05-16

Execpt for mention of the isbn, there is little indication that this is the second editon of the previously published book under a different title. Observing Variable Stars: A Guide for the Beginner See the reviews for more on this book.

What has changed with this edition is an updating of the earlier with a new chapter on CCD photometry. Also added is a section on Clyde Tombaugh and TV Corvi (a cataclysmic variable star). Missing from this new edition is an anectdote about a bet Levy made over SS Cygni (another cataclysmic variable). Otherwise, execept for a slight change in layout and smaller text size this is essentially the same book as the aforementioned "Observing Variable Stars".

Those like myself who would (in my case did) purchase this believing it to be more or less different in content than Levy's earlier book might want to take note.

But make no mistake, whichever edition you get, this is an excellent and inspiring guide to the newbie variable star observer.

One last piece of advice. Whatever book on variable star observing you get, you should go to the official AAVSO website to obtain the latest, most accurate comparison star charts to use. [...].
Some, such a the charts for the star R Leonis (which I was trying out from his book) have had the magnitudes of the comparison stars revised since the publication of even this updated edition of the book.

Observing Variable Stars: A Guide for the Beginner

Average customer rating:

A very good, clear, step-by-step guide
A Must read for Amateur Astronomers

Observing Variable Stars: A Guide for the Beginner
David H. Levy
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
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Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0521321131

Book Description

Variable star astronomy is one field that still allows amateur astronomers to make significant contributions to the advancement of science. Everyone can play a part in variable star observations, using a small telescope, binoculars, or even the naked eye. Written by an award-winning astronomer, Observing Variable Stars provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of variable star observation for the amateur. The book begins with advice on binoculars and telescopes, and on how and when to observe stars effectively. Levy then explains the ways in which to interpret variation in light output in terms of the life of a star, from birth to sometimes violent death. All the major variables are described and classified, as well as other variable objects such as active galaxies, asteroids, comets, and the sun. The book also illustrates how astrophysicists interpret variations in light output in terms of the evolution of stars. Observing Variable Stars contains a seasonal guide to the night sky usable in all latitudes. Throughout, practical observations serve to complement the text, making this an enjoyable, readable introduction to an exciting area of astronomy.

Customer Reviews:

A very good, clear, step-by-step guide.......2000-08-05

David is an enthusiastic and inspiring writer. This book can effectively take you through the very beginnings of variable star observation and set you on your way to becoming a productive observer able to submit valid data to organizations like the American Association of Variable Star Observers. Get it.

A Must read for Amateur Astronomers.......2000-06-25

A great book for the amateur astronomer that is looking for new stars to observe or wishes to contribute observations of variable stars to professional organizations. David Levy is an excellent writer and does a fine job of explaining the tricks and tips of observing these peculiar objects.

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