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A Field Guide to Stars and Planets (Peterson Field Guides(R))
Jay M. Pasachoff Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Similar Items:
ASIN: 0395934311 |
Book Description
The fourth edition of this best-selling field guide has been completely revised and updated to include the latest information from leading astronomical sources. All the time-sensitive material is new and valid through 2010: solar eclipses, phases of the moon, positions of the planets, and more. Twenty-four Monthly Sky Maps, all newly revised and in color, show exactly what you'll see when facing north or south in the night sky. Fifty-two Atlas Charts, also revised and in color, cover the entire sky, including close-ups of areas of special interest such as the Pleiades and the Orion Nebula. The hundreds of thousands of devoted users of the previous editions of this guide have been eagerly awaiting this new volume so they can continue to enjoy their hobby in the coming decades.Customer Reviews:
excellent guide to astronomy.......2006-05-13
It had what I wanted!.......2005-10-06
Supreme writing and wonderful pictures.......2004-05-23
This is one of my "desert island" books........2004-05-07
An entire astronomy library packed into a single portable field guide, Jay Pasachoff's entry in the Peterson Field Guide series is a delightful introduction to, and reference for, the universe revealed in the night sky.
If you have any interest in astronomy at all, you can always find something in here to look at or just to sit and ponder about.
Besides the obvious things like monthly star charts for both northern and southern hemispheres, the book contains a complete 52 chart atlas of the sky put together by Wil Tirion with notes on objects in each chart, clever finder charts and tables for the planets for a ten year period, history and lore of the naming of the constallations, many, many photographs of astronomical objects taken by Hubble and other telescopes, an atlas of the moon, and many enlightening charts and tables of things like details of the brightest/nearest stars, the planets and their moons, and so on.
There's a section on each of the planets, and of course lots of coverage of the sun and eclipses of the sun and moon.
It always surprises me that this book doesn't seem to get as much respect in astronomical circles as I think it deserves. While you can certainly fill a library with astronomical books and atlases that are better than this field guide in any one area, you will not do better than this book in stuffing all of that information together in one "to go" package.
An excellent gift for a child starting to get interested in science and the world at large.
I could go on, but you should just buy the book and see for yourself :-)
G.
For those serious about learning astronomy.......2004-01-13
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Smithsonian Handbooks: Stars and Planets (Smithsonian Handbooks)
Ian Ridpath Manufacturer: DK ADULT ProductGroup: Book Binding: Turtleback Similar Items:
ASIN: 0789489880 |
Book Description
A visual guide to the night sky viewed from around the world. The clearest and sharpest recognition guides to the natural world, Smithsonian Handbooks make identification of individual animals, plants, minerals, and other phenomena sure, simple, and straightforward. Authoritative text, hundreds of crystal--clear charts and photographs, and a simple, jargon--free approach make the Smithsonian Handbook of Stars and Planets the most accessible and comprehensive guide to observing the night sky, suitable both for beginners and experienced astronomers alike.Customer Reviews:
i like it.......2007-05-06
DK Publishes Another Great Book.......2003-08-11
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Stars and Planets
Joachim Ekrutt Manufacturer: Barron's Educational Series ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: 0764113100 |
Book Description
The brand new edition of this favorite star watchers' handbook has all of its maps, tables, and charts updated to chronicle celestial events throughout the first decade of the twenty-first century. The book provides month-by-month sky maps for both the northern and southern hemispheres. An astronomical calendar tracks all of the solar system's planets, and a set of tables shows all phases of the Moon up to the year 2010. Gatefold front and back covers open to show solar and lunar eclipses for the same ten-year period. A 22-page illustrated A-to-Z dictionary describes major celestial objects and events. The book features 175 sky maps, charts, and diagrams, plus 30 dramatic full-color photos.Customer Reviews:
okay.......2002-11-24
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The Planet Observer's Handbook
Fred William Price Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Similar Items:
ASIN: 0521627087 |
Book Description
This is an informative and well-illustrated guide to planetary observations for amateurs. After a brief description of the solar system and a chapter on the celestial sphere, readers are shown how to choose, test and use a telescope with various accessories and how to make observations and record results. For each planet and the asteroids, details are given of observational techniques, together with suggestions for how to make contributions of scientific value. From a general description and detailed observational history of each planet, observers can anticipate what they should see and assess their own observations. The chapter on planetary photography includes the revolutionary use of videography, charge coupled devices and video-assisted drawing. There are also chapters on making maps and planispheres and on photoelectric photometry.Customer Reviews:
The Intro may have skewed my opinion...........2003-06-11
I must admit, my opinion of this book may have been heavily skewed because I "accidentally" read the introduction. In there, Fred Price compares planetary astronomers to real "observers" and anyone who observes deep-sky objects to "sightseers".
Hmmm... the AAVSO might differ with that opinion, as would a number of organizations who do deep sky research. Maybe I was just too sensitive, but the introduction did rub me the wrong way. It is true, I do often "sight see" deep sky objects for the challenge of seeing something I had not seen and to improve my "observing eye" (ability to see detail with your eyes). I do not care what Dr. Price thinks of me in doing so. However, I know many people who think the opposite way, that observing the planets is a dull and boring task that already much is known about. I think both sides are wrong to be so damned elitist about it.
