Asteroids and Dwarf Planets and How to Observe Them

Asteroids and Dwarf Planets.- Small (and Not So Small) Solar System Bodies.- Groups and Families.- The Nature of Asteroids and Dwarf Planets.- Origins and Evolution.- Impact?.- Observing Guide.- Observatories.- Visual Observing.- Webcam and DSLR Imaging.- Astrometry Tools and Techniques.- Astrometry Projects.- Lightcurve Photometry Tools and Techniques.- Lightcurve Photometry Projects.- Absolute Magnitude.- Occultations.- On-Line Image Analysis.- A Final Word.

Roger Dymock lives in Hampshire, England. He is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. His published work includes Journal of the BAA: "The Observapod - a GRP observatory"; Minor Planet Bulletin, No. 32 2005: "Lightcurve of 423 Diotima"; Sky at Night magazine: "How to track an asteroid"; and Journal of the BAA: "A method for determining the V magnitude of asteroids from CCD images" (jointly with Dr Richard Miles).

From the reviews:

"A step-by-step guide to visual observing shows how to find and follow asteroid images. ... Dymock's book is full of good illustrations, many in colour. ... the book is a broad overview of current asteroid science ... . it will give interested amateurs some good ideas about how they could contribute, and will point them to sources of more detailed information. Heartily recommended." (Edward Bowell, Journal of British Astronomical Association, Vol. 121 (2), 2011)

"Roger Dymock has all the knowledge necessary to instruct a newcomer in the art of asteroid observing. Fortunately, he has had the patience to assemble this excellent observing manual for any potential student of minor planets and the more distant dwarf planets too. Owning the book is like having Roger as your personal mentor. ... Roger's book 'does exactly what it says on the tin' and will be invaluable to all asteroid observers, even those with some mileage on the clock." (Martin Mobberley, Astronomy Now, June, 2011)

"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. ... 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, Choice, Vol. 48 (10), June, 2011)

"You get two books for the price of one here. The first 60 pages gives the formal definitions of small Solar System bodies ... . The remaining two-thirds of the book discusses how the amateur can observe these objects. ... There are certainly many excellent hints and tips. ...

From the reviews:

"A step-by-step guide to visual observing shows how to find and follow asteroid images. ... Dymock's book is full of good illustrations, many in colour. ... the book is a broad overview of current asteroid science ... . it will give interested amateurs some good ideas about how they could contribute, and will point them to sources of more detailed information. Heartily recommended." (Edward Bowell, Journal of British Astronomical Association, Vol. 121 (2), 2011)

"Roger Dymock has all the knowledge necessary to instruct a newcomer in the art of asteroid observing. Fortunately, he has had the patience to assemble this excellent observing manual for any potential student of minor planets and the more distant dwarf planets too. Owning the book is like having Roger as your personal mentor. ... Roger's book 'does exactly what it says on the tin' and will be invaluable to all asteroid observers, even those with some mileage on the clock." (Martin Mobberley, Astronomy Now, June, 2011)

"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. ... 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, Choice, Vol. 48 (10), June, 2011)

"You get two books for the price of one here. The first 60 pages gives the formal definitions of small Solar System bodies ... . The remaining two-thirds of the book discusses how the amateur can observe these objects. ... There are certainly manyexcellent hints and tips. ...