Mars Observer's Guide

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

In the year 2003, Mars will be closer to Earth than it has ever been. This presents the best (and rare) opportunity to observe the Red Planet. This book is a well-illustrated resource created for the amateur astronomer. It covers everything that is needed to know to make the most of this unique occurrence.

The Mars Observer's Guide describes what equipment is needed to observe Mars and explains the various methods of recording what you can see: from simple sketches to CCD (charge-coupled devices) imaging.

Astronomers will also learn what to look for throughout 2003 and also in 2005 and 2007 when similar phenomena occur. The book goes beyond being an observational guide with an excellent general introduction to Mars. The planet's structure and key physical features are extensively described and illustrated.

The long history of its observation from Earth is also discussed, including the intriguing Martian canals controversy. The book addresses the various space missions to Mars -- past and future -- and contains fascinating images sent via space probes.

Mars Observer's Guide even considers the possibility of life on Mars which will encourage many current and would-be astronomers to diligently watch the Red Planet in 2003.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• Foreword
• Chapter 1 Observing the Red Planet
• Mars myths
• Modern myths - Mars in science fiction
• Chapter 2 Mars as a Planet
• Orbit
• Martian geology
• Atmosphere
• Seasons
• Satellites
• Chapter 3 Equipment basics
• The ideal planetary telescope
• Mountings
• Eyepieces
• Filters
• Other considerations
• Seeing
• Keeping a record
• Sketching
• Photography
• CCD imaging
• Video
• Chapter 4 The View from Earth
• The telescopic view
• Mars in 2001
• Chapter 5 Mars in 2003
• Highlights for telescopic observers in 2003
• Mars ephemeris for 2003
• Chapter 6 Mars in 2005
• Highlights for telescopic observers in 2005
• Chapter 7 Mars in 2007-8
• Highlights for telescopic observers in 2007-8
• Chapter 8 Early Explorers
• Moving the Earth
• Early telescopic views
• The late 18th century
• The early 19th century
• Mid-19th-century observers
• Schiaparelli and the canals
• The canal controversy
• Chapter 9 Space Age Mars
• Early missions
• Mariner 9
• Beyond Mariner
• The Vikings
• Back to Mars
• Mars Pathfinder
• Mars Global Surveyor
• Losses and recovery
• Missions for 2003-4
• Beyond 2004
• Chapter 10 Life on Mars?
• Life on Earth - and elsewhere?
• The Viking experiments
• Mars on Earth
• Antarctic meteorites
• ALH 84001
• Glossary
• Appendix
• Index
• Acknowledgements

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

Although it concentrates on the unusually close approach of Mars in August 2003, this book also describes the somewhat less favorable oppositions that will occur in 2005 and 2007-2008. The descriptions of what can be seen and recorded with different telescopes under different conditions are clear and enthusiastic, and there are tables of numerical data for all three oppositions. Bone also offers a history of our changing views of Mars and summarizes past and future robotic missions to the planet. Although most of the information is available elsewhere (especially on the Internet), the book assembles it in a convenient form that will be valuable to amateur astronomers at the beginning to intermediate level. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. General readers; lower- and upper-division undergraduates. T. Barker Wheaton College (MA)

Booklist Review

Amateur astronomers have not been entirely superseded by the professionals. In fact, they are often the first to spot dust storms on Mars, which in August 2003 will also be the brightest heavenly body visible, except for the moon and the sun. Come late summer Mars will be closer to Earth than it has ever been before, and its prominence in the sky will definitely provoke interest in the Red Planet. Libraries prescient enough to have Bone's guide at the ready will be prepared to meet patron demand, for its information is modulated for the needs of a novice observer. After explaining the orbital arrangement (termed an opposition) that brings Mars so close, Bone lines up the advantages and drawbacks of three types of commercially available telescopes; binoculars, he writes, are not powerful enough to enable viewers to see the features on Mars. With a summary of the exploration of the planet, and with observing specs for oppositions in 2005 and 2007, Bone's work has both immediate and future shelf life. --Gilbert Taylor