The Backyard Astronomer's Guide

Book Description

What type of telescope is best for beginners? Can I use my camera to take photographs through a telescope? How good are the new computerized telescope mounts? What charts, books, software and other references do I need? These questions are asked time and again by enthusiastic new amateurs as they take up recreational astronomy.

But accurate, objective and up-to-date information can be hard to find. Throughout the 1990s, the first edition of The Backyard Astronomer's Guide established itself as the indispensable reference to the equipment and techniques used by the modern recreational stargazer. Now, authors Terence Dickinson and Alan Dyer have produced an expanded and completely updated edition that again sets the standard for accessible and reliable information on one of the world's most popular hobbies.

Dickinson and Dyer -- both full-time astronomy writers -- bring decades of experience to their task. They explain why telescopes often perform much differently from what the novice expects. They recommend the accessories that will enhance the observing experience and advise what not to buy until you become more familiar with your equipment. They name brands and sources and compare value so that you can be armed with the latest practical information when deciding on your next purchase. Sections on astrophotography, daytime and twilight observing, binocular observing and planetary and deep-sky observing round out this comprehensive guide to personal exploration of the universe. Dickinson and Dyer's elegant yet straightforward approach to a complex subject makes this book an invaluable resource for astronomers throughout North America.

With more than 500 color photographs and illustrations, The Backyard Astronomer's Guide is also one of the most beautiful -- and user-friendly -- astronomy books ever produced.

Customer Reviews:

Incredibly helpful.......2007-09-21

I can't overstate how useful this book is. It covers naked-eye stargazing, binoculars, the history of amateur astronomy, telescope designs, eyepieces, accessories, setting up your new scope, the sun, moon, planets, stars, deep-sky objects, astrophotography, and just about anything else an amateur astronomer might want to know about. The reviews of telescope and eyepiece brands and models are particularly useful. I love browsing through telescope catalogs, but I also want expert advice on what brands and models are worth seeking out and which to avoid. This book delivers. The full color photographs throughout are a nice touch. The heavy paper and solid binding ensure that the book will last forever, which is good, because you'll be using it a lot.

I wish _every_ hobby had an intro book this useful.

Excellent book.......2007-07-15

If you are considering buying only one book on amateur astronomy this should be it. It covers the basics of observing, available equipment with recommendations, and much more while presenting it in an easy to read and understandable format. Dickinson and Dyer should be commended for putting together this book which must have been a monumental effort. It is truly one of the premier books ever written on this topic. It definately belongs in the hands of every backyard astronomer.

The amateur Astronomer's BIBLE!!!!!!!.......2007-05-24

Search no longer, everything you need to know is right here in this book.

1. Different types of scopes
2. Must have accessories.
3. Waste of time accessories
4. Recommended scopes.
5. ect, ect, ect.

It's the book that keeps on giving! Yes I also own Dickinson's "Nightwatch" and like another reviewer said, there's some repetition , which made me skeptical about buying this book, but if you already have "Nightwatch", this book goes into waaaaaaaay more depth. this is definately a must have for people who haven't purchased a scope yet and are trying to make a decision. I know how hard that decision is when you know very little about telscopes and accessories and every review you see is praising every telescope you look at. Where do you start? You start here.

Good book for amateur astronomers.......2007-05-06

I highly recommend this book to the serious amateur astronomer wanting to get the most from the night sky.

Probably The Best Single Reference For Stargazers.......2007-04-23

In one volume, Dickinson and Dyer have managed to cover about 95% of what amateur astronomers want to know to get a solid start in this fascinating hobby. From naked-eye observing to binocular astronomy, through sophisticated telescopes and astrophotography, this book provides solid info in an easy-reading, photo-filled format that will be a good companion on those cloudy nights when you're restricted to armchair astronomy. Especially helpful to me were the extensive tips on how to comfortably observe using lawnchairs and tripod-mounted binoculars. Your neck will thank you, too.

Enthisiastically recommended.

