Average customer rating:
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The Amateur Astronomer's Pathfinder
Colin Humphrey
Manufacturer: John Wiley & Sons
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Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0471934526 |
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:
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Extensive, expanded reviews of leading models and accessories-including dozens of new products
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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
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Ten new do-it-yourself projects for building your own astronomical equipment
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Easy tips on setting up, using, and caring for telescopes and other astronomical equipment
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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!
Book Description
The perfect companion volume for Hale-Bopp watchers, this guide explores the fabulous mysteries above, from planets in our solar system to the constellations in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres, stars, galaxies (including the Milky Way), nebulae, astronomical bodies, objects, phenomena, and -- yes -- comets. Night Sky provides a concise guided tour of the heavens with 48 monthly sky charts of the northern sky and 88 constellation charts, each offering a detailed map of individual constellations. Essays on the universe, the solar system, and constellations introduce the reader to the wonders of the sky.
Customer Reviews:
Fallen from grace.......2006-08-26
I've used this book for years with happy results. I've often impressed friends with my knowledge of planetary positions in the night sky by using the "planetary longitude" table in the appendices.
However, this year marked the end of the usefullness of the planetary longitude table(which is something I use a lot). It only has information through 2005. Audubon should offer an update to this so I don't have to purchase the book again just to get the P.L. table.
Excellent Guide.......2005-11-28
If you're interested in studying the night sky by eye, this is an awesome guide. The explanations are clear, the charts are great, and the background material is interesting. It will tell you what you can see up there, how to find it, and when you'll be able to see it, which was exactly what I was looking for. This book has everything you need to appreciate your backyard view more fully.
'Out on the lawn I lie in bed...'.......2004-12-21
For those who remain spellbound by the canopy of night with all the beauty and mythology and mystery gazing at the stars brings to mind, this book is a godsend. Without requiring previous courses in astronomy and without spending hours cross referencing words to match constellations to match positions to match meanings, this book comfortably and beautifully offers maps and photographs, essays and information that make looking heavenward all the more exciting. The writing is accurate, updated, understandable to the novice, and makes a terrific companion to seeking answers and directions to the stars and the planets. A valuable aide to your appreciation of the universe! Grady Harp, December 2004
A Stargazer's Delight!.......2003-04-01
One of my favorite books on the bookshelf, simply because of its easy-to-read format, and information for both the amateur stargazer and serious astronomer. The book covers everything that the curiousity seeker is looking for, with an exhaustive selection of sky charts for each month, a detailed section featuring each constellation with its history and details, and an exciting tour of the solar system and its celestial denizens.
Plenty of information, and just the right amount of photographs, too. A handy guide for everyone curious about the world "up there"!
Everything you want to know, and more.......2002-02-04
I'm not astronomer, but I can tell that the volume of information in this guide would impress even a hardcore stargazer. The book includes exhaustively detailed descriptions of all notable phenomena visible with a telescope, lists the entire Messier Catalog with descriptions of each item, has comprehensive starcharts meticulously organized by date, and has a description of all the major star constellations. There is also an in-depth analysis of the solar system and a complete scientific background on all the terminology.
A layman reading this guide will come away with enough information to at least sound like an expert on the night sky. There are even some sections on speculative astronomy, such as the nature of black holes and the Big Bang theory. If you are at all interested in astronomy, this is THE guide to get. It will serve as an invaluable counterpart to your telescope, and makes fascinating reading any time. As far as I have seen, there isn't a published guide to compare with this one.
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.
Average customer rating:
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Amateur Radio Astronomers Hand
John Potter Shields
Manufacturer: Crown
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0517558106
Release Date: 1986-05-04 |
Book Description
This unique and accessible book provides a handy reference to the skies visible from the countries of the southern hemisphere. Amateur astronomers or casual observers of the night sky will have easy access to the star charts of world famous astronomical cartographer Wil Tirion, prepared especially for this volume. Television astronomer David Ellyard has contributed a detailed explanatory text to accompany the charts, together with a general introduction to the study of the night sky. Charts of the whole sky--24 in all--show what is visible early and late in each month. These are followed by details of each section of the sky, with particular attention to the constellations seen in the southern skies. Planet positions are provided up to the year 2010. For this new edition, the text has been thoroughly revised and new charts created to illustrate the legends behind the main constellations.
Customer Reviews:
Friendly and accessible.......2006-06-02
This modest but useful book includes background information on stars, planets and constellations, and star charts with interesting objects pointed out. All from a southern hemisphere perspective. It's written in an informal, conversational style, and the star charts (by Wil Tirion) are clear and well-organized.
The charts aren't the largest or the deepest magnitude, but there are other references for that, like Sky Atlas 2000.0.
A particularly handy reference for us northerners who visit Down Under: I used it myself when planning a trip to Australia. Handy for people who live there, too.
