Cataclysmic Cosmic Events and How to Observe Them

ASTRONOMERS’ OBSERVING GUIDES provide up-to-date information for amateur astronomers who want to know all about what it is they are observing. This is the basis of the first part of the book. The second part details observing techniques for practical astronomers, working with a range of different instruments.


This book invites you to observe the most spectacular, high-energy events taking place in the cosmos. Even though these events may occur hundreds, thousands, millions or even billions of light-years away, you can witness them using the naked eye, binoculars, or telescopes. The book covers cataclysmic variable stars (CV’s), novae and dwarf novae, recurrent novae, solar flares, flare stars and prominences as well as the more distant supernovae, hypernovae, blazars, quasars, and gamma ray bursters. There are also sections on photometry, equipment, and software as well as many valuable observing tips based on the author’s own experience viewing these events.


For the amateur astronomer who is ready to leave the confines of the Solar System and look out into deep space, this book offers a variety of exciting challenges and suggestions enabling you to contribute real scientific data on high energy outbursts and cataclysmic cosmic events with just your backyard telescope and a bit of know-how.