Star Watch: The Amateur Astronomer's Guide to Finding, Observing, and Learning About over 125 Celestial Objects

Average customer rating:

Essential tool
It Goes With a Telescope or Binoculars.
excuse me, a beginner's book?
Starwatch
Harrington's Star Watch Shines

Star Watch: The Amateur Astronomer's Guide to Finding, Observing, and Learning About over 125 Celestial Objects
Philip S. Harrington
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Turn Left at Orion: A Hundred Night Sky Objects to See in a Small Telescope--and How to Find Them
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Sky & Telescope's Pocket Sky Atlas

ASIN: 0471418048

Book Description

Your Passport to the Universe

The night sky is alive with many wonders--distant planets, vast star clusters, glowing nebulae, and expansive galaxies, all waiting to be explored. Let respected astronomy writer Philip Harrington introduce you to the universe in Star Watch, a complete beginner's guide to locating, observing, and understanding these celestial objects. You'll start by identifying the surface features of the Moon, the banded cloud tops of Jupiter, the stunning rings of Saturn, and other members of our solar system. Then you'll venture out beyond our solar system, where you'll learn tips and tricks for finding outstanding deep-sky objects from stars to galaxies, including the entire Messier catalog--a primary goal of every serious beginner.

Star Watch features a detailed physical description of each target, including size, distance, and structure, as well as concise directions for locating the objects, handy finder charts, hints on the best times to view each object, and descriptions of what you'll really see through a small telescope or binoculars and with the naked eye.

Star Watch will transport you to the farthest depths of space--and return you as a well-traveled, experienced stargazer.

Customer Reviews:

Essential tool.......2007-09-23

As others have said, this is not a glossy, colorful coffee-table book. In fact, you won't find any color pictures in this book at all. Just lots of black and white text and drawings. And yet, I have found this book to be one of the most useful astronomy guides. Why? Two main reasons.

First of all, the star charts. The author shows you how to "star-hop" from a bright star to an obscure deep sky object, which makes finding it so much easier. He also includes textual directions on how to find the object, step by step, star by star.

Second reason is expectations. As the owner of a 6" telescope, I used to be disappointed when I first started this hobby that the views of deep sky objects weren't as fabulous as I had expected from seeing colorful pictures of nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters. Frequently these items seemed like just fuzzy, ghostly grayish images to me. Well, as this book explains, that's how they look to most of us with medium (6" to 8" telescopes). And to the naked eye they will never look as colorful as they do in photographs. This book rates objects by how they would look in binoculars, small telescopes of 3" to 5", and medium telescopes of 6" to 8". He'll also tell you how easy or hard it is to find every object, and what you can expect to see in each type of instrument. He also includes his own sketches of how some of these objects look through his 8" reflector. Often they look not much better than how I see them in my 6" reflector, which is a great comfort.

Excellent book for amateur astronomers - it will tell you exactly how to find the most interesting objects and what to expect to see once you do find them, depending on what instrument you're using.

It Goes With a Telescope or Binoculars........2007-02-12

The book has a big list of things you can see with only a pair of binoculars. So I gave the nerds both binoculars and a telescope.

Very good book.

excuse me, a beginner's book?.......2006-01-23

Maybe I am even less talented than I thought, maybe I am just downright stupid, maybe problem is in my expectations, as I expected something more visual and less technical.. but this book is not a beginner's book. I bought a telescope for my son this xmas, and I wanted to know what the heck we are looking at once skies clear over Croatia. This book will not serve that purpose. IF I WERE an astronomy / physics anthusiast (NEVER!), THEN this book would have been a beginner's book.

Starwatch.......2006-01-15

I used this book for my beginning astronomy class I took online and it was very user friendly and the information is quite understandable. I really liked this book and the information it entails. Enjoy this book

Harrington's Star Watch Shines.......2005-08-20

An excellent beginner's book or a back-to-basics guide for expeienced observers, Harrington meticulously lays-out the celestial sphere and ways to find and enjoy it's wonders.

This patient step by step approach not only teaches the fundamentals and skills of stargazing, but calibrates our expectation realistically regrarding what we can expect to see depending on the instrument we use and the local conditions.

Harrington selects for us 125 fascinating objects to observe
using them to develop techniques for finding and viewing.

I would recommend this work as a great primer for neophyte amateur astronomers.

