Practical Astronomy with your Calculator

Practical Astronomy with your Calculator is a book written by Peter Duffett-Smith, a University Lecturer and a Fellow of Downing College. It was first published in 1979 and has been in publication for over 30 years. The book teaches how to solve astronomical calculations with a pocket calculator. The book covers topics such as time, coordinate systems, the Sun, planetary systems, binary stars, the Moon and eclipses.[1] The third edition features new sections on generalised coordinate transformations, nutation, aberration, and selenographic coordinates.

Practical Astronomy with your Calculator
First edition
AuthorPeter Duffett Smith
SubjectAstronomy
PublisherCambridge University Press
Publication date
1979
Pages185
ISBN0-521-35629-6

The book has been used by amateur astronomers and those studying introductory astronomy. It was written because of a suggestion by Dr. Anthony Winter.[2]

Modern use

The mathematical operations used in the book are subtraction, addition, multiplication, division and trigonometric functions. Angles are illustrated in degrees and not radians. The calculations are carried out on a calculator. The book "explains in simpler terms the equations used to calculate almanac data."[3]

Reviews

The Cambridge Guide to Astronomical Discovery states that Practical Astronomy with your Calculator is a "must"-have book if one has no personal computer for astronomical calculations.[4] New Scientist magazine gave a favourable review of the book, although stating that there were small errors in some calculations.[5] Archaeoastronomy states "the book is recommended as easy to use and reliable."[6]

References
  1. Duffett-Smith Peter (1995), Practical Astronomy with your Calculator. Third Edition. Cambridge University Press.
  2. Duffett-Smith Peter (1995), Practical Astronomy with your Calculator. Third Edition. Cambridge University Press.
  3. Burch David (1986), Emergency Navigation:find your position and shape your course at sea even if your instruments fail. Second Edition. International Marine/McGrawhill page 251
  4. Liller William (1992). The Cambridge Guide To Astronomical Discovery. Cambridge University Press. p. 242.
  5. New Scientist. 85 (1189): 92. 10 January 1980. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  6. Archaeoastronomy:Vol 3-4. Center for Archaeoastronomy. University of Maryland. 1980. p. 42.
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