Book Description

Reviews (22)

A book with overwhelming information...
Being an amateur astronomer I bought this and the other two volumes recently and I have found it indispensible. Im writing this review keeping solely the tyro's in mind, since one knowledgeable in astronomy would have already had this book. If you are getting interested in astronomy, this is the book to buy - it will surely deepen your interest. Get the book and take a journey through the starts that Burnham offers you in the first few pages.

There are plenty of astronomy books for amatuers with fantastic photos. And sometimes it can be intimidating to know what to buy. Burnham's book is worth every penny (and it doesnt cost much either). It does not contain colorful photos (though contains plenty of b&w photos taken from Lowell/Palomar and other observatories). All 88 constellations are dealt with in detail. First a list of double stars are given in each constellation followed by details of each bright star (including spectrum analysis for some). The book is set in "type-writer" font, so it gives a special feeling of reading some research paper.

A unique feature of this book, which is probably not found in any other astronomy book I have come sofar, is that, it also contains a perspective of a given constellation or star by several different cultures. Most astronomy books stop with Greek and Roman myths - giving a feeling that no other culture was knowledgeable in astronomy. Coming from Indian background, I found it very intriguing that Burnham mentions several stories and myths from Indian folklore (including those that I heard from my granny!). For eg, Varahamihira (c 100 AD?) in his "Brihat Samhita" compares Ursa Major (aka called "Seven Sages") to string of pearls. I was surprised to see Burnham mention this.

One other way I use the book is to first locate some star in the telescope (by lazily moving it around), notice the color, constellation and other characteristics, then look into the book about the details and compare with what you saw. Thats a fun way of learning.

Though more experienced astronomers would observe that some Burnham's values are of older epoch, this should not really bother a beginner. Burnham has certainly packed a wealth of information into three volumes. Again this is a book that will accompany for life on observing the wonders that are up above the sky.

A peerless classic
Robert Burnham's classic work could rightfully be called the Bible of American amateur astronomers (in Europe, the Webb Society handbooks probably earn that title). Volume 1 begins with an overview of various aspects of observational astronomy, focusing on the various cataloging and classification systems used to describe stars, nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies. The remainder of the three volumes consist of chapters for each constellation. Each chapter begins with a table that give a rundown of all objects of interest in that constellation. What follows are detailed descriptions of all notable objects in the constellation. Burnham did not confine himself to scientific facts - religion, archaeology, literature, and art all find their way into the text. Time has had a toll on the accuracy of the scientific facts that Burnham gives - many distances are wrong, and the discussions of some objects, particulaly remote or highly energetic ones, are seriously outdated. Still, these three books form the backbone of my astronomy library, and have grown battered with heavy use. They make for fascinating reading both beside the telescope and in the living room.

Need all 3 Volumes
There isn't too much this book has left out when it comes to information about stars, galaxies, clusters, nebula etc... These 3 volumes are more like an enclyclopedia set. Any star or other celestial object you want to know more about will probably be here. In fact it would take you more than a lifetime to study and find all of the different wonders of the galaxy and universe that are listed in these volumes. I never realized just how many galaxies had been documented along with variables, eclipsing binaries, star clusters, double stars etc... If you see a star in the heavens that has a certain luster or location or interests you in some way just look it up in this guide and you will find out all kinds of things about it that other books don't delve into.

Great bathroom material for the Deep Sky Observer
Robert Burnham (NOT the former Editor of Sky and Telescope, BTW) from the 50's to the late 60's spent many years working for an observatory on the tedious project of "blink comparing" countless photographic plates. In his spare time, he made and recorded observations of thousands of the most interesting objects in the deep sky. In addition he compiled a library of observations from other great observers, as well as star lore, scientific data, and personal refleciton. The result is a hodge-podge, somewhat out of date, collection that nonethless facinates.

Thousands of objects are cataloged by constellation, and hundreds are described in detail. When arriving at an object that seems to be the most familliar of its class (M13 for globular clusters, Sirius B for white dwarfs etc,.) Burham provides an essay on that class of objects (state of the art for its time, usually the 1970s)- often including very useful cross-references to other objects in that class.

Most useful to the observer are the countless orbital charts of double stars.

These books are an addictive way to pass the time. Most of the essays on featured objects are a few pages long, and can be read in the short "in between" moments that life is filled with. For two years I had one or more volumes of this series of three books in my bathroom, so as to pass the time a bit more productively learning about the sky. Needless to say, some of my bathroom trips grew a bit lengthy as I found myself plowing through Burnham's collection of personal observations, scientific data, and historical tales.

Will enrich your study of the heavens
By all accounts, I am an amateur astronomer, and I stress the word amateur--it being perhaps even still too grandiose a term for my level of knowledge. I do not own a high-powered, high calibre telescope; in fact, my current setup is so dismal I usually get sneered at by the astronomy club outside of the observatory on eclipse nights. (This is the geek's equivalent to locker-room bravado: "How big is your 'scope, dude?")

Now, what I do have, like most of you reading this, is an intense, true love for the appearance of the night sky, and the humility that comes from that love. Ever since playing with my grandpappy's telescope ("Don't break that! Put that back!") when I was very young, I've had a constant and abiding devotion to the aesthetic timetable of the heavens. I've sough out books to best help me expand my knowledge; books that would recognise that, no, I am neither a mathmetician, a physicist, nor an astronomer. Yet, I also didn't want yet another _The Universe for Complete Eejits_ type of big-book.

Shamefully, I avoided Burnham for ages. After all, it was thirty years old, the typeface looked like something out of my dot-matrix printer from 1984, and I shyed away from its three vol. size.

This was a mistake.