Star Ware: The Amateur Astronomer's Guide to Choosing, Buying, and Using Telescopes and Accessories

Average customer rating:

Vital reading for a astronomy enthusiast
Good Buying Guide
Excellent book
Star Ware 4
Way too technical -- No pictures -- Not for the novice

Star Ware: The Amateur Astronomer's Guide to Choosing, Buying, and Using Telescopes and Accessories
Philip S. Harrington
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Backyard Astronomer's Guide
Star Watch: The Amateur Astronomer's Guide to Finding, Observing, and Learning About over 125 Celestial Objects
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NightWatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe
How to Use a Computerized Telescope: Practical Amateur Astronomy Volume 1 (Practical Amateur Astronomy)

ASIN: 0471750638

Book Description

Praise for Star Ware

"Star Ware is still a tour de force that any experienced amateur will find invaluable, and which hardware-minded beginners will thoroughly enjoy."

- Robert Burnham, Sky & Telescope magazine

"Star Ware condenses between two covers what would normally take a telescope buyer many months to accumulate."

- John Shibley, Astronomy magazine

Whether you're shopping for your first telescope or your fifth, don't be surprised if you feel overwhelmed by the dazzling array of product choices, bells and whistles, and the literature that describes them all. That's why you need Star Ware.

In this revised and updated Fourth Edition of the essential guide to comparing and selecting sky-watching equipment, award-winning astronomy writer Philip Harrington takes you telescope shopping the easy way. He analyzes and explains today's astronomy market and compares brands and models point by point. Star Ware gives you the confidence you need to buy the telescope and accessories that are right for you and the knowledge to get the most out of your new purchase, with:
*

Extensive, expanded reviews of leading models and accessories-including dozens of new products
*

A clear, step-by-step guide to every aspect of selecting telescopes, binoculars, filters, mounts, lenses, cameras, film, star charts, guides and references, and much more
*

Ten new do-it-yourself projects for building your own astronomical equipment
*

Easy tips on setting up, using, and caring for telescopes and other astronomical equipment
*

Lists of where to find everything astronomical, including Web sites and resources; distributors, dealers, and conventions; and corporate listings for products and services

Customer Reviews:

Vital reading for a astronomy enthusiast.......2007-08-15

I have found this book to be a veritable wealth of information with the uncommon aspect of actually giving critical, unbiased assessments of the wide and varied array of astronomical hardware available.

While you might not agree with all his observations, the assessments appear to be based on actual hands-on experience, and I find it refreshing to see reviews that don't uniformly praise every single item under scrutiny!

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to future updates.

Good Buying Guide.......2007-07-08

I now own the last 3 editions of this. An excellent and extensive introductionj to astronomical equipment and accessories definitely worthwhile for the new astronomer. Even worthwhile for many more experienced astronomers. Includes a section featuring many DIY accessories.

Excellent book.......2007-06-25

There are a number of books out there that cover available equipment for Amateur Astronomy. However, I haven't found any that cover this area as in depth as this book. The Author, Phil Harrington has certainly done his research, and brings this information to the reader in an easily understood way. I first bought this book in 2006 and found some of the information to be a little dated at that time. When I saw that there was going to be an updated version coming out, I knew I would be purchasing it. I purchased the updated version and it wasn't at all lacking. At the time of it's release (4/2007) it is current with regards to available equipment for the Amateur Astronomer. This book is easy to read and understand. When I am looking to purchase a new piece of equipment, Starware is the first book I grab for the information I need.

Star Ware 4.......2007-05-20

There's a ton of useful information here. At a price of less than almost astro accessory, it's highly recommended.

Way too technical -- No pictures -- Not for the novice.......2006-12-03

This book is not for the novice interested in learning about the basics of telescope buying.

It is a very hard read as it is not organized nicely, has pages and pages of technical jargon, tons of unnecessary repetition...

They describe certain telescope features and don't explain why one feature might be better over another. They just mention the features.

The book contains a lot of reviews on outdated equipment and nothing on the latest telescopes.

It did not provide a simple outline of the various features one should look for in a telescope -- perhaps aperture, focal length, mm diameter, etc. -- this is what I was looking for.

I found more informative concise information on Yahoo! Answers for free.

I decided to purchase another book that was meant for the newbie and explains in simple terms what one should look for and has a lot of great photos and diagrams. It does not contain technical terms adfinitum that would only help a professional astronomer.

The better book is entitled "A Simple Guide to Telescopes, Spotting Scopes, and Binoculars" and you can purchase on Amazon for $10. This book is helpful for not only telescope selecting for the novice, but also for set up, etc for after you get the telescope.

