This revolutionary new book is written for practical amateur astronomers who not only want to observe, but want to know the details of exactly what they are looking at. The Moon is the most commonly observed of all astronomical objects. This is the first book to deal equally with the Moon itself - its formation, geology, and history - as well as the practical aspects of observation.
The concept of the book - and of the series - is to present an up-to-date detailed description of the Moon, including its origins, history, and geology (part one); and then (part two) to consider how best to observe and record it successfully using commercially-available equipment.
Introduction.- Part 1 - The Moon.- 1. The Moon?s origin.- 2. The Measure of the Moon.- 3. Worlds in comparison.- Part 2 - Observing the Moon.- 4. Observing and recording the Moon.- 5. Viewing the Moon with the Unaided Eye.- 6. Lunar showcase - a binocular tour.- 7. A Survey of the Moon?s Near Side.- 8. Advanced Lunar Research.- 9. Lunar Observer?s Equipment: Glossary.
From the reviews: "Books on the Moon tend to be either photographic or cartographic collections, observing guides or text books ! . This book conveniently provides elements of all three ! . Production quality is very good, with high quality semi-gloss paper, 134 figures, many in colour. ! These are followed with a glossary, a list of resources including organisations, internet resources and bibliography ! . If you are looking for a lunar guide with some nice clear maps ! you would be hard pressed to find better." (Roger Feasey, Journal of Auckland Astronomical, July, 2005) "Grego provides a refreshingly clear explanation of how the Moon's surface and interior reached their present state ! . The section comparing the Earth's moon to the moons of the other planets in the Solar System is particularly interesting, leaving the reader with many easily remembered facts ! . The book was obviously produced with great care. ! this thoroughly up-to-date book may prove to be well suited for the intermediate amateur astronomer seeking more specialized knowledge of a timely subject." (Brian Chapel, The Observatory, Vol. 126 (1193), 2006) "The Moon and How to Observe It is the latest of Springer-Verlag's Astronomers' Observing Guides. Described as 'an advanced handbook for students of the Moon', it is in fact suitable for amateur astronomers of all levels, beginner as well as advanced. ! The book is illustrated by about 100 photographs and drawings, many of them by Grego himself. ! a detailed and up-to-date guide, ideal for the amateur astronomer who wishes to observe the Moon or simply learn more about it." (Brendan K Ward, Astronomy and Space, June, 2006) "Refreshingly, Peter Grego's book explores every aspect of the Moon ! . It also includes recent theories on the possibilities of the existence of lunar ice in deep polar craters. ! Outline drawings, photographs and descriptions illustrate the lunar surface ! . This publication would be a good addition to the library of anyone interested in the Moon." (Alan Wells, BBC SkyatNight, February, 2006) "The current crop range from scholarly discourses on lunar geology to popular tours of lunar features. Grego has attempted to include all of this and more in his book ! . Grego does an excellent job of describing the wide range of features that are visible in moderate telescopes and he includes several interesting projects that will encourage beginners. ! this discussion of the visual treats available to naked eye, binocular and telescopic workers is very valuable. ! I would recommend this book ! ." (Nick James, Journal of the British Astronomical Association, Vol. 116 (2), 2006)