Burnham's books--despite what time has effaced from them--remain a necessary purchase for anyone in pursuit of the stars and the spaces in-between the stars. His documentation will satisfy the maths and category crowd, and his folkloric references (my fav. bits) will leave you stammering with surprise knowlege. His calling down on the literary and philosophical heritages of Sanskrit, Arabic, Greek, Native American, and Chinese cultures are astonishing acts of a well-studied mind. The encyclopedic organisation of the book makes it handy for references. Again and again I return to these volumes to learn, remember, and reference.

For what's it's worth to say, I have a fairly sizable personal library and new guests to my flat sometimes peek around at the various shelves. Burnham's always gets the most attention I've noticed: like the stellar pup in a crate full of dogs, people pick up the Burnhams and admire them, peer upon them, and vow to buy them.

I think it would be safe to say that, no matter to what extent your knowledge is of the subject, you will learn and appreciate the effort Burnham put into these books. They rank among the great efforts of scholarship for scholarship's sake, reminding me of those solitary men and women who personally compiled dictionaries of their home-town's dialect. Burnham provides a trustworthy cornerstone for any home astronomy library. ... Read more

Book Description

A Walk through the Heavens is a beautiful and easy-to-use guide to the constellations of the northern hemisphere. By following the unique simplified maps, readers will be able to easily find and identify the constellations and the stars within them. Ancient myths and legends of the sky are retold, adding to the mystery of the stars. Written for the complete beginner, this practical guide introduces the patterns of the starry skies in a memorable way. No equipment is needed, apart from normal sight and clear skies. Milton D. Heifetz is a clinical professor of neurosurgery at the University of Southern California and visiting professor at Harvard Medical School. This is his first astronomy book. Wil Tirion is the author of numerous sky guides, including The Cambridge Guide to Stars and Planets (1997), The Cambridge Star Atlas (1996), and The Monthly Sky Guide (Cambridge, 2003).Previous Edition Hb (1998): 00-521-62513-0 ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A Great Learning Guide
One of the best, if not the best, book I have found to easily teach you the night sky and how to find and identify the Constellations. I highly recommend this book for anyone that wants to learn the night sky easily and complete. A++++

Confusing Constellation Relationships - Good Basic Astronomy
Those who consider this a really good beginners' book must not have seen Hans Rey's classic "Find the Constellations" or "The Stars: A New Way to See Them".
The latter book was "new" generations ago when my now grown children marveled at the heavens using our heavily worn hard copy of "The Stars" with Rey, and is now collecting grubby fingerprints from the frequent use by my grandchildren in our original and several paperback copies.
Part 2 of the Heifetz/Tirion book uses a labored method of originating and extending lines all over the sky from "Star n" of Asterism "m" through several other hard to define positions of far removed stars and further on to numbered or named stars in destination constellations for its "Walk Through the Heavens".
Too complicated for the purpose for beginners.
One could spend all night trying to imagine these lines in the sky while a few minutes with either of the Rey books would have the beginner naming and knowing half a dozen constellations and then star hopping to others.
Parts 1, 3 and 4 save the book. Part 3, the section on Legends of the Heavens, Milky Way, etc. is very good. Part 4, sort of a Misc. chapter has a small collection of good viewing information.
The book is a good buy, but the Rey books are a lot better for learning the constellations for any age group, and only slightly more expensive.
The Time-Life Skywatching/Advanced Skywatching volumes for a few more bucks are a little more advanced but orders of magnitude better for beginning teenagers, adults or advanced elementary schoolers and provide a lot more bang for your buck.

An Excellent Primer to the Constellations
This book makes finding constellations in the Northern Hemisphere(the author has a similar book for the Southern Hemisphere)an interesting and successful endeavor. It is not just for youngsters, but for anyone with an interest in learning how to find constellations and the names of the major stars. The diagrams illustrate the relationships between stars and constellations in simple drawings that make it like an easy-to-read roadmap. It builds from the pointer stars of the Big Dipper (Ursa Major) to all the constellations and how to find them. Instead of frustration and doubt you'll feel the exhilaration of discovery.

Besides the stars and their relationships to each other, there is also a "Legends of the Heavens" section that tells the myths and stories of the major constellations. They are fascinating and not limited to children. This book can open up the heavens for anyone who wonders about the stars. It can lay a foundation by simplifying the sky. Once these basics are learned, the universe and hobby of astronomy can be pursued to whatever depth you want. This book is a MUST for anyone wanting to be successful in satisfying their curiosity about the locations of constellations and their relationships to each other.

This book will lead you to the stars...
...Or at least, it will help you to identify them.

I have always been interested on space. However, I have never taken a single astronomy class, and there is a huge difference between knowing about astronomical objects and identifying them on the sky. I had seen some maps, but they were overwhelming.

This book changed it all. It starts with identifying one constellation, and from there it takes you to many stars. It is a very useful first step.

A great companion book for this one is "Secrets of the Night Sky". As I told in my review of that one, "A Walkthrough" will show you how to locate stuff. "Secrets" will let you know what you are watching.

Excellent beginning skywatcher's book!
Very good introduction to visual stargazing, and a required orientation to the night sky. I used to recommend the Rey book first for beginner's, but after reading this one, I'd have to give it the nod, although the candor and increased detail in the Rey book make it worth owning as well. My only gripe with this book is the liberty taken with presentation of the constellation legends, where the author felt that he needed to "remove violence" from the stories! A little arrogant, I thought... ... Read more

Book Description

Imagine yourself...
- surprising your friends
- charming a date
- delighting your children
- becoming an astronomy enthusiast
- navigating in a survival situation
- taking your first steps to discovering our place in the universe.

