Supernovae and How to Observe Them [electronic resource] / by Martin Mobberley.

Supernovae: Physics and Statistics -- Supernova Physics -- Supernovae to Measure the Universe -- Supernovae in Our Neighborhood -- The Top 100 Extragalactic Supernovae -- Supernovae: A Threat to Life on Earth -- Observing and Discovering Supernovae -- Supernovae as Visual Variable Stars -- Supernova Photometry and Light Curves -- Supernova Spectroscopy -- Amateur Supernova Hunting in the 21st Century -- The Discoverers Themselves -- Searching the Messier Galaxies -- Searching the Caldwell Galaxies -- Observing Supernova Remnants.

Supernovae mark the deaths of massive stars or of white dwarfs in binary systems, and are unbelievably violent events. Even when they occur in galaxies millions of light years away they can be within the reach of amateur astronomers’ telescopes. More than 400 supernovae have already been discovered by amateurs. Supernovae and How to Observe Them is a mine of information for all levels of amateur astronomer, from relative beginners to experienced observers. Whether you are interested in the supernova physics, observing supernovae and supernova remnants, measuring their spectra or even discovering new supernovae yourself, this book provides all the information you need.