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. -- We live in a violent universe. The media constantly remind us of the possibility of an object suddenly appearing and hitting Earth. A hit by an asteroid is believed to have spelled the end of the dinosaurs. Such a collision by an object from space could cause another extinction event, if the object were large enough. And such objects are definitely out there. Often called "the vermin of the sky," asteroids roam our Solar System often unseen. Many have been tracked, and their orbits calculated. But there are still many to be discovered and assessed. Many amateur astronomers are helping in this effort, sometimes even working with professional astronomers, to contribute to our knowledge and avert danger. Some people just enjoying locating these or the dwarf planets, such as Pluto, and then following their paths. Whatever your interest, Asteroids and Dwarf Planets and How to Observe Them will help you get started. It will tell you what you are looking at and why you should look. It will also help you learn how to look. This is definitely an area where amateurs can make a difference. Roger Dymock, in clear, engaging language can help you get started right now!

Dwarf planets (which were formerly called asteroids except for the planet Pluto), and the smaller Solar System bodies still called asteroids today, are making front page news, particularly those that are newly discovered and those that might present a hazard to life on Earth by impacting our planet. In this age of giant telescopes and space probes, these small Solar System bodies have advanced from being tiny points of light to bodies worthy of widespread study. This book describes the dwarf planets and asteroids themselves, their origins, orbits, and composition, and at how amateur astronomers can play a part in their detection, tracking, and imaging. The book is divided into two parts. Part I describes physical properties (including taxonomic types) of dwarf planets and asteroids, how they formed in the early life of the Solar System, and how they evolved to their present positions, groups, and families. It also covers the properties used to define these small Solar System bodies: magnitude, rotation rates (described by their light-curves), and orbital characteristics. Part II opens with a description of the hardware and software an amateur or practical astronomer needs to observe and also to image asteroids. Then numerous observing techniques are covered in depth. Finally, there are lists of relevant amateur and professional organizations and how to submit your own observations to them.

Geared toward students, this guide provides an overview of the small bodies that orbit the sun. This volume in the Greenwood Guides to the Universe series covers asteroids, comets, and dwarf planets--those small bodies that revolve the Sun--and provides readers with the most up-to-date understanding of the current state of scientific knowledge about them. Scientifically sound, but written with the student in mind, Asteroids, Comets, and Dwarf Planets is an excellent first step for researching the exciting scientific discoveries of the smallest celestial bodies in the solar system. The book will introduce students to all of the areas of research surrounding the subject, answering many intriguing questions. It defines a dwarf planet and explains why Pluto is one. It looks at how such small bodies form, what they are made of, and what kind of atmospheres might they have. And it asks--and answers--whether asteroids, comets, and dwarf planets present a hazard to the Earth or to spacecraft. Thematic chapters enhance understanding of the broad concepts presented 66 illustrations make it easier for students to grasp the subjects discussed A glossary of scientific and astrology-related terms facilitates reading and understanding A bibliography of useful resources puts readers on the right track to learn more about the subjects discussed

In 2006, Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet. Small, rocky dwarf planets make their home on the outer edges of the solar system. Scientists use telescopes to study Pluto and the dwarf planets as they orbit the Sun. Their fascinating findings are on display in this informative title about some of the solar system’s most far-away objects!

This stunning astronomy book explores Dwarf Planets and Asteroids: Minor Bodies of the Solar System. Written by a retired astronomer, the book provides a survey of the dwarf planets and asteroids, giving details of the discovery, naming, orbits, and physical characteristics of hundreds of examples of the known asteroids found by astronomers in the past two centuries. It also includes the different groups and classes of asteroids. Those bodies that have been visited by spacecraft are singled out for extra attention, including close-up photos where available. About two hundred asteroids have been found to have moons of their own, and the story of their discovery and examples of these moons are also included.

This book gives a detailed introduction to the thousands and thousands of smaller bodies in the solar system. Written for interested laymen, amateur astronomers and students it describes the nature and origin of asteroids, dwarf planets and comets, and gives detailed information about their role in the solar system. The author nicely reviews the history of small-world-exploration and describes past, current and future space craft missions studying small worlds, and presents their results. Readers will learn that small solar system worlds have a dramatically different nature and appearance than the planets. Even though research activity on small worlds has increased in the recent past many of their properties are still in the dark and need further research.

Peering through a telescope, you are likely to encounter a host of celestial bodies—anything from another planet to a comet—speckling the night sky. Careful observation has shown that while each object follows a unique orbit or trajectory, these entities also share numerous qualities and together provide critical information about space and the universe as a whole. This engaging volume surveys the characteristics of the diverse objects that make up the solar system as well as their distinguishing features.

Geared toward students, this guide provides an overview of the small bodies that orbit the sun. This volume in the Greenwood Guides to the Universe series covers asteroids, comets, and dwarf planets—those small bodies that revolve the Sun—and provides readers with the most up-to-date understanding of the current state of scientific knowledge about them. Scientifically sound, but written with the student in mind, Asteroids, Comets, and Dwarf Planets is an excellent first step for researching the exciting scientific discoveries of the smallest celestial bodies in the solar system. The book will introduce students to all of the areas of research surrounding the subject, answering many intriguing questions. It defines a dwarf planet and explains why Pluto is one. It looks at how such small bodies form, what they are made of, and what kind of atmospheres might they have. And it asks—and answers—whether asteroids, comets, and dwarf planets present a hazard to the Earth or to spacecraft.

Discusses the 2006 reclassification of Pluto as a dwarf planet, and describes its physical characteristics, as well as those of other celestial bodies such as moons and asteroids.

Asteroids, particularly those that might present a hazard to life on Earth by impacting our planet, are important. In this age of giant telescopes (Keck and Hubble) and space probes (NEAR) the minor planets have advanced from being tiny points of light to front-page news when they approach Earth. This book looks at the asteroids (minor planets) themselves, their origins, orbits and composition, and at how amateur astronomers can play a part in their detection, tracking and imaging. It begins with a short review of the asteroids themselves, such as the "big four" and a few other highlights a?? objects such as close-approach objects, and some distant and historical types. The book then reviews the beginnings of serious observations by amateurs, and the start of the ALPOa??s Minor Planet Section and Minor Planet Bulletin (MPB) . The second part of the book is designed to help the reader become part of the community of serious minor planet observers. This does not mean setting goals of getting every reader to do research, but rather to supply readers with enough hard information to allow them to join the Pro/Am minor planet community and contribute in the way they prefer. It describes Internet options and key sites, software recommendations, and even how to use charts well at the telescope eyepiece. First time projects for those who have never seen an asteroid explain everything needed for spotting asteroids and keeping records of sightings. This is not a book only for observers who can spend thousands of dollars on telescopes and do world-class work, but is also a manual for newcomers: new visual observers who may be tomorrowa??s groundbreakers.