Stikky Night Skies uses a unique learning method to bring a fascinating topic to anyone with an hour to spare. We spent hundreds of hours with dozens of readers testing and refining it to be sure it will work for you.

Includes a comprehensive Next Steps section with guides to the top 12 night sky objects, stargazing equipment, observatories, clubs, free star maps, space and astronomy websites, and more.

Covered by the Stikky Guarantee.

We give ten percent of the profits from this book to projects that use knowledge to help people in need worldwide.

For stargazers in the northern hemisphere. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Easy way to learn to recognize constellations
A simple but effective approach, "Stikky Night Skies" teaches the reader how to recognize six constellations, 4 major stars, a planet, and how to always determine north in the night sky. Besides showing the constellation pattern and describing how to recognize it the book contains multiple pages of actually night skies to practice on. After completing the book it is fairly simple to locate each of the constellations mentioned.

I did have one problem with the book. The gluing method used to attach the cover on my copy was of such poor quality that the cover came off with just one reading. Of course it can just be glued back on with good quality hot glue, but you would expect it to be of better quality from the beginning.

Other than this one caveat, if you want to know how to recognize a handful of constellations that you can use as a base to learn other ones, you can't go wrong with "Stikky Night Skies".

200 black pages with little white dots on it ... that's all?
After all the reviews I read here I expected a lot more. Before I cover the content of this book let me tell you that the binding of this book is pittyful - it fell apart after the first indoor use. The printing quality appears to me like a cheap black and white newspaper print (no pictures or decent draws), just that the paper is somewhat thicker. The book consists only of black pages with wihte dots on it resembling stars. In one or two easy sentences on each page you are supposed to figure constellations. It works and in an hour you are about to find 5 or 6 constellations in the book.
But for whom is this book made for???
Little kids?- No, nothing is explained about stars, solar system, universe etc. Just to find a few constellations won't hold up a kids interest for very long.
The newbie astronomer? - NO. There is no explanation given to nothing. So it is not only that you know nothing about the basics of astronomy, it also fails to live up to it's own expectations. Most people will be surprised that they don't find the constellations they found so easily in the book. Thats because they've been told nothing about the seasonal constallations, the difference between the northern/southern hemisphere, no directions given where to find stuff, nothing about the rotation...
So here comes my personal guess what this book is good for:
If you wanna impress your girlfrind with your newly acquired skills and you want to take no effort... this is it. You just have to be lucky to be in the right place at the right time of the year ... and most importantly, she shouldn't ask any question like "What is this bright misty arc overhead?" , "Is a shooting star a fallen star?". Those questions will embarrasse you to nature, because you couldn't answer them from the content of this book.
Honestly again, get yourself T. Dickinson's "Nightwatch" and you will find all constallations easily and constantly at any time of the year. You will know the answers to all the questions an interested rookie might ask himself.

Connect with our ancestors
Take this book with you on your next trip. Devote an hour to reading it, accept the simple rules, and you will never again look at the night sky in the same way. For thousands of years people examined the night sky with nothing but their eyes, their minds, their hopes and fears. Over time, they learned a remarkable amount about the near heaven. Using this book, you can regain a profound skill that helped our ancestors onto the rocky of civilization. You can learn to see the skies, to understand how space is arrayed. This can be a pleasure in itself or it can be the foundation for a plunge into astronomy. This book offers you a grand chance. After you read the first part, take a blanket, go outside, lie comfortably on the ground, and join our ancestors in the first step into the universe. And there is a bonus: you can learn how to use the sky to orient yourself in your own backyard. This book offers a glimmer of what school should be like.

Fabulous for novice astronomy interests!!!
If you have an interest in the skies above... but don't know where to begin...THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU!!

I am a complete novice about our stary nights here on earth...and within 30 minutes "Stikky Night Skies" has provided a basis for me to begin a new adventure and hobby.

If you are searching for a family hobby that can be enjoyed by one and all...this book works for a child and beyond.

My husband's special interest is in quantum science. I asked him if he wanted to have some fun, so I gave him the book. After 30 minutes he looked at me and said.."I'm hooked !! When is the next clear night?".

We are hooked on the night skies thanks to "Stikky Night Skies"!

Great Book
This book at first seemed too simple. Then after buying and reading it, I realized that it was perfect. The book starts slowly, teaching you how to find one star and constellation and then builds on that information. By the end of the book the reader can find several constellations, stars, etc. This information is also presented in such a way that I feel I'll retain the knowledge for life. All-in-all a good book that effectively conveys the information. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

A basic field guide for beginning observers of the night sky, introducing information on the locations, names, and characteristics of stars, constellations, and other bodies in outer space. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Compact;concise.
Great little book for the beginner.Portable,so you can take it with you on your nighttime prowling of the universe.Written in a manner that newbies such as myself can understand.A good companion to all my other amateur astronomy books.Inexpensive,as well.Not as comprehensive as those other books,but this is a field guide,and it serves its purpose well.

Doesn't have any information
This book doesn't have any information for the dummy in the astronomy. The book is more like a museum guide to the starts. The information on this book is nothing new and it doesn't teach you about telescopes or related topics.

This is a great little book
The Peterson guide is small and compact, but packed with information. When you can't take a huge volume with you, this fits the bill perfectly. I take it on cycling tours and hiking trips, where it fits nicely in a pannier or pocket. It's easy to understand, too - I gave a copy to my young neice for Christmas last year.