Besides that, it is a good book :-)
A bit too advanced for me.......2003-04-09
The book is over 400 pages long, all written in 10 point Times font. There are very little illustrations and photo, and they are all in black and white. So it looks like a college science textbook and is very challenging visually.
Each of the sections on each planet have the same subsections such as "History of Observation" (mostly useless to me), "Observing [Jupiter, etc.]" and "Space craft Obsevation of [Jupiter, etc.]"
It also seems that to see most of the stuff described in this book, you need to have a telescope that is at least 8 inches, so that is out of my league.
However, in fairness, I know that this is a very compresensive book on the subject, and answers all possible questions that one may have on observing the planets.
But as I said, this book is more suitable for the advanced amateur Astronomer.
An extensive exposition of the Solar System.......2001-08-09
Advanced amateurs may want to skim through the first chapters - dealing with telescope types, accessories, components of the celestial sphere, and introductory terminology. There are however, some eye-catching moments for jaded readers, like the apodizing (antidifraction) screen, a simple homemade device to limit diffraction and the effects of atmospheric turbulence while not adversely affecting image contrast or quality (it's actually an old trick, but not that well known).
This book was not intended to be a "post card catalog" of pretty pictures. Thus there are no contemporary photographs such as pictures of Venus from the HST, or a Cassinni fly-by image of Io against the festooned background of Jupiter. There are however, many pertinent photos and illustrations to serve historic interest and to offer educational impact. We find this arrangement to be perfectly suitable and appropriate.
Some may be surprised and/or a little disappointed that our moon is not included here. But keep in mind that the moon is a subject unto itself, and thus deserves a work of a separate magnitude - and there are several available.
There are some disappointments: Aside from some basic illustrations for the purpose of scale, this work is notably lacking in accurate renditions of the orbital planes of major satellites. Also, in light of various discussions about several other oddities, there is virtually none (or even any speculation) about the drastic tilt of Uranus. We find this to be curiously conspicuous, as it's one of the most striking anomalies in the Solar System.
There is skillful discussion of little-known and much-neglected Solar System components, like the Kuiper Belt and the Oort Cloud, and some insightful speculation of such things as their respective associations with short and long term comets. There is also some discussion of an almost ubiquitous "Planet-X", the existence of which is argued to this day as being the cause for Neptunian perturbations. This parallels some speculation (or at least the opinion) that Pluto and Charon are in fact not the ninth planet and its moon, but simply major lost-in-space chunks of accreted or captured "debris".
We found the brief presentation and subsequent explanation of Bode's Law to be the best we have seen offered in a non-college level text. This intriguing mathematical statement is so staggeringly significant, (yet surprisingly simple) that it boggles the mind.
Finally, there is considerable discussion of the data and knowledge that can be contributed by amateur astronomers. This discussion is a clever form of interactive "provocation" and is to be applauded. Author Price emphatically encourages dedicated amateurs to take up the gauntlet, and involve themselves in observational contributions to the sciences, and he makes a fair attempt at describing how to accomplish it, including addresses of where to send your observations and data. However, you shouldn't feel bad if you don't have the time or the inclination to engage in such ambitious activities.
The average amateur astronomer who is even mildly interested in the Solar System will benefit greatly from this work, and will likely gain a great deal of knowledge and insight about the countless and innumerable objects that circle the Sun.
Highly recommended.
A must-have for the dedicated planet observer!.......2001-02-13
This book is replete with details on the numerous features visible on the planets through amateur telescopes. It also gives advice on what type of telescope to use and what magnifications to employ. Basic scientific data on each planet (rotation rate, mass, distance, etc.) is included for reference as well as a lengthy history of observation for each planet, but the emphasis of this book is on *amateur observation*, as implied by the title. You won't find theories on Saturn's cloud decks or the origins of Mars' surface features. What you will find are detailed tips and advice on how to look for and draw the spokes in Saturn's rings, festoons between Jupiter's cloud belts, the "purple haze" on Mars, filters to employ, etc.
A necessary work at a great price for the hardcore planet observer! For the casual amateur, a bit expensive and over-the-top but still a useful addition to the library. I give it five stars because it adheres to its stated purpose faithfully and with style.
An excellent guide to practical planetary observations........1998-09-14
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A Field Guide to the Stars and Planets (Peterson Field Guides)
Jay Pasachoff Manufacturer: Tandem Library ProductGroup: Book Binding: School & Library Binding ASIN: 0613354060 |
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DK Handbooks: Stars and Planets
Ian Ridpath Manufacturer: DK ADULT ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Similar Items:
ASIN: 0789435217 |
Amazon.com
Stars and Planets is a sturdy, thorough field guide for amateur astronomers. The book's first section is a general introduction to astronomy. A solar system primer and constellation catalog are followed by a month-by-month night sky guide. Filled with clear, easy-to-read star charts, photos, and diagrams, this is the perfect starter for beginning astronomers, and a handy reference for those with a little more experience. You'll find information on stargazing equipment, a glossary of terminology, and the history of each cosmic feature's discovery. Like all the Eyewitness Handbooks, this one will be a terrific addition to your family science library. --Therese LittletonBook Description
. The visual guide to the night sky viewed from around the world. ENDCustomer Reviews:
Great field guide for those new to the sky.......2006-06-17
Outstanding for novice or intermediate amateur astronomers.......2002-05-16
Nice coffee table book.......2001-11-30
I suggest it for the younger prospective amateur, but for older users get the Peterson's Field Guide: Stars and Planets. Very sturdy build and good guide for charting the planets.
