Nebulae and How to Observe Them

This Astronomers' Observing Guides are designed for practical amateur astronomers who not only want to observe, but want to know the details of exactly what they are looking at.

Nebulae are the places where the stars are born.  For amateur astronomers, the many different kinds of nebulae vary from "easy" targets that can be seen with modest equipment under mediocre skies, to "challenging" objects that require experienced observers, large telescopes and excellent seeing.

The concept of the book - and of the series - is to present an up-to-date detailed description and categorisation (part one); and then (part two) to consider how best to successfully observe and record the large range of astronomical objects that fall under the general heading of "nebulae".

Nebulae and How to Observe Them is a mine of information for all levels of amateur observers, from the beginner to the experienced.

Introduction. PART 1- 1. Star Formation and Composition – the ingredients of Nebulae.- 2. The Milky Way – our Galaxy and Home to Nebulae - Emission Nebulae - Reflection Nebulae - Dark Nebulae - Planetary Nebulae - Supernova Remnants - Extragalactic nebulae? PART 2- 3. Instruments - naked eye, binoculars, RFT, Mak/SCT, Dobsonians.- 4. Techniques - Dark adapation, red light, averted vision.- 5. Accessories - eyepieces, filters, finders.- 6. Locating objects – setting circles, star hopping, ‘goto’.- 7. Resources - finder charts, computer-based planetaria, deep-sky books, the Internet.- 8 Observing Guide - planning, conditions and weather, seeing and transparency, atmosphere, logging.-  
9. Observing lists. Catalogues of nebulae – general: NGC/IC, Messier; Gaseous: Lynds; Planetaries: P+K, Strasbourg; Dark: Barnard, Lynds