Lookum Observatory

Munising, Mi.                   

Double Star Books of Interest       









Webb Society Deep-Sky Observer's Handbook - Volume 1 - Double Stars
The Webb Society - Enslow Publishers, Inc. - 1975 - v.1 - 166 pp.
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The first volume of seven about the deep-sky. Volume 1 is devoted to double stars covering the history, observing, measuring and photographing of double stars. Also included is a catalogue of 685 double stars with a total of 5035 measurements. An excellent reference for amateurs.



Observing Visual Double Stars
Paul Couteau (translated by Alan Batten) - The MIT Press - 1978 Fr. - 1981 En. - 257 pp.
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A comprenhesive reference covering every aspect of double star observing including optical concepts, measuring instruments, orbit computation and a catalogue of 744 selected doubles. This is a very good technical reference explaining theory and computational formulas used in double star study. An important reference.



The Binary Stars
Robert G. Aitken - Dover Publications, Inc. - 1964 - 309 pp.
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A technical reference on observing methods of visual double stars and orbit calculation of visual and spectroscopic binary stars, as well as extensive notes on binary stars of special interest to astronomers. Theory and formulas covering many aspects of binaries.



A Handbook of Double Stars
Edward Crossley, Joseph Gledhill & James Wilson - MacMillan & Co. - 1879 - 464 pp.
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A excellent double-star observer's handbook dealing with all aspects of double star observing. It contains a host of historical information, as well as a guide that covers from equipment selection to observing methods and orbit calculation. There is also technical discussion of relative rectilinear motion, proper motion and parallax; highlighting their effects on double star systems. A large catalogue of over 1000 binaries with many measurements and notes, some notes covering 5 pages on an individual system. An excellent reference.



The Bedford Catalogue
Admiral William H. Smyth - William-Bell Inc. - 1986 reproduction of 1844 edition - 560 pp.
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A observer's catalogue of 850 deep-sky objects by constellation; 680 of which are multiple star systems. This is not a catalogue of figures only, but mixed in are astronomical, mythological and historical lore. A wonderful reference for amateurs with small scopes.



Burnham's Celestial Handbook - Vol. 1, 2 & 3
Robert Burnham Jr. - Dover Publications, Inc. - 1966 - 2,138 pp.
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An observer's guide by constellation that was the most used reference by amateurs for many years. For the double star observer, it contains an comprehensive catalogue list of doubles with extensive descriptive notes for each constellation. An excellent reference with lots of information.



Field Book of The Skies
William Tyler Olcott & Edmund W. Putnam - G.P. Putnam's & Sons - 1929 - 534 pp.
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An observer's guide by constellation, broken up into the four seasons with finder charts. Observations of many deep-sky objects, but mostly double stars; all visible in a small telescope. It's a facinating reference with quotes from just about every person involved in early 20th century astronomy. A great historical reference and my favorite.



In Starland With A Three-Inch Telescope
William Tyler Olcott - G.P. Putnam's & Sons - 1909 - 146 pp.
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A predecessor to his "Field Book of The Skies", it's an observer's guide by constellation, broken up into the four seasons with finder charts. Though it has far fewer notes than the field guide, it still a good catalogue for amateurs.



The Night Sky Observer's Guide - Vol. 1 & 2
George Kepple & Glen Summer - William-Bell, Inc. - 1998 v.1- 430 pp., v.2 - 506 pp.
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An observer's guide by constellation that covers everything in the night sky. I include it because for each constellation they include a list of selected doubles with finder charts, as well as notes on a few observations. An excellent guide overall, I bought it for the double star coverage.



StarList 2000 Reference
Richard Dibon-Smith - John Wiley & Sons, Inc. - 1992 - 400 pp.
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Section II of the book (61 0f 400 pp.) is the "Binary Star Section" with catalogue lists of selected colorful binaries, selected visual binaries and orbital elements of selected binaries as well as drawn orbits of 18 list members having orbits of 300 yrs or less. An excellent reference.



The System of The Stars
Agnes M. Clerke - MacMillan & Co. - 1890 - 403 pp.
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Six chapters of this excellent reference are devoted to multiple star system as well as several other chapters that would be of interest to double-star observers. Discussions include the orbits, spectral characteristics and evolution of these systems. Clerke covers technical subject matter in a very understandable way, while adding an abundance of historical "color". A very good reference.



Visual Observing of Double Stars
Charles Worley - Sky Publishing Corp. - 1961 - 20 pp.
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A small 20 page booklet by Charles Worley consisting of a historical look at double star research, a discussion of filar micrometer construction and a catalogue of interesting double stars for amateur observation. Also included is a neat page of double star sketches by L. Rudaux and G. de Vaucouleurs.



A Field Guide to Double Star Observing
Joe DalSanto - Self Published. - 2003 - 105 pp.
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An excellent beginners guide to double star observing. This reference focuses on enjoying the beauty of these objects rather than a lot of technical details. There is a nice section on choosing the right equipment, but the heart of the publication is four seasonal star-hops to many of the showcase pairs. Also included is an extensive catalog of over 400 double stars.



Observing and Measuring Visual Double Stars
Robert Argyle - Springer-Verlag London Limited - 2004 - 326 pp.
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This reference focuses on the technical side of double star observing. Sections include topics by several very experienced observers that cover every aspect in this field. The focus is on the measurement of binary systems and acquaints the reader with the equipment and methods for doing so.



Double and Multiple Stars- How to Observe Them
James Mullaney - Springer-Verlag London Limited - 2005 - 131 pp.
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This is an excellent reference which gives a nice introduction to double stars. A section is devoted to the various classes of double stars and the astrophysics behind them. Observing techniques and equipment is nicely covered. Two observing projects/catalogs are then provided - one for touring the showcase pairs (100 objects) and the second is for serious study, including 400 pairs within the range of amateur equipment.






Questions or comments welcomed by P.J. Anway at: Email

(Images and text may be used with written permission of the author)


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