Emphasis on the word simple!

Thank goodness I decided to check it out at my local Borders, as I was about to buy it sight unseen on Amazon due to the great reviews above. It would have been a waste of money!

Seeing in the Dark : How Backyard Stargazers Are Probing Deep Space and Guarding Earth from Interplanetary Peril

Average customer rating:

A must for any stargazer!
Good Overview of Astronomy
Every Man A Galileo
A great book for those cloudy nights!
A match made in Heaven

Seeing in the Dark : How Backyard Stargazers Are Probing Deep Space and Guarding Earth from Interplanetary Peril
Timothy Ferris
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0684865793

Book Description

Seeing in the Dark is a poetic love letter to the skies and a stirring report on the revolution now sweeping amateur astronomy, in which backyard stargazers linked globally by the Internet are exploring deep space and making discoveries worthy of the professionals. Timothy Ferris invites us all to become stargazers, recounting his lifelong experiences as an enthralled stargazer, and capturing the exquisite experience when ancient starlight strikes the eye and incites the mind.

Reporting from around the globe -- from England and Italy to the Florida Keys and the Chilean Andes -- on the revolution that's putting millions in touch with the night sky, Ferris also offers an authoritative and magical description of what is out there to be seen, from the rings of Saturn to remote quasars whose light is older than Earth.

Astronomy is the most accessible and democratic of all the sciences: Anyone can get started in it just by going outside with a star chart on a dark night and looking up. A pair of binoculars suffices to see galaxies millions of light-years away, and a small telescope can probe what Ferris calls the "blue waters" of deep space. An accessible, nontechnical invitation to get to know the sky, Seeing in the Dark encourages readers to make the glories of the stars a part of their lives.

"The universe," Ferris writes, "is accessible to all, and can inform one's existence with a sense of beauty, reason, and awe as enriching as anything to be found in music, art, or poetry."

An appendix includes star charts, observing guides, and tips on how you can get involved with the night sky.

Customer Reviews:

A must for any stargazer!.......2007-07-18

Fantastic! This book is a perfect mixture of science and storytelling. This was educational and inspiring. I don't re-read many books, but this may be an exception. Loved it.

Good Overview of Astronomy.......2005-09-16

Many people, including myself, often marvel at the night sky to the point of seriously thinking of buying a telescope. The question that then arises is: What if I invest in a decent telescope, use it a few times to examine some of the celestial bodies, then eventually get bored for lack of knowing what to look at or to look for? This book attempts to help potential amateur astronomers dance around this sticking point. The author discusses the current activities of some professional but mainly amateur astronomers: what they look for, the equipment that they use, what they've found and what they continue to find. The book is well written and fun to read; it covers most areas of interest in astronomy and briefly describes what's out there. The book's only shortcoming is that it contains no figures, pictures or diagrams of any kind (other than star charts in the appendices); this is unfortunate since a few optical diagrams and pictures of the various items and people that are discussed would have complemented the text very nicely. Nevertheless, this is a great book that does much to encourage amateur astronomy. I heartily recommend it to anyone with even a passing interest in the night sky.

Every Man A Galileo.......2005-01-01

This is an informative and at times whimsical work about outer space, specifically who is doing the observing and what is being observed. The material goes considerably beyond the title, as only one chapter actually treats of near earth objects [NEO's] at depth, and I am still confused over the author's distinction between "amateur" and "professional" astronomers. With those caveats in mind, "Seeing In The Dark" is a fine overview of astronomy for those of us who have been out of school awhile and think of Pluto as the edge of the meaningful universe.

As a boy I was intrigued by astronomy and at age 10 owned an off-the shelf hand telescope that, in my recollection, simply made the bright stars brighter. I once tried to observe the crescent of Venus through my mother's hand mirror and a magnifying glass. I did get to see the rings of Saturn, finally, through the 8" telescope at the Buffalo Museum of Science, and to this day I divide the world into those who have seen that spectacle firsthand and those who haven't. Popular astronomy in the 1950's was lunar and planetary: the supposed canal system of Mars, for example, was still an issue of debate.