The First Astronomy Book You Should Buy.
Thanks to this book, I am now an amateur astronomer. I have a lot of astronomy resources but this is the one I use over and over again. This book is designed for someone without any experience and is an excellent guide for showing someone where to look. Within just a little while the reader will be looking at galaxies, nebulas, and globular clusters... Bob Flater ... Read more

Reviews (2)

a very decent jumbo planisphere
Pros:

-all plastic (not paper or laminated paper)...won't get soggy if it gets wet
-kids will probably like the jumbo 16" diameter size (it is also available in 11" diameter size)
-useful information on the front and back (like meteor shower dates)
-works for latitudes between 30 and 60 degrees North
-several lesser-known stars are named; for example Zaurak, Sabik and Algorab
-a lot less crowded than smaller planispheres

Cons:

-For its jumbo size, I was expecting more celestial objects & detail...the dimmer, harder-to-find Messier objects are not shown. But it looks like it was designed more for beginners, in which case this makes good sense.
-Messier objects are marked by a letter, and you must flip the planisphere over to 'decipher' the letter. For example, M35 in Gemini is simply labelled as 'H'. It should just be labelled as 'M35' on the front in the first place.
-sometimes the same letter represents two or three seperate Messier objects. For example, M36, M37, and M38 in Auriga are all designated by three seperate letter 'F's. The description on the back distinguishes them seperately, but it's annoying.
-floppy due to it being relatively thin for its size

A planisphere like this is essenial for beginners to learn the night sky. If you are more advanced and need more detail, get a star map (but you'll probably still use your planisphere too).

A Great Way to Learn the Nighttime Sky
For the beginning amateur astronomer there is no better aid to learning the stars and constellations than a planisphere - and I think David Levy's new rendition of this old device is as good as they come.

Basically a planisphere is starmap printed on one of two plastic disks which are joined together in the center and free to rotate. Around the edge of one disk are the days of the year while the other disk has the hours of the day. By setting the time, on one disk, opposite the date on the other, it is possible for you to see the sky, through a window in the top disk, as it would appear at that particular day and time.

There are several thing about David Levy's planisphere that recommend it. To begin with it is BIG, 16 inches in diameter to be precise, and the printing is large and easy to read. Secondly, it is a good representation of the sky showing only those stars visible to the unaided eye. Finally, the reverse side contains information about the Moon, planets, meteor showers and a listing of interesting galaxies and star clusters visible in binoculars or a small telescope. If you are a beginning "Stargazer", or thinking about becoming one, this should be your first acquisition. ... Read more

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 Littleton ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Outstanding for novice or intermediate amateur astronomers
If you own only one astronomy field guide, this should be it. The charts are accurate & easy to read, the text is informative but not overpowering, and the design is very reader friendly. The monthly star charts can be used from most latitudes - both northern and southern.
This is the third edition of this book. I've been a fan of it since it was first published in the mid 1980s.

Nice coffee table book
I found this book to be interesting, but not in-depth enough for intermediate astronomers. The information on the planets is overly simplistic and for entertainment purposes. For example, instead of having a graph of basic information for every planet, sometimes it lists essential information (like orbital period) and sometimes it doesn't which makes it useless as a reference.

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...
This is a nice, streamlined book. Logical layout, sharp photography, and a clean, crisp design. The first portion discusses the universe and stars (addressed below), and is followed by another section that provides a 2-4 page profile on each planet, including when and where in the sky it's visible until 2009. Following these sections, is a large section covering all the official constellations in alphabetical order with at least one interesting item to check out from each constellation. Obviously, some have more: Sagitarius, Scorpius, Orion, etc. A brief constellation history is provided, along with a small map depicting the constellation stars, surrounding stars, and objects of particular interest. These objects are coded with simple icons to denote "viewability": naked eye, bino, scope, etc. The last section of the book has monthly sky maps. I purchased the flex-cover edition, which is made of some quasi-vinyl material that's quite nice. The book itself seems well made and durable. Why only 4 stars? I have two issues.#1, I wish it were spiral bound.#2, it's not as forthright about its hypothetical aspects as it should be (planetary core composition, Big Bang mechanics, Oort Cloud (!), etc.)Other than that, the book is highly recommended and a pleasure to read/use.

So Simple, Even I Can Find What I'm Looking For!
I am one of those people who has trouble finding specific constellations, and is never quite sure whether I'm looking at Jupiter or Venus.I carry around little scraps of paper from the newspaper so I can figure out which planets are visible . . . but have a hard time reading the scraps in the dark.

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!

Great intro and continuing reference
This was the first book I bought on this topic and it provided a great introduction to the night sky with its constellations, the solar system and the universe.

I have since then purchased other more advanced books, but I continue to use this one regularly as a quick and convenient source for information on various constellations and its monthly sky charts which point out interesting things to observe for a given period.

This makes a great first book along with Terence Dickinson's "Nightwatch".

I am puzzled why the reading level is indicated at ages 9-12 on this web page. There is no such mention on the book itself, nor do I find that the book talks down to adults, so don't be put off by this age notice. ... Read more

Book Description

Designed with the beginner in mind and useful to anyone interested in astronomy. Star Maps for Beginners is the classic guide to viewing and understanding the heavens. Its superb maps -- drawn in the shape of two crossed ellipses -- provide the reader with a unique perspective on the sky and have been widely acknowledged as the easiest system yet devised for locating any constellation at any time of the year.

Now revised for the 1990s, with updated planet charts and a new section on spotting meteor showers. Star Maps for Beginners includes:

12 complete maps -- one for each month -- showing the positions of the constellations viewed from every direction
a synoptic table that shows how to choose the proper map for use at any time special tables that give approximate positions of the planets for the years 1992 through 1997
the most up-to-date overview of the solar system available today the latest facts about each of the planets -- orbit, size, atmosphere, internal structure, climate, and terrain
a full chapter on the history and development of the constellations, and the ancient legends and mythological lore surrounding them
a special section on meteors -- how they originate and when and where to spot them.

