Astronomy Hacks

Fraser Cain (Mark Mortimer) writes "Hacking sounds crass. It manifests images of short cuts, jobs poorly done and people most interested in just finishing, no matter what. In the computer industry, sometimes this perfectly portrays hackers. However, for an expert, a hack is the complete opposite. It's a beautiful, well thought resolution that uses minimal effort. Often only those in the know truly appreciate it. Robert and Barbara Thompson in their book, Astronomy Hacks compile tips and techniques for observing the night sky. Their methods seem simple, yet they include detail to show they are experts who are presenting hacks derived from years worth of knowledge." Read on for the rest of Mark's review.

Astronomy Hacks - Tips & Tools for Observing the Night Sky
author	Robert Bruce Thompson and Barbara Fritchman Thompson
pages	388
publisher	O'Reilly Media Inc.
rating	8
reviewer	Mark Mortimer
ISBN	0596100604
summary	Hacking your telescope

This hack book can be taken two ways. One is as a reference to look up solutions to problems or seek a reference for a better method. Two is as a complete back grounder for the beginner and higher level amateur astronomer. Within it are 65 distinct hacks grouped into four chapters; Getting Started, Observing Hacks, Scope Hacks and Accessory Hacks. No embellishments obscure the text. There are only the hacks, each relating to astronomy the same way a Clymers manual refers to motorcycle repairs. No extenuating plots nor complex character development obstructs the wording. This book just lists lots of techniques, hints and recommendations.

The first chapter, Getting Started, has enough detail to guide the beginner or assist the intermediate practitioner. The standard encapsulation of binocular and telescope types ensues. To provide an example of the depth of detail, consider the binocular. The discussion includes; magnification, aperture, exit pupil, eye relief, field of view, interpupilary distance, prism type and lens coatings. A summary list recommends choices for various budget ranges ($75 to $5000) and gives recommendations on certain manufacturers and models.

The telescope selection hack is equally detailed, with descriptions of the three main types; reflector, refractors and catadioptric as well as criteria and recommendations. The authors are admitted fans of Dobsonian telescopes and tend to give more attention to this type both here and elsewhere in the book.

Safety, as the basis of its own hacks, or as a backdrop for many other hacks, appears throughout. Most is for personal safety, whether by staying in groups or not dropping large, heavy mirrors on toes. Perhaps the recommendations to bring a firearm for protection against four legged predators goes a bit far. The repeated references to courtesy for group viewing is just one of the many indicators of the wealth of the author's experience.

The chapter on observing hacks includes, among others, the principles of light, a comprehensive biological description of our eyes' receivers, and a method for running a Messier Marathon. This chapter revolves around the purpose or goals of amateur astronomers. Accepting that these aren't planning on detecting new stars or planets, the authors clearly convey the simple pleasures of viewing. Whether a person is taking copious notes, simple sketches or photographs, the rewards are many and admittedly differ with each person. Simple hacks to improve style or refine goals aid in refining the reward.

The scope hacks essentially look at scope maintenance, and they can get complex. There are step-by-step cleaning instructions for a 10-pound mirror, including swishing it under the faucet for minutes. The same goes for collimation, with its consideration of Strehl values and diffraction spikes. The reasoning and the simple instructions convince and empower the reader to take charge of his viewing capabilities.

The last chapter, Accessories Hacks, is chock full of the little tips to branching out in one's astronomy experience. Eyepieces and filters get a thorough treatment. Light-proofing your vehicle or using software to build custom star charts round out the suggestions.

In all, whether as a reference or as an introductory read, this book delivers. The background and justification for the hacks give sufficient information to believe in their value without overtaxing the brain. Neat hints, like keeping red pens away from night sites, help any observer from committing blunders. The table of contents and index simply and easily guide readers. While sketches, illustrations and photographs clarify many of the subtle points. There's even a note on the proper pronunciation of Greek letters.

With simple prose copiously sprinkled with personal, humorous anecdotes, the reading is a pleasure. Many references to manufacturers and equipment costs aid in selections today, though they probably won't stand the test of time. As well, there is very little on astro-photography. The authors simply say that this activity demands much practice and much equipment. Fair enough, but given the upsurge in computer literates, this area cries for more information.