I lost my interest in the 1960's when astronomy became less optical and more electronic. Real observations and photos of heavenly bodies are egalitarian. Spectroscopic charts, radio waves, radar exploration and the like required time, sophisticated education, and money. Every decade or so something would catch my fancy: Apollo 11, Viking, Pioneer, Hubble, Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9, Cassini. But why should an amateur like myself spend money and time at something already being done with more precision at Arecibo in Puerto Rico or Mt. Palomar in California, or from a satellite in space, for that matter?

Timothy Ferris argues in so many words that the modern astronomical-industrial complex, so to speak, is too big and too expensive to perform some of the most critical work of present day astronomy. The author provides a plethora of examples, such as planetary weather. Most planets have atmospheres with characteristics not entirely unlike the earth's own. The atmospheres of the large outer planets [and in at least one case, a planetary satellite] have predictable patterns of wind currents and even storms that produce lightning. Mars, we have come to realize, has significant dust storms and seasonal markers. To monitor these systems, however, requires daily observations over months and years. With the crush of competition for seat time for the monster telescopes and the costs involved, such meticulous and time consuming planetary observations are gradually falling into the hands of the dedicated [and exquisitely patient] amateur backyard astronomers. The older, smaller, and midrange telescopes have come into a new age of usefulness, where persistence is of equal value to optical power. And, as the author observes, the marriage of a modest telescope with digital photography, computer controls, and Internet access to professionals, has created a formidable network of information gatherers.

Nowhere is the amateur's value of more importance than in the discovery and tracking of NEO's, asteroids whose orbits regularly criss-cross the earth's. Observation of these dangerous bodies and forecast of collisions is extremely difficult for several reasons. NEO's are hard to see [in some instances, at the 29th magnitude], only small tracks of their orbits are currently known, and they are notoriously vulnerable to gravitational influences from the earth, the sun, and even Jupiter. Science has developed a public coding system for risk from each known object, and I would venture a guess that readers will find particular stimulation from Ferris's discussion of the "Torino Scale." [As I was reading this work, I checked the day's "Torino forecast" on NASA's web site, the very day that NASA used a "Torino 4" rating for the first time, for Asteroid 2004MN4. As this occurred the same day as the Asian tsunami, little or no press coverage was devoted to the event, though astronomers around the world focused on the potential risk of a 2029 collision. The odds for 2004MN4 were downgraded to Torino 1 a few days later.]

Suffice to say that NEO's are the "high needs child" of space observation, and every verifiable observation by an amateur astronomer enables NASA and international tracking systems to add another fraction of certainty to a body's orbit. Ferris intersperses observational details of heavenly bodies with interviews of the men and women who do the observing. His use of the word "amateur" is stretched like taffy. Some of these unsalaried observers have spent six-figures in outfitting their equipment or, in some cases, pursuing doctorates to expedite their work. Some have walked away from lucrative professions and made wholesale disruptions in personal and family life on behalf of serious stargazing. In some cases "amateur" does not do justice to what is more appropriately an "obsession."

Ferris summarizes what we have come to know about planets, stars and galaxies in the past few generations of advanced study. Again, if one has not addressed astronomy systematically since school days, this work is an excellent primer on our current state of understanding the heavens. There is a thorough 25-page appendix that treats of basic stargazing information, including issues of light pollution, choice of equipment, and basic star charts, as well as a summary of periodicals and web sites. I regretted that there are no photos of any kind in the book, so we never get to see with our own eyes the quality of work produced by the amateurs in our communities. Perhaps the author was deliberately setting out to pique our curiosity, for yesterday I found myself investigating the features and price tag of a small telescope at the Brookstone's in my local mall. It's been a long time since I've done that.

A great book for those cloudy nights!.......2004-11-24

I received my copy of this book as an early Christmas present from one of my "stargazing friends". Even tho' I had glanced at this volume on bookstore shelves , I usually bypassed it for books on starhopping , star atlases , or other "hard data" type publocations. I now lament my earlier loss , and have truly enjoyed this very well written and extremely informative book.

The author , Timothy Ferris , takes us on a wonderful tour of the solar system and "near space" in the second section of the book ; he then moves on to the Milky Way and the wonders of gaseous nebulae , open star clusters ,globular clusters , and planetary nebulae within our own galaxy in section 3.

Finally , in the fourth section of the book , the author deals with the imensity of the universe (as we presently are capable of understanding it) by moving on to galaxies , and galaxy clusters.