Initially published in 1942 and now celebrating its 50th anniversary, Star Maps for Beginners has sold more than 450,000 copies. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Expect to Wear Out Your Copy
My tattered copy sitting on the shelf as I write this attests to it's value. I'm no major astronomer in any sense of the word, but a major part of what I DO know about the night sky was gleaned from its pages. It is what the title suggests: "For Beginners". It refrains from being too technical, the charts for the months of the year are easy to understand and use, and it's ar less expensive than other books of its kind. If your wish is to begin a hobby in astronomy, or better yet, if you simply are curious as to how to find your way around the night sky, this is a wonderful place to start. You will amaze yourself with what you'll know after only a few nights with this book. However, please note how up-to-date your copy is when buying it here or elsewhere. Hopefully, it will be as much a joy to you as it has been for me these past six years.

best book for beginners
I'll echo the comments of the reviewers below. I've looked at many books of star maps and I've written articles on the night sky for local newspapers. This book is by far the best - it's easy to use and the constellations are depicted just as they appear in the sky - without a lot of confusing, unnecessary additions. The accompanying essays are informative, entertaining and easy to understand.

It's a huge shame that this book evidently has not been updated in 10 years. So, yes, the planet information is out-of-date. (But before you learn to find planets you first need to learn to identify constellations and bright stars - that's where Star Maps for Beginners outshines all the others.)

I, too, have given away countless copies of this book. It's great for almost all ages. (Well, let's say for a bright 10-year-old and up.) I'm buying it again as a gift for someone who sells telescopes for a living. He never heard of it and he doesn't know what he's missing.

The most dog-eared sky reference book I have
It's true, it doesn't show where the planets are but for identifying constellations and stars, any time from about 6 pm to about 5 am, you can't beat this book. I write a What's Up In the Sky weekly column and I'd be lost without this book. It gives basic information, delineates the differences in the seasons, skywise, and throws in some mythology also. The chart, telling which sky map corresponds to the time of night is invalueable. I can't imagine looking at the sky without this book.

The easiest way I've seen to find and identify stars, planet
I'd be hard pressed to say how many copies of this book I have given away. Unlike most other star guides, this book gives clear, easy-to-follow maps and directions for finding stars and planets. A separate star map is provided for each month of the year. Just turn to the month you are looking at stars in and in no time, you can identify what you are looking at.

The historical and mythical background given on constellations is excellent also.

You might want to wait for the next edition.
I was disappointed with this book for two reasons. I wanted help locating the planets, but the 50th anniversary edition is obsolete. The book contains charts showing which constellations the planets could be found in for 1992 -- 1997, but I bought the book in 1998! The charts also don't include Uranus and Neptune. These two shortcomings limit the value of this book for anyone who uses it, but primarily for the beginning amateur astronomer who might not have enough interest to seek another source.

I did find the star charts to be very easy to use on my first-ever attempt to use a star chart to find constellations. For about an hour, I preferred these charts to the more conventional (and more cluttered) monthly charts from Sky & Telescope Magazine. I quickly learned to appreciate the extra detail in the magazine's chart and felt as if I had "graduated" to a "real" star chart. Perhaps, if I were younger, I would feel differently.

I appreciated s! ome of the other aspects of the book. It has a very understandable description of star magnitude and brightness ratio. It also has an interesting section on Meteors. I also enjoyed the brief history of ancient star maps and the origins of the constellation names. ... Read more

Book Description

Every night, astronomers use a new generation of giant telescopes at observatories around the world to study phenomena at the forefront of science. By focusing on the history of the Gemini Observatory--twin8-meter telescopes located on mountain peaks in Hawaii and Chile--Giant Telescopes tells the story behind the planning and construction of modern scientific tools, offering a detailed view of the technological and political transformation of astronomy in the postwar era.

Drawing on interviews with participants and archival documents, W. Patrick McCray describes the ambitions and machinations of prominent astronomers, engineers, funding patrons, and politicians in their effort to construct a modern facility for cutting-edge science--and to establish a model for international cooperation in the coming era of "megascience." His account details the technological, institutional, cultural, and financial challenges that scientists faced while planning and building a new generation of giant telescopes. Besides exploring how and why scientists embraced the promise and potential of new technologies, he considers how these new tools affected what it means to be an astronomer. McCray's book should interest anyone who desires a deeper understanding of the science, technology, and politics behind finding our place in the universe.

Reviews (1)

The post-war development of US astronomy
This is a very well-researched history of the twists and
turns of post-war US large telescope astronomy and its
desire to retain leadership against growing competition
from Europe and Japan. The story involves a seemingly
endless conflict between private and publicly-funded
astronomers and differing mirror technologies and their
outspoken advocates, against a backdrop of
international partners attempting to join the US effort
and simultaneously knock some order in the US process.