Reading car repair manuals helps fix a car's problem or learn more about fixing cars in general. The same can be said for Astronomy Hacks. Each hack includes details, hints and tips to embellish a viewer's night time activities. Most of all it ably empowers you to take charge of your hobby and make the most of astronomical viewing.

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You can purchase Astronomy Hacks from bn.com. Slashdot welcomes readers' book reviews -- to see your own review here, read the book review guidelines, then visit the submission page.

Is it just me,

...or does it seem like the first paragraph of this review has nothing to do with the rest of it? Nice diatribe on the use of the word "hack", unfortunately it is useless in obtaining a quick overview of what the article is about.

Darn . . .

I was hoping this would be about cosmic engineering and turning large stars into Twelve Burst Firestorm with Loud Report supernova fireworks.

Astronomy Hack?

The skills used for 'astronomical observing' (astronomy?) take a long time to develop. I feel that a 'hack' involving this science/art-form helps keep people from learning about the wonders of being out in the night sky.

In my opinion, learning from the 'little things' is what it is all about.

How many people will appreciate the red pen reference until they have tried to read a red pen using nothing but red light?

Perhaps it is just me.

Re:Astronomy Hack?

Truth be told, it sounds more like an instruction manual for God-like beings:

"Tired of creating the same old night sky? Want to dazzle and confuse your sentient beings? Astronomy Hacks give you the tips and tricks you need to succeed."

Eric
William Shat [ericgiguere.com]

Astronomy- The first web

If you think about it, the night sky is a lot like the internet- You can look at it for hours and lose yourself in it....
As far as the book goes- a lot of these hacks come in handy- a lot of equipment that would have been out of reach for the hobbyist/am astronomer a few years ago are now somewhat affordable, so it may actually come in handy to know how to polish a 10 pound mirror.
And believe me, you want a highly polished mirror in the summer, when blinds are left open and the neighbour's daughter is out sunning.... Speaking of polishing, I'll be back in a few minutes....

Re:Astronomy- The first web

Sounds like mirrors aren't the only thing that will get polished today.

Re:Astronomy- The first web

It's fitting for /. that a masturbation joke be moderated insightful; lots of people with insight about that here...

ima hacker!

experts who are presenting hacks derived from years worth of knowledge

well slap my ass and call me a hacker.. I've been accumulating (and using) years worth of knowledge on band-aiding, skirting tight deadlines, and "just-get-it-done" attitudes.

If only I could find a company to work for who isn't interested in hacks... *sigh*

hack this, and hack that

Am I the only one getting feed up about books with "hack" in the title. It's not like the English language has a shortage of words. Now we got Google hacks, brain hacks and astronomy hacks.

I dunno

the concept of 'hacking' astronomy seems weak. Wouldn't just tips and ideas for getting a better experience be a better way to title it?

Hacking implies the ability to alter something, which astronomy doesn't really lend it self to, much. I couldn't alter Tempel-1's path to avoid Deep Impact (just kidding), and I don't think I could 'hack' anything else in astronomy.

Astronomy hack - plumbing your yard for liquid N2

I dunno, "astronomy hack" seems more like plumbing your yard for liquid nitrogen using existing sprinkler system pipe, or turning a Mattel Barbie Photo Designer into a functioning spectrograph.

Re:I dunno

Although I dislike the use of the word hacking in this context it technically isn't wrong to use it. One definition of hacking is "In a similar vein, a "hack" may refer to works outside of computer programming. For example, a math hack means a clever solution to a mathematical problem. The GNU General Public License has been described as a copyright hack because it cleverly uses the copyright laws for a purpose the lawmakers did not foresee."

Soon the terms hack and hacking will be able to fit into anything. Like I found a way to make Mac and Cheese using less ingredients so I should publish it in my Food hacks book...

Hack?

However, for an expert, a hack is the complete opposite. It's a beautiful, well thought resolution that uses minimal effort.
Or, it's someone who is the complete opposite of an expert...
For example: "Dr. Zell, why do those Thompson hacks insist on writing books about astronomy all the time? They should go find a new planet or something and stop wasting their time! Gosh!"