OK to decent.......2004-02-19
This book has well laid out and attractive star charts but is used best as a desk reference and not as a field reference. Like most of Tirion's Atlases, I think the charts are one magnitude from being truly useful. Under very dark skies in the country the charts would be more then adequate to find the deep sky objects, but in a moderately polluted urban environment there is insufficient magnitude detail to star hop adequately. I would say this book is excellent for beginners or newcomers looking for an introduction to the Southern skies. So I give this 4 stars, also partly because there is a lack of such introductory books of the Southern skies.
Average customer rating:
- THE book for a budding astronomer
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Universe Guide to Stars and Planets
Ian Ridpath , and
Wil Tirion
Manufacturer: Universe Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0876633661 |
Customer Reviews:
THE book for a budding astronomer.......2001-05-15
This was the book that got me started! I have looked through dozens of guidebooks that described the stars and what to see, but none like this one. The format of this book is perfect, in that it goes from constellation to constellation, showing what is significant in terms of Messier objects, NGC objects, double and variable stars, and so on. There is also other information included, such as brief descriptions of what it is you may be looking at (e.g. what is a globular cluster, or a nebula), and the mythology and history of each constellation. There is a wealth of information in here, and the maps are superb (of course!, they're made by Wil Tirion), though they perhaps should not have a black-sky background, since it makes it hard to see under a red light. Overall, the book is comprehensive (for the beginner- to intermediate-level astronomer) and well made.
Average customer rating:
- A great by-the-telescope companion to Southern observers
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Hartung's Astronomical Objects for Southern Telescopes: A Handbook for Amateur Observers
David Malin , and
David J. Frew
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
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Binding: Hardcover
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The Southern Sky Guide
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Galaxies and How to Observe Them (Astronomers' Observing Guides)
ASIN: 0521554918 |
Book Description
Many of the most spectacular astronomical objects are found in the southern skies. With this up-to-date, superbly illustrated handbook, both the amateur with binoculars and the expert with a telescope can make discoveries about new and interesting objects. Professor E. J. Hartung first produced his comprehensive and highly respected guide in 1968. Now the book has been greatly expanded and thoroughly revised, enhancing its character as an indispensable information source. With over 150 illustrations, new material is included on constellations and celestial coordinate systems as well as more modern descriptions of stars, nebulae and galaxies. The authors have included a new "southern Messier" list of objects. The authors' passion for their subject make this a unique and inspirational book. Many of the beautiful photographs were taken by David Malin, the world's leading astronomical photographer. The result will fascinate active and armchair astronomers alike.
Customer Reviews:
A great by-the-telescope companion to Southern observers.......2000-03-31
I love this book. It has been my sole companion during long nights of telescope observation.
Most amateur astronomy guides have been written by people living in the Northern Hemisphere, thus neglecting the wonderful objects available to Southern observers. We have access to the Magellanic Clouds, Carina, the best globular clusters, the center of the Milky Way, etc. I have known amateurs that, misled by Northern guides (which are a lot cheaper), venerated the Orion nebula but knew nothing about Eta Carinae ! Or the Magellanic Clouds. What a shame !
The book begins with a very concise and to the point theoretical exposition of the main objects of observation for amateur astronomers. Although I had already read quite a few astronomy books before this one, this section proved insightful and useful.
The guide then presents a large list of astronomical objets available from the Southern Hemisphere, with the usual characterizarion by popular and catalogue names, kind, visual magnitude, etc. and giving the exact RA-DEC coordinates for epoch 2000 (my other guide, the venerable Burnham's Celestial Handbook is based on epoch 1950 coordintes).
A beautiful collection of photographs by the magician of astronomical photography (David Malin) embellishes the book, but is somehow disconnected from the rest of the content, in the sense that it presents astronomical objects as they are recorded by film and not the human eye at the eyepiece, and is thus not very hepful for finding and appreciating them.
But the core of the book is the description of astronomical objects, organized by constellation. This has proved to be a key resource for me in the planning of my observing sessions. A selection of "best objects" is always subjective, so you have to rely on the good judgement of the author. Besides, you cannot base your choices just on the scientific value or the interest to research observatories: the relative value of objects can never be the same to an amateur with a 10 inch telescope than it is to a professional astronomer with access to a 5 meter scope. A galaxy that looks wonderful on a Palomar, Keck or HST photograph, can be no more than a source of frustration for amateurs with standard equipment.
A handbook for amateur astronomers has to be a very different thing than an Astronomy handbook.
It is in this sense that the book excels. The advise, from the standpoint of amateurs, on the best objects to point your scope to, and on what to expect at the eyepiece has proved to be right again and again. It is like having with you a very experienced friend with your same equipment. Given the very limited dark-site time I have, I greatly appreciate the possibility of making the best use of it.