McCray has worked hard to produce a very readable
account. Whether you are a practising astronomer or
interested in how hard it is to synthesize US scientific
opinion, this is well worth reading. ... Read more

Book Description

Commercially-made astronomical telescopes are better and less expensive than ever before, and their optical and mechanical performance can be superb. When a good-quality telescope fails to perform as well as it might, the reason is quite probably that it needs a little care and attention! Here is a complete guide for anyone who wants to understand more than just the basics of astronomical telescopes and accessories, and how to maintain them in the peak of condition. The latest on safely adjusting, cleaning, and maintaining your equipment is combined with thoroughly updated methods from the old masters. Here, too, are details of choosing new and used optics and accessories, along with enhancements you can make to extend their versatility and useful lifetime. This book is for you. Really. Looking after an astronomical telescope isnÆt only for the experts - although there some things that only an expert should attempt - and every serious amateur astronomer will find invaluable information here, gleaned from Barlow PepinÆs many yearsÆ experience working with optical instruments. ... Read more

Book Description

Could Einstein have possibly anticipated directly testing the most captivating prediction of general relativity, that there exist isolated pockets of spacetime shielded completely from our own? Now, almost a century after that theory emerged, one of the world's leading astrophysicists presents a wealth of recent evidence that just such an entity, with a mass of about three million suns, is indeed lurking at the center of our galaxy, the Milky Way--in the form of a supermassive ''black hole''!

With this superbly illustrated, elegantly written, nontechnical account of the most enigmatic astronomical object yet observed, Fulvio Melia captures all the excitement of the growing realization that we are on the verge of actually seeing this exotic object within the next few years.

Melia traces our intellectual pilgrimage to the ''brooding behemoth'' at the heart of the Milky Way. He describes the dizzying technological advances that have recently brought us to the point of seeing through all the cosmic dust to a dark spot in a clouded cluster of stars in the constellation Sagittarius. Carefully assembling the compelling circumstantial evidence for its black hole status, he shows that it is primed to reveal itself as a glorious panorama of activity within this decade--through revolutionary images of its ''event horizon'' against the bright backdrop of nearby, radiating gas.

Uniquely, this book brings together a specific and fascinating astronomical subject--black holes--with a top researcher to provide both amateur and armchair astronomers, but also professional scientists seeking a concise overview of the topic, a real sense of the palpable thrill in the scientific community when an important discovery is imminent.

... Read more

Reviews (10)

Science Writing At its Best
Take an exciting and exotic topic like "black holes"
and a gifted writer like Fulvio Melia, and what do
you get? A surprisingly and satisfyingly accessible
book like "The Black Hole at the Center of Our Galaxy."
At times it reads like a science fiction novel, until
you realize that all of the contents are factual. It's
amazing how far astronomers have come in unravelling
the mystery behind arguably the most bizarre objects
in the universe, and especially the supermassive black

hole at the center of our own Galaxy. And Melia does
a great job setting the stage and then explaining where
things stand. I particularly liked chapter 3, in which
he sets out in everyday terms what mass is, and how it
is related to gravity. I read it twice before going
on to the next. Several questions that have bothered
me for years were finally answered. Read this and
catch up on where science has gone in the past decade!

Amazing Detective Story
Hooray for Carolyn Collins Petersen, who wrote a review of this book for the January issue of Sky and Telescope. She absolutely captured the essence of this worthwhile read, and convinced me to pick up a copy of my own. I agree with her assessment wholeheartedly. Melia's book is a detective story, but more than that, it's an up-to-date account of what black hole astronomers are aiming for. The only thing I was somewhat disappointed with was that the last chapter ended too early. The subject of supermassive black holes in general deserves a lengthier discussion.

passionate, he is - but it's hard to follow
Apparently Sgr A* is shrinking - at various points in the book, it's described as the size of Mars' orbit, the size of Mercury's orbit, and several times the diameter of the Sun. Then there's the "how fast are the nearby stars going", in units of millions of kilometers per hour in one chapter, and kilometers per second in another - unit confusion! It's an enjoyable book, but somewhat choppy in nature - he introduces a segment on Hawking radiation, then mentions that it's totally useless in detection for supermassive black holes. The descriptions of Sgr A* are well done at the various wavelengths and very helpful; the background on why each wavelength conveys certain information was particularly excellent.
Now: why go to Australia to look at the Milky Way?

How to write
I chose this book for my assignment this semester on how science is conveyed to the general public. The question is always, do you paint a superficial picture, watering down the material to make it more "palatable", or do you keep all the details and risk losing the majority of the audience? Well, it seems that sometimes it IS possible to stay true to the science and yet explain things in a way that everyone can understand. I felt compelled to write this review because I was caught by surprise. Fulvio Melia writes with the style of a storyteller, at times with passion, and always with obvious attention to the reader's needs. I just got my graded report back: A+.

Fascinating indeed
The subject of this book has been one of my abiding interests since high school. My daughter strongly recommended it to me, with the assurance that it contained one of the best descriptions of general relativity for the layman, woven into the captivating story of the black hole at the center of our galaxy. Finally, someone who is directly involved with frontline research on this topic has taken the time to write about it in language that nonexperts can understand. Why is it that others don't do the same? ... Read more

Book Description

What is the Universe made of? How old is it? How does a supernova explode? Can we detect black holes? And where do cosmic rays originate? This volume provides a comprehensive and pedagogical introduction to modern ideas and challenging problems in nuclear and particle astrophysics. Articles written by eight leading experts cover a wealth of exciting topics. Together, they present the Universe as a laboratory for testing cutting-edge physics. This timely volume successfully bridges the gap between conference proceedings and specialized monographs. It provides an invaluable resource for graduate students and active researchers in nuclear and particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology. ... Read more

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. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

DK Publishes Another Great Book
As in all other DK books, colored pictures, photographs, and high-quality gloss paper are found in this book. This book clearly gives a drawing of the constellations, a little history, where it is visible (latitudes), and at the very end, finishes it off with a map of all of the stars from both hemispheres, meaning that you can take this book anywhere in the world and use it! Plenty of information to be found in this book for star gazers. For pros, it's a great reference as it lists individual star names, also, like M2, etc. ... Read more

