Title David Levy's guide to variable stars Author(s) David H. Levy Description 1 online resource (xiv, 262 pages) : digital, PDF file(s) Abstract Note Variable stars are fascinating objects to observe; found all over the sky, they change in brightness over time and can be seen with even the most basic of equipment. Variable star astronomy is one field in which amateur astronomers can still make significant contributions to science and in this highly accessible book David Levy teaches the reader how variable stars work, and how to observe them. Using simple, non-technical terms he explains how to get started with electronic (or CCD) observing, as well as how to observe variable stars through a small telescope or binoculars. Including a section on Southern hemisphere stars, the book covers various types of object that can be observed by amateur astronomers, including more exotic phenomena like gamma ray bursts, blazars, and polars. This book will serve to motivate anyone with even a basic interest in astronomy to begin observing these fascinating objects Contents Note Part I: Getting to know the sky -- Beginning with the Big Dipper -- Magnitude, color, and distance -- A word on binoculars and telescopes -- Learning to see -- Part II: Getting to know the variables -- Meeting the family -- Getting started with Cepheids -- Algol, the demon of autumn -- How to estimate a variable -- Names and records -- How your observations help us understand a variable star -- Observing hints -- Observing with CCDs -- Stately and wonderful -- Stars of challenge -- Bright, easy, and interesting -- Betelgeuse: easy and hard -- Not too regular -- Nova? What nova? -- Supernovae -- Clyde Tombaugh's star and the family of cataclysmic variables -- A nova in reverse? -- RU Lupi? -- Orion, the star factory -- Other variable things -- The sun -- Part III: Suggested variables for observation throughout the year -- Introduction -- January, February, March -- April, May, June -- July, August, September -- October, November, December -- Southern sky notes -- Part IV: A miscellany -- Stars and people -- "Hands-on astrophysics" and the next generation -- Going further -- Glossary and abbreviations Notes Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 05 Oct 2015) Keyword(s) 1. EBOOK 2. EBOOK - CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS 3. VARIABLE STARS Item Type Book Multi-Media Links media link description Circulation Data Accession#   Call# Status Issued To Return Due On Physical Location OB0617     On Shelf