If have a moderately large amateur telescope and you live in the Southern Hemisphere, this book, ...is a very good investment. Especially considering the cost of all the equipment you already own! Think of it as the software for your hardware...
Average customer rating:
- Best Practical Astronomy Field Guide Yet
- A premiere reference guide to celestial phenomena & objects.
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What's Out Tonight : 50 Year Astronomy Field Guide 2000 to 2050 (Fifty Year Astronomy Field Guides)
Ken Graun
Manufacturer: Ken Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Textbook Binding
Astronomy
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ASIN: 1928771009 |
Book Description
Comprehensive astonomy field guide for beginners and dabblers. Loaded with 50 years worth of information on moon phases, planetary positions and eclipses, as well as telescope recommendations, sunset/sunrise tables for 200 North American cities, and 25 deep sky objects. Clearly written with tabbed pages and cross referenced for ease of use; packed with illustrations, tables, maps and charts.
Customer Reviews:
Best Practical Astronomy Field Guide Yet.......2000-07-07
Ken Graun has struck a perfect balance of crispness and completeness with his presentation of celestial facts in "What's Out Tonight?". This book is great for those of us (like me) who love astronomy but don't have the time to observe every night (or even every month). It provides a 50 year guide to the moon phases and best planet observing periods (and much more) so you can either plan your outdoor observing well in advance, or quickly create a plan for tonight's sky. This guide recommends (and helps locate) deep space objects of interest throughout the year. I found the readability and layout of the book's tables and figures perfect for teaching both the Boy Scout Astronomy and Space Exploration merit badges. This field guide can excite and teach a 10 year old, and still function flawlessly for me as a reference source. Satisfying this wide a range of readers proves how gifted Ken Graun is as an author. After you get this book, the next time you set up your scope and attract neighbors that ask, "What's Out Tonight?", you'll be ready.
A premiere reference guide to celestial phenomena & objects........2000-04-04
What's Out Tonight? is an exceptional astronomical field guide covering North American star fields from 2000 to 2050. Ken Graun provides 50 years of Moon phases, Planetary positions; solar and lunar eclipses, annual meteor showers, sunrise/sunset times for 200 cities; 25 celestial objects for observation; monthly star charts, and a Moon Map. An informative, comprehensive, "reader friendly" manual, What's Out Tonight? is enhanced with tabbed pages, cross references, tables and charts, explanatory illustrations, more than 75 photographs, historical timeline, glossary, and an index. Whether casual amateur or dedicated astronomer, What's Out Tonight? is a premiere reference guide for finding and observing all the major celestial phenomena and objects.
Book Description
Enjoy the wonders of the heavens and understand more fully what you see. This Golden Guide shows you how with 150 full-color illustrations, including:Charts of the major constellationsTables to help locate the planetsUp-to-date explanations of meteors, comets, eclipses, and other celestial objectsIdeal for classroom use, to take along on vacations, and for use at home.
Customer Reviews:
Easy to understand, yet LOTS of great Info!.......2007-08-17
This is a great little book (as are all Golden Guides).
We are only using Celestron giant binoculars on a tripod, but were able to find Jupiter from this book. Then as a bonus, saw 3 moons of Jupiter & identified them from this book!
Also was able to find Arcturus with instructions from this book, & multiple others, & constellations.
Don't let the size fool you. I grew up with Golden Books, They are better than most anything I've read. College level information, yet written for a child to understand.
All the Golden Books are great!
HTH
Great starter book of stars.......2005-10-14
This book is an excellent starter book on stars. I received it as a kid and I've held onto my first copy of this book for 30 years! It finally wore out and I ordered an updated version. I live in New Hampshire and we have a great night sky. I use this book as a quick reference guide to see what constellations are in the sky now. Also, the pictures in the book make it easy to "see" what the constellation looks like. This book is not good for tracking planets - where they are, when. That's more advanced than this book is. This book is an excellent primer.
Good beginner's guide to constellations & astronomy.......1998-09-14
This is an excellent starter book for stargazers, and fits into your pocket.
Books:
- The Art of the Start: The Time-Tested, Battle-Hardened Guide for Anyone Starting Anything
- The Barefoot Home: Dressed-Down Design for Casual Living
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- The Cosmic Race / La raza cosmica (Race in the Americas)
- The Cosmos: Astronomy in the New Millennium (with AceAstronomy, Virtual Astronomy Labs Printed Access Card)
- The Elegant Universe: Superstrings, Hidden Dimensions, and the Quest for the Ultimate Theory
- The Hand Of God: A Collection of Thoughts and Images Reflecting the Spirit of the Universe
- The Hidden Records: Ancient Pyramid Star Maps Decode the Secret of Human Origins
- The Invisible Universe
- The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill, Visions of Glory
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