But it isn't all about the wonders of the Heavens , for Ferris intersperses some entertaining anecdotal material as well. Starting with a personal tale of how he became a stargazer-astronomer to passages about Steven James O'Meara and his phenomonal visual observing feats while breathing oxygen at 14,000 feet on Mauna Kea. We are introduced to Barbara Wilson , a mother and former housewife who excells in actually "seeing" the faintest of astronomical objects.

This is a great book for amateur astronomers at almost any level ; the author manages to communicate his passion for the skies and the fine art of observational astronomy in a warm and entertaining manner. It is an ideal book for a frustrating evening when the clouds roll in as the sun sets , thus postponing the observing plans of the day.

I rated this book 5 stars and give it my highest recommendation. No real warts on this one!

A match made in Heaven.......2003-12-17

The match being that of science and poetry. The author writes about the achievements of amateur astronomers, giving a wealth of information about astronomy, stargazing, and amateurs, all of which is written in a language so beautifully poetic. It is a masterpiece. The love of the author for his topic is evident on every page and it is contagious. This is a book that will fill you with wonder, and probably sweep you off your feet and onto the nearest dark ground with a starmap in hand!

Book Description

From the longest running column in Scientific American's history comes this collection of fascinating projects for amateur astronomers
For over seventy years, "The Amateur Scientist" column in Scientific American has helped people explore their world and make original discoveries. This collection of both classic and recent articles presents projects for amateur astronomers at all levels. Hands-on astronomy fans will find how to build inexpensive astronomical instruments using ordinary shop-tools. From making a telescope to predicting satellite orbits to detecting the chemical composition of faraway stars, this book has something for everyone interested in practical astronomy.

The Amateur Astronomer's Catalog of 500 Deep-Sky Objects

Average customer rating:

An easy way to get started in deep-sky atronomy

The Amateur Astronomer's Catalog of 500 Deep-Sky Objects
Ronald J. Morales
Manufacturer: Aztex Corp
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Astronomy | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

Solar System | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0894040766

Customer Reviews:

An easy way to get started in deep-sky atronomy.......2001-03-21

This book provides an excellent means for a beginner in astronomy to get started in deep-sky astronomy. The book is useful for the beginning astronomer who wants to advance to the intermediate level. This book is a useful step to beginning to use more advanced and detailed star atlases.

The book includes lists for NGC and Messier object, as well as nebulas and different types of clusters. The author includes his descriptions of most of the NGC objects, and what equipment is required to view them. The book contains useful field observation notes, and viewing hints.

Observing the Constellations: An A-Z Guide for the Amateur Astronomer
Average customer rating:

Great constellation guide

Excellent!

Excellent beginners guide that should be re-released !

The BEST Constellation Observation Guide I've Seen!!!!!!!

Probably the best general observing guide, period.

Observing the Constellations: An A-Z Guide for the Amateur Astronomer
John Sanford
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0671689274

Customer Reviews:

Great constellation guide.......2007-05-16

This book is very useful to the amateur astronomer since it contains much essential information about all of the 88 constellations and has clear, readable maps. There are also some fine photographs of outstanding celestial objects in the more interesting regions of the sky. The book does not cover the mythology, which is already featured in many other books, but it is excellent as an observing guide. The charts are a great companion for stargazing with binoculars and a small telescope. By all means add this book to your astronomy library-- even if you own other books about the constellations.

Excellent!.......2006-12-16

I bought this book used largely on the advice of the recommendations. They were not wrong. This book gives a grand tour of the skies in a comprehensive and thoughtful manner, very thoroughly documented with three perspectives:1) actual photographs of the constellations to train your eyes or stop hop from, 2)thoughtful descriptions and explanations 3) a comprehensive star atlas that easily rivals so-called star atlases such as Norton's and Collins, etc. I coulnd't find any difference in detail between much more expensive star-atlases and this book (maybe I didn't carefully enough). In fact, the photographs were so detailed (maybe not as lovely as Akira Fuji's), that many showed details well past the normal 7.5 magnitude stars and you could use these for star-hopping (although for a beginner, this is quite difficult until you train your eye). This isn't, however, quite as easy for the beginner to use as say Turn left at Orion, but I believe most can move on from that book within a few months whereas one cannot say that of Sanford's book.

