Asteroids and dwarf planets and how to observe them /

For most of the public, the term "asteroid" is either unfamiliar or associated with the speculation that the impact of one of these objects might damage civilization. For Dymock, an accomplished optical observer, asteroids offer the opportunity for amateur astronomers to enjoy challenging celestial targets and to augment the scientific research of professional astronomers. In the first part of the book, the author examines asteroids and the related small bodies of the solar system, the dwarf planets and comets. The understanding of asteroids has become very involved as the number of identified objects has risen to nearly a half million, but the writing is clear and succinct. The remaining two-thirds of the book constitute a detailed exposition on why amateur observations are important, what observations are needed, and what techniques are required so that the data have lasting scientific value. Dymock guides readers through the modern technology and software with step-by-step instructions, and includes an exhaustive set of references to related Web sites. This is a truly outstanding manual for anyone who has an interest in studying these relics of the birth of the solar system. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Primarily amateur astronomers, but also lower-division undergraduates and professionals/practitioners. D. E. Hogg emeritus, National Radio Astronomy Observatory