Book Description

This text, designed for beginning students of stellar physics, introduces the fundamentals of stellar structure and evolution. In emphasizing the general picture of the life cycles of stars and the physics responsible, it also allows prospective specialists a taste of many of the detailed aspects of this mature discipline. The authors develop a solid foundation in important theory that is often overlooked in typical courses, yet steer clear of extraneous intensive mathematics and physics. Topics include nuclear physics and stellar energy sources, the equation of state of stellar material, phenomenological approaches to convection, and modern numerical techniques for computation of stellar evolution. Keeping pace with recent developments, the authors incorporate important elements such as asteroseismology, and the effects of rotation and magnetic fields. ... Read more

Book Description

A handful of great landmark books in the scientific renaissance forever changed how we look at our place in the universe. The first of these was Nicolaus Copernicus’ De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium, Libri VI (Six books on the revolutions of the heavenly spheres). Published in 1543, the year of the Polish astronomer’s death, De Revolutionibus gave a revolutionary new blueprint for the planetary system. The earth, instead of resting solidly in the center of the cosmos, was set awhirl, spinning on its axis every twenty-four hours and revolving around a distant, fixed sun. The new cosmology was not a clarion call from the stars, inevitable and proven by fresh Renaissance observations of the planets; instead it was something truly subtle and wonderful, a "theory pleasing to the mind." Chapter 10, with its famous sun-centered diagram of the planetary system, was intended to convince not by physical or astronomical "proof," but by aesthetics, by the beauty of the explanation. Clearly the persuasion would be in the eye of the beholder.

Each of Copernicus’ arguments concerns the planets, those heavenly bodies that moved against the fixed patterns of the distant stars. He demonstrated that the principal complications in the planetary motions could be elegantly explained by attributing movement to the earth itself. From a geometric point of view, Copernicus’ arguments were highly compelling, but to the great majority of his contemporaries, any claims for physical reality seemed ridiculous. If the earth were spinning daily on its axis, a stone thrown upward would surely land in another county. As the great Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe would say later in the sixteenth century, "The Copernican arrangement nowhere offends the principles of mathematics, but it casts the earth, a lazy, sluggish body unfit for motion, into a movement as fast as the aetherial torches [i.e., the stars themselves]."

Commentary by Owen Gingerich, searchable English translation and Latin live text. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Copernicus's wonderful revolutions
Though some of his ideas or "philosophys" are extreemly out of date, it is a marvel to read the book that first experessed the "crazy" ideas that are now common knowledge for a 3rd Grader. I feel that anyone intent on studying philosophy, astronomy, mathamatics, or is just very intrested in the greatest works of all time should deffinitly read this book. Although sometimes hard to understand (Nicolaus is not the greatest writer) because of it's crypticness, it is a "must read." ... Read more

Book Description

This book assembles for the first time in a single text the full range of astronomical and engineering principles used in the design and construction of large telescopes. It aims to cover all aspects of the field, from the fundamentals of astronomical observation, to optics, control systems, and structural, mechanical, and thermal engineering, as well as such specialized topics as site selection and program management. The book is the result of the collaboration of many leading astronomers, engineers, and project managers. Their contributions have been edited to provide a consistent approach and treatment: for example, ground- and space-based telescopes are treated from a common perspective. Topics covered include: - Design Methods and Project Management - Telescope Optics - Stray Light Control - Structure and Mechanisms - Pointing and Control - Active and Adaptive Optics - Thermal Control - Integration and Verification - Observatory Enclosure and Siting ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A great way to increase your enjoyment of the constellations
I tend to be very wary of astronomy books. I enjoy going out at night and looking at the night sky, but don't like to get a whole lot more technical than that. After having learned to identify some of the constellations, this book provided me with the perfect next step. It gives you just enough background knowledge to make your tour through the sky infinitely more enjoyable. The author presents simple and easy to understand information on both classic and modern constellations. I would recommend it as the perfect "not too technical" book about the lore surrounding the night sky.

A great guide to the mythology behind the constellations
Cornelius tells the stories found in the stars in an entertaining, informative way. Each constellation is studied in detail-- from the meanings (greek, arabic, or otherwise) of the star names, to a description of the objects visible through binoculars, to the myths associated with the figures. This book is a must-have for any amateur or professional astronomer. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Catch a Falling Star and Put It In Your Pocket
I got this as the perfect gift for ME, but it really would make a wonderful gift for just about anybody. Who hasn't enjoyed gazing up at the diamonds in the sky and who hasn't tried to visualize the constellations? I love this set. I'm not an astronomer, I just love looking at the stars and I enjoy the myths about the characters that wheel above us in the starry heavens. This set contains a very well written 87 page guide book that is a quality paperback measuring 5 1/2" X 8", thirty-two cards that are slightly larger, and maps of the hemispheres. The book gives us the myth behind each of the constellations included in the set and also tells us about the major stars in each of the constellations, giving us brief scientific information as well as how to locate the constellation. It is not a professional astronomer's handbook, but is intended for the novice, and as such is excellent. The cards were invented by "a lady" in 1825 in London and were originally hand-painted. She called them Urania's Mirror. They are an original way to learn to recognize the constellations. Each card is pierced with tiny holes of varying sizes that glitter when held up to the light. These look like the constellations and give one an image to look for in the night sky. They are made of sturdy card stock and are colorful and have the abundant charm of 19th century map art. This is a super teaching aid and seems more "hands-on" and intimate than learning strictly from a book. The box that the book and cards come in is very sturdy and will hold up to lots of wear. It is not like the chintzy material that, for example, a Tarot deck would come in. It has a removable top, separate from the bottom, rather than tuck-in flaps. It is a deep indigo color with gold lettering, very attractive. It is meant to be a quality gift set that will last.