Nice starter book..........2001-05-30
So Simple, Even I Can Find What I'm Looking For!.......2001-02-19
With this book, I can see when and where each planet will appear through 2012. I can also get all the help I need to know what constellations are up there now, and which ones will be present when.
As a result, I can finally introduce the starry heavens in an appropriate way to younger people. I already know a lot about astronomy, but the night sky was beyond me. No longer! Whew!
Although my four children did not get much help with the heavens from me, the grandchildren will receive great benefits from this resource.
Even if you are good at identifying objects in the night sky, this book will be a valuable, convenient reference for you.
Enjoy the lore that our ancestors appreciated by seeing new aspects of the night-time sky!
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Through the Telescope: A Guide for the Amateur Astronomer, Revised Edition
Patricia L. Barnes-Svarney , and Michael R. Porcellino Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: 0071348042 |
Book Description
In the ten years since this award-winning book was originally written by Michael Porcellino, the field of astronomy and its discoveries has grown by leaps and bounds. From the astounding images sent back by the Hubble Space Telescope, to the bright comet Hale-Bopp from the fleet of Martian probes, to the long-distance explorations of the Moon, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn--the universe has become more accessible than ever. And thanks to this revised and thoroughly updated new edition by astronomer and science writer, Patricia Barnes-Svarney, anyone with an interest can delve into its wonders. From the very close up to the far reaches of space, THROUGH THE TELESCOPE presents a uniquely "user-friendly" view of the universe, and offers both novice and advanced amateur astronomers some of the best tools available to watch the nighttime skies. You’ll learn all about: * Setting up a good, user-friendly telescope system * How to look at the universe in order to really see it * Upgrading your telescope for peak performance * How to spot a star cluster, a nebulaÖeven a supernova * Forming your own network of amateur astronomers. Complete with a web site appendix and fully updated charts on eclipses and planetary oppositions well into the year 2000, this edition of an acclaimed book will be an invaluable users guide for aspiring astronomers entering the new millennium.Customer Reviews:
Excellent guide.......2002-02-01
Quibbles: a few formatting problems, where the formatting notation shows up instead of italics or whatever was intended. And they repeat the urban legend about Galileo going blind from observing the sun (though admittedly I just recently found out that this is mistaken).
Other than that, it's an excellent book, though more of a reference than a "sit-down-and-read" book, which is what I did with it, at least for now.
Meanwhile, I wonder if some of the other reviews (below) apply to the earlier edition of the book, since I did not encounter the same problems.
A poor excuse for a book on amateur astronomy.......2000-12-14
Badly in need of copy editing.......2000-07-05
Warning: bad book!.......2000-03-04
Excellent reference book.......1999-09-18
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The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Amateur Astronomy
Michael E. Bakich Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover Similar Items:
ASIN: 0521812984 |
Book Description
This complete reference provides a wealth of practical information covering all aspects of amateur astronomy. Organized thematically for ease of use, it covers observing techniques, telescopes and observatories, internet resources, and the objects that can be studied. Those new to the field will find tips, techniques and plans on how to begin their quest, and more advanced observers will find useful advice on how to get more from their hobby. Michael E. Bakich obtained a bachelors degree in Astronomy from Ohio State University and a masters degree in Planetarium Education from Michigan State University. He has written numerous original planetarium programs, and gives lectures on astronomy to groups of all ages. He is also a tour guide to eclipses and astro-archaeological sites. Bakich has written two previous books: The Cambridge Planetary Handbook (2000) and The Cambridge Guide to the Constellations (1995), both published by Cambridge University Press.Customer Reviews:
Excellent book.......2007-07-30
Good Book on Mediocre Paper.......2004-02-04
For the price of this book, you'd expect paper quality to at least be equal to The Backyard Astronomer's Guide (Dickinson, Dyer)-- but it isn't. The paper is cheap and really doesn't stand up well to the heavy page turning I have subjected it to - a minor gripe though. There is stuff in this book that is very hard to find elsewhere. Check it out in your local bookstore -- then buy it here at Amazon for a substantial discount off retail if you like it!
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Discover Planet Watch: A Year-Round Viewing Guide to the Night Sky With a Make-Your-Own Planet Finder
Clint W. Hatchett Manufacturer: Hyperion Books (Adult Trd Pap) ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: 1562828746 |
Customer Reviews:
A good but complicated book!.......2000-03-25
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Handbook for Planet Observers
Gunter D. Roth Manufacturer: Faber and Faber ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover ASIN: 0571083455 |
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