Hacking

IIIIIIIIN SPAAAAAAAAAAAACE.

Cool. I might check it out. I've got a lot of friends who are interested in stargazing, but are a little impatient with my attempts to explain things regarding astronomy (one reason I don't wish to be a teacher). I've been casually looking for an easy to use amateur's guide to help me figure out how to make myself understandable.

Also, I like how it's a Hacks book on a physical science. Too many people, even in tech, think that hacking is only about computers. It's nice to reiterate that a hack is any type of bending or slick utilization of the rules to make a job easier. Whatever platform your hack is based on is your business.

Sample Hacks

I've always liked that O'Reilly puts up some samples so you can decide before you buy. Here are some samples from the book's main page [oreilly.com]:

• Hack 18: Print Custom Charts [oreilly.com] (PDF)
• Hack 25: Learn Urban Observing Skills [oreilly.com] (PDF)
• Hack 41: Counterweight a Dobsonian Scope [oreilly.com] (PDF)
• Hack 58: Enhance Lunar and Planetary Contrast and Detail [oreilly.com] (PDF)

Enjoy!

A firearm for protection from four-legged ones?

Some of us think it wise to carry a firearm for proctection from two-legged predators as well, for those who think four-legged predators will not be a problem, perhaps you camp in your backyard more than the great outdoors!

Hackery

"Hacking" is doing something with a system that its designer(s) did not expect. Some would say that every observation of the sky not mentioned in the Bible is a "hack". Others, particularly scientists free from such mystical sentiment, would say the only "astronomy hacks" are departures from the telescope manual. Just because a "trick" isn't common knowledge doesn't make it a hack. That's why the term "hack" is charged with connotations, good or bad, depending on how sacred you believe the rules to be.

Home Observatories (Not Quite OT)

The other day I stumbled across The Observatories of Sky & Telescope [skyandtelescope.com], a collection of online articles where where the staff at S&T detail the construction of their own home observatories. Lots of photos and hints. They also provide an alternative [skyandtelescope.com] for those of us who won't be pouring concrete any time soon.

Quite neat.

Stupid English

Hack

1. Originally, a quick job that produces what is needed, but not well.

2. An incredibly good, and perhaps very time-consuming, piece of work that produces exactly what is needed.

I swear, we need to just get rid of this word. I mean, that's bad, and not in a good way.

And for TOTAL newbies, try this:

For total night-sky newbies, try Stikky Night Skies [stikky.com]. As they say, "Learn 6 constellations, 4 stars, a planet, a galaxy, and how to navigate at night-in one hour, guaranteed." Using a mix of programmed instruction [wikipedia.org] and engaging text, this short-but-sweet book acts as in "installer program" that installs some basic, fun astronomical information into your brain.

They have the first section online here [stikky.com]. If you can't already find Betelgeuse, you will be able to fifteen minutes after clicking on this link.

-Mark, simply an extremely satisfied customer, and budding night-sky observer

Re:For an expert what?

Feh. Ever studied biology? Talk about your hacks.. I'm with O'Reilly on renovating the term Hack. Think of it as 'informally applied cleverness', if it makes you feel any better.

Re:my favorite hack for those without a nice scope

When I go to a public frequented area to observe, I always bring along the spare generic 5 inch reflector and set it up on an obvious target like Saturn or the current newsworthy comet. The wife and I take turns keeping it on target and doing a little yadd

Re:my favorite hack for those without a nice scope

er sorry, forgot http: // [googel.com]...

Re:Bring a gun.

As Yoda would say "Break me a fucking give."

I just read the first chapter of this book on O'Reilly's Safari and the authors make it sound like they're observing from downtown Bagdad.

Between the warnings of not leaving women alone, bundling up for tick pr

Re:Bring a gun.

I live in the boonies of BC, in bear country. There's a bear den about 300 feet up the mountain from my house. In my experience, people who don't live with bears have entirely the wrong ideas about them. Bears don't eat people, flat out. They eat berries,