Robert Bruce Thompson

The book contains procedures for many different kinds of chemistry experiments. I was impressed by the range of them. They cover most of the content of a first-year college chemistry course from stoichiometry, acids and bases, different types of reactions, gas laws, kinetics, and some interesting syntheses and forensic science work. I think this might be a good resource for homeschools or others trying to learn science on their own, if those people remember that this is only a small taste of the field of chemistry. Also, a regular textbook is required along with this book, as Thompson doesn't explain how to do the calculations you need for the experiments or many of the underlying concepts. This book should be used as a secondary text for practical (lab) work only.… (lisätietoja)

Astronomy Hacks owes its title to the distant days when hacking was a complimentary term, referring to a quick and dirty but generally clever way to fix some technical problem. Particularly in the software industry, hacking traditionally implied creative participation and sharing ideas, an ethic which still underpins developments such as open source code. In Astronomy Hacks, the authors – a husband and wife team from North Carolina, USA – have compiled their knowledge and experience into 65 well documented “hacks”, with the stated aim of helping new astronomers to find their way over the initial learning hump, spend their money wisely, and bypass the frustrations that plague many beginners.

The hacks are organised into four chapters. Getting Started (Hacks 1-10), aimed very much at complete beginners, covers basics such as joining an astronomy club, observing site etiquette, and how to dress for warmth on a cold night, but also includes two lengthy and thoughtfully written essays on choosing the best binocular (Hack 8) and choosing the best general purpose telescope (Hack 9). Regardless of whether or not you agree with their conclusions – the authors are big fans of 6” – 10” Dobsonians – their discussion emphasises important practicalities all beginners should think about (ease of use, portability), and is full of sound advice.

Observing Hacks (Hacks 11-32) deals with basic observing skills, such as protecting your dark adaptation, printing and interpreting custom star charts, star hopping, and logging observations. My favourite (Hack 19) is easily the simplest. Ever get tired of constantly shuttling between eyepiece and chart table, trying to relate the chart to what you see through the eyepiece? Use fridge magnets to mount your charts directly beside the eyepiece, so you can switch views without having to move.
Scope Hacks (Hacks 33-43) gives detailed and very practical advice on how to fine tune a Newtonian for best performance, including centre spotting your mirror, cleaning the primary mirror, collimation, and minimising astigmatism. Collimation strikes many beginners as a black art, but it’s safe to say that – if you don’t feel comfortable giving it a go after reading this chapter – you should consider swapping your Newtonian for a refractor. Several hacks are specific to Dobsonians, reflecting the authors view that such instruments, by their very nature, are inherently well suited for hacking. As the introduction to this chapter puts it, buy a refractor or SCT and you’ve bought a scope; buy a Dob and you’ve bought an ongoing project.
Accessory Hacks (Hacks 44-65) includes eyepiece selection and management, how and why to use a Barlow; upgrading your finderscope; choosing and using filters; and more advanced improvements such as building an equatorial platform for a Dob. Before treating myself to a unit power finder last year I scoured the internet for guidance as to the relative merits of a Telrad versus a Rigel QuikFinder, but without success. Hack 53 covers this in detail. (The verdict? I won’t go wrong with the QuikFinder, but would have done better to buy a Telrad because of its 4º field of view…)

As is all too common with astronomy books generally, Astronomy Hacks is almost oblivious to the fact that many astronomers live south of the equator. Hacks 29 and 30 devote 20 pages to planning and running a Messier marathon, which is strictly a northern hemisphere pursuit. Hack 56, on using angular separations between easily recognised stars to gauge your finderscope’s actual field of view, is limited to Ursa Major and Cassiopeia, neither of which rises high enough to be readily observable south of the Tropic of Capricorn. Nor does the book delve into hacks for the more advanced astronomer: astrophotography is mentioned only briefly, and techniques for accurate polar alignment not at all. But these are minor criticisms, and are unlikely to bother beginning astronomers who are the author’s intended audience. For such readers, Astronomy Hacks is a useful and welcome addition to the astronomical literature, full of eminently practical advice and observing tips so clearly explained that anyone should be able to make them work.

(adapted from CASMag, March 2006)… (lisätietoja)