The Sky Is Your Laboratory - by Robert Buchheim (Paperback)

About the Book

This is THE book for the amateur astronomer who is ready to take the next step in his or her astronomical journey. Till now there has been no text that points curious amateur astronomers to the research possibilities open to them. This book plugs that hole.

Book Synopsis

This book is for experienced amateur astronomers who are ready to take a new step in their astronomical journey and use their skills to help farther advance science. Written by an astronomer who is well known amongst the amateur and professional community for the skill and quality of his work, this book describes a wide range of research areas where amateurs can gather new scientific data that is then utilized by professional astronomers. For each research area, the book provides a concise explanation of the purpose and value of the amateurs' observations, a description of the equipment that is needed, specific observing procedures, complete data reduction instructions, and an explanation of how, and where, to submit results so that they will be available to the professional users.

Review Quotes

From the reviews:

"Amateur astronomers have a proud tradition of contributing worthwhile scientific observations, stretching right back to Victorian times. ... If you have been in the hobby for a few years and now want to specialise, this book is for you. The author explains every chosen subject in reasonable depth and a lot of technical work has gone into the 297 pages. The coverage is accurate ... ." (Martin Mobberley, BBC Sky at Night, November, 2007)

"Buchheim gives amateurs the essentials to do real science, not simply science projects. ... The book is amply illustrated with diagrams, and the text's tone is pleasantly conversational. ... Although Buchheim set out to write this book for amateurs, it should also be of interest to students and teachers who wish to pursue real-science with equipment that may already be available on campus." (Jennifer Birriel, Sky & Telescope, December, 2007)

"Many amateur astronomers have equipment powerful enough to make significant contributions to research. ... The present book outlines eighteen worthwhile projects for the amateur. ... There is a clear and detailed description of the principles behind the evaluation of signal-to-noise and warnings against the many insidious errors which can creep in. ... The book's outstanding quality is the infectious enthusiasm of the writing. It is highly recommended." (Derek Jones, The Observatory, Vol. 128 (1203), 2008)

About the Author

Mr. Buchheim received his first telescope when he was about 10 years old, and he has been interested in the stars ever since. He received his BS degree in Physics from Arizona State University and has completed a Program Management Course at Defense Systems Management College as well as UCLA Executive Program 88-1. He has published a number of articles and is the inventor of the "Rotary-Acting Pilot Valve." He currently lives and works in California.