Star Clusters: A Pocket Field Guide - Paperback

by Charles A. Cardona III (Author)

I have spent many wonderful nights observing at a variety of places around the world, but many of my fondest memories come from those made at the Custer Observatory in Southold on Long Island, where I grew up. I was only perhaps a dozen years old when I started out, and now more than three decades later I have logged millions of miles on the various telescopes there. Some of the best memories are of observing and discussing astronomical topics with the many really terrific people who make up Custer. It truly holds a special place in my heart. Star clusters were always among my favorite objects to observe and discuss there. This book is the result of the exposure to these objects, many of which I observed for the first time at Custer. The Custer Institute Observatory was founded in the 1920s by local resident Charles W. Elmer of Perkin-Elmer Corp. fame. The original crew met at his house in Cedar Beach a few miles down the road from the institute. In the 1930s the group built an observatory complete with Mr. Elmer's donated 5" Alvan Clark refractor. Later the observatory expanded to include a 6" Clark refractor and other even larger instruments.

Back Jacket

Star clusters are some of the most beautiful objects in the night sky and are prime targets for observational astronomers as well as astrophotographers. Using some of the newer technologies and larger and more powerful telescopes available today to amateur astronomers, many more of these dazzling groupings of stars can now be located and viewed throughout the year. In this field guide that will help you to decide what to look for and where to look for it, as well as what equipment to use, you will find what you need, whether you are a beginner in the field or an experienced observer. So on the next clear night, take your book and your binoculars or telescope and maybe your camera outside and see what new wonders can be revealed to you. You won't be disappointed!

Author Biography

Charles Cardona has been a teaching assistant in Astronomy at SUNY Suffolk Community College in New York, a former observatory director, a Variable Star section director, and a chairman of the board at the Custer Institute Observatory. He also taught courses, lectures, and seminars in Astronomy, Optics, and Computer Science. He was also the publisher of the Observatory Report Newsletter. In addition to his astronomy work, Charles has been an entrepreneur and has built and sold several companies. During the past 10 years, he has donated more than $200,000 to astronomy, education, and related children's causes. He recently organized the installation of a new observatory dome and telescope equipment. He is currently involved in various educational programs and groups dedicated to finding missing children.