Astronomical Cybersketching - (Patrick Moore Practical Astronomy) by Peter Grego (Paperback)

About the Book

This unique book has become necessary because of advances in computer technology. It outlines the techniques involved in "cybersketching", or making observational astronomical sketches and detailed 'scientific' drawings using modern digital equipment.

Book Synopsis

SketchingtheSkies Suddenly and without warning, a new star appeared in the night sky, and everyone in the community was alarmed. Nobody could remember having seen its like before. Dazzling to look at, this unexpected intruder in the heavenly vault gave off a light that almost rivaled that of the full Moon, drowning out the familiar patterns of stars with its glare. The new star's steady white light penetrated deep into the sacred cave, illuminating an age-old patchwork of intricately drawn pictographs; some of these depicted terrestrial objects and events, from mundane sketches of bison to vast and sweeping panoramic images of wild galloping horses. Other scenes showed celestial phenomena, such as the phases of the Moon and prominent asterisms, or star patterns. The next morning, accompanied by solemn chanting in which the entire c- munity participated, an elderly shaman entered the sacred cave by the light of a fiery brand and selected a suitable area upon which to depict the new star. Once the artwork was finished, the shaman reappeared at the cave entrance; he held out his arms wide to the slowly brightening morning skies and announced that the pow- ful magic of the new star had been captured and could now be used to ensure the continuing prosperity of his tribe.

From the Back Cover

You love sky watching and are excited by what you see through your telescope. You want to keep a record of what you see. You want others to see it. These are all good reasons to put down your pencil and pad and get started cybersketching!

What is cybersketching? It is using a small computer, such as a laptop or a PDA, to make a sketch of what you see through your telescope or even with your naked eye. Particularly good subjects are the Moon and the brighter planets, but even deep space has much to offer a cybersketcher.

Why cybersketch? Sketching what you see is a fantastic way not only to record what you see but to share it with others. Before imaging, sketching was the only way people had of sharing their discoveries. With all the fancy new imaging devices around, sketching has become something of a lost art. But it shouldn't be! Not only is it an inexpensive and quick way to record and share what you see. It also helps you to hone your observational skills. Using a computer gives you a variety of exciting and fun tools to use and ways to make your sketches almost professional, so you can show them off and display them.

In this book, Peter Grego outlines the evolution of cybersketching, with a brief review of the history of computers, hardware and software, and how to use the tools that are now available to astronomy buffs.

If you are not sketching because you think it is old-fashioned, or if you are sketching using only a pencil and paper, read this book and see why you are missing out on some terrific new technologies that are easy to use and affordable to nearly everyone. Become an astronomical cybersketcher, and you will find that the time you spend exploring the night sky is even more rewarding than you ever imagined.

Review Quotes

From the reviews:

"Peter Grego ... introducing observers to this fertile territory in his richly illustrated book. ... The topic is covered in great detail, from a historic overview of computing itself, to the inner-workings of all the key components of desktop and portable computers. The author makes a well-documented case for computers being used to generate, assist, and enhance the sketching process." (Jeremy Perez, Astronomy Now, December, 2009)

About the Author

Peter Grego has recently written The Moon and How to Observe it for Springer. He has eight other published astronomy books to his credit. And is working on Mercury and Venus and How to Observe Them for Springer. Living in the UK, he is a well-known writer and practical amateur astronomer. He has contributed to many other books, and has more than 100 published articles to his credit. He is the Lunar Topographic Co-ordinator and Editor of the BAA Lunar Section journal, The New Moon.