Makes a great gift
This box of stars holds a neat little pocketbook guide to the 88 constellations plus the legends & myths behind them. Its definitely a starter guide so don't expect a full size book. Its more like a thick pamphlet of the major legends. I bought it for the beautiful llustrations drawn in that old world cartography art. Its a great coffee table book/box. If you're looking for the same artwork, there's a blankbook planisphere on amazon by Paperblanks Book Company.

Education with artwork!
While the information is more mythological than astronomical, this is a very interesting little "box". It gives the full stories of the major constellations, and information on locating them. Where it excells, is in the set of cards that come with it. They are beautiful portraits of the constellations in their mythological forms, and the major stars are "punched" so that when held up to the light you can get a sense of what it will look like outdoors. Very tastefully done, it is the kind of item that would hook a young person on astronomy. It's even nice for old people too. ... Read more

Book Description

Stellar evolution-the birth, development and death of stars-is central to our current understanding of astronomy. But surprisingly the majority of amateur astronomers lack a full understanding of the physics of stars. Current books on the market tend to be highly theoretical and not reader-friendly. Observer's Guide to Stellar Evolution brings this subject to life in a unique way. By combining a step-by-step introduction with suggestions for practical observations of stars at different stages in their evolution, Mike Inglis has written a book that amateur astronomers will find fascinating and informative, regardless of their current level of knowledge. • Accessible to every amateur astronomer, regardless of background knowledge • Step-by-step introduction to the theory of stellar evolution • Includes many examples of stars at different stages in their evolution, so that readers can observe for themselves • Mathematics is made accessible by being presented in boxes that readers can skip over if they prefer ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Potentially Good Book; Copyediting at its worst
Observer's Guide to Stellar Evolution

Review 1003

Book Review: 'Observer's Guide to Stellar Evolution'

By Richard Tihany

"The Observer's Guide to Stellar Evolution" by Mike Inglis (Springer-Verlag) can be used as a quick reference to a few hundred commonly observed astronomical objects. The author also provides a comprehensive explanation of the basics of astrophysics, using the objects as illustrations of the concepts he presents within the text.
Inglis meticulously discusses in great detail the methods of measurement of such essential astronomical details as distances and the use of spectral analysis of starlight to determine stars' composition and relationship to other objects.
We are taken from the formation of protostars in the interstellar medium to the actual birth of a star, at the point when pressure and temperature increase enough to start the core's hydrogen-fusion reaction, producing first helium and then all other elements, known as metals to astronomers.
The author imparts one of the most important concepts of astronomy in his handling of the Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram, a compilation of research named in 1911 for Danish astronomer Ejnar Hertzsprung and, in 1913, for American astronomer Henry Norris Russell. He repeatedly approaches the H-R diagram from several avenues, including measurements of the radii of stars and consideration of every possible facet of a star's genesis, life and death.
Inglis deals with the H-R diagram more effectively than many authors by the deftness with which he reapproaches the subject time after time. Rather than creating the impression of being overbearing and too repetitive, Inglis increases the reader's understanding of the H-R diagram's importance to the concepts under consideration. His explanation of the crux of the H-R diagram, the diagonal band of stars know collectively as the "main sequence," is key to any further understanding of astronomy, for these stars comprise 90% of all visible stars.
Inglis' explanation of the "proton-proton chain," the series of nuclear
reactions by which four hydrogen atoms interact at extremely high temperatures to form one helium atom, is the best I've read. His lucid description of helium burning, which results in the creation of carbon and oxygen, couldn't be clearer. The next main event in the sequence, the "helium flash," only happens in low-mass stars but is best described as spectacular: energy output about 100 times greater than the entire Milky Way. The temperature of the star's core at this point can reach 300 million K.
Due deference to the mathematically-challenged is provided by Inglis' decision to keep nearly all formulas and computations separate from the text in shaded boxes scattered throughout the book. The book's diagrams are well-done and informative. I intend to plan some observing sessions in the near future by referring to the object descriptions.
Notably missing is an effective and comprehensive glossary. This necessitates frequent use of the index, a poor substitute.
While this book is the product of a talented astronomer, it reveals the worst example of copyediting I've seen in years. The reader is forced to reread many sentences and to guess their meaning. In fact, only a determined reader is likely to finish the book.
The author knows better than to say (page 36), "It is easier to have an idea of a star if we say it is about 10 times as hotter (sic) than the Sun..." Or, (page 73) "...they can in affect (sic) sweep away the residual gas and dust clouds...." On page 101, Inglis tells us that a star cluster "...can vary from a few dozen light years to about 70 light years across...." (70 is a few dozen.) On page
117, he states, "The mechanisms by which provides the 'triggers' for star formation have three very disparate origins..."(By which what provides the
triggers?) I was repeatedly left with the impression that Springer is selling a fairly thin paperback for $44.95 which could be more aptly identified as a rough draft than a book. However, the factual content is valuable despite the nearly fatal defects. This impression is largely due to my knowledge of astronomy before venturing into this prematurely-published minefield. Had I paid for the book rather than been provided a review copy, I would have been tempted to return it.
The current edition of this book could be the makings of a rather good book if Inglis, his editor and his publisher decide to complete the project.

Don't be Afraid of Math
My definition of a good Scientific American article is that an intelligent person outside the specialty can understand it. Mike Inglis definitely passes this test! As a mechanical engineer I especially appreciate the basic math that applies to magnitudes, distances, and stellar sizes. The H-R diagram is covered from many angles in a more logical, understandable format than I have ever read. I will definitely wear out this book going over the good sections time after time (sometimes under red light!)
Chris Norris ... Read more