Excellent beginners guide that should be re-released !.......2000-11-03

I managed to get a translated copy in Swedish of this book, "Stjärnboken" in a used-books store in Stockholm. The charts by Wil Tirion are excellent. Clear and accurate but not overly simplified. Sanford's narration is very pleasant with a good balance between the different DSO's that are interesting for people with different equipment. What really impressed me even more are the full colour pictures of *every* constellation in the night-sky. A tremendous effort, which provides great help in learning the constelations and the relative positions of deep-sky objects. I can't understand why this book is out of print. Someone should buy the rights for this book and publish it again. If you find a used-copy, grab one for me too =).

The BEST Constellation Observation Guide I've Seen!!!!!!!.......1998-09-06

It's truly amazing that this book is no longer in print. How is this possible? I have found it to be the best general constellation guide for naked eye, binocular or telescopic observing that I have seen. It provides very good star charts and photos of each constellation and summarises the most prominent objects (multiple and variable stars, deep sky objects, etc) in each constellation, providing locations (on star chart and coordinates), basic information and data on each object. I take it with me on every observation session. The book is well organised, easily understood and its setup/content caters for the beginner, intermediate and even more advanced observer. I believe it would take a long time for a beginner to "outgrow" (if it's even possible) the usefulness of this book. I believe it's a must have in the astronomical library. Again, I ask..."Why is this book no longer being published!?!"

David, Astronomy Enthusiast

Probably the best general observing guide, period........1997-11-21

Sanford's book is without doubt the best general observing guide to the constellations I have ever used, and I've used a lot of them. His star maps are excellent. He provides concise summaries of all the most interesting objects in each constellation, and he covers both hemispheres. I have been looking for additional copies of this wonderful, out-of-print book for a year.

The Amateur Astronomer's Introduction to the Celestial Sphere

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The Amateur Astronomer's Introduction to the Celestial Sphere
William Millar
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Observing the Universe: A Guide to Observational Astronomy and Planetary Science
Minnesota Underfoot (Midwest)
The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Stars
A Dictionary of Modern Star Names: A Short Guide to 254 Star Names and Their Derivations
Patterns in the Sky: An Introduction to Stargazing (Night Sky Astronomy for Everybody)

ASIN: 052167123X

Book Description

This introduction to the night sky is for amateur astronomers who desire a deeper understanding of the principles and observations of naked-eye astronomy. It covers topics such as terrestrial and astronomical coordinate systems, stars and constellations, the relative motions of the sky, sun, moon and earth leading to an understanding of the seasons, phases of the moon, and eclipses. Topics are discussed and compared for observers located in both the northern and southern hemispheres. Written in a conversational style, only addition and subtraction are needed to understand the basic principles and a more advanced mathematical treatment is available in the appendices. Each chapter contains a set of review questions and simple exercises to reinforce the reader's understanding of the material. The last chapter is a set of self-contained observation projects to get readers started with making observations about the concepts they have learned. William Charles Millar, currently Professor of Astronomy at Grand Rapids Community College in Michigan, has been teaching the subject for almost twenty years and is very involved with local amateur astronomy groups. Millar also belongs to The Planetary Society and the Astronomical Society of the Pacific and has traveled to Europe and South America to observe solar eclipses. Millar holds a Masters degree in Physics from Western Michigan University.

Astronomical Photometry, Text and Handbook for the Advanced Amateur and Professional Astronomer

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Astronomical Photometry, Text and Handbook for the Advanced
For professionals?

Astronomical Photometry, Text and Handbook for the Advanced Amateur and Professional Astronomer
Arne A. Henden , and Ronald H. Kaitchuck
Manufacturer: Willmann-Bell
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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A Practical Guide to Lightcurve Photometry and Analysis (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series)

ASIN: 0943396255

Customer Reviews:

Astronomical Photometry, Text and Handbook for the Advanced.......2004-03-19

This book is very well written and informative. It is easy to understand for everyone, whether you are interested in photometric work, or astronomy in general. I have read numerous books written on photometry/astronomy and most are not very detailed, nor provide practical information and have excessive amount of math and formulas that would only appeal to a mathematics professor. If you want to build an effective photometer for a small or large telescope, this is the book to buy.

For professionals?.......2000-06-20

This book seems to be written for advanced amateurs with a quite professional equipment. It's also a good starting for the young astronomer.

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