Customer Reviews

Astronomy Atlas of the Moon

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have used this book and several other moon maps and atlases, including the highly respected "Hatfield Photographic Atlas". I find that this is the book that I keep coming back to. I prefer the highly detailed drawings in this format over photographs since they are unaffected by the lunar phase. The book is also has a very well thought out index and cross reference. Highly recommended.

"Atlas of the Moon" is an accurate and detailed work for persons interested in the visual pursuit of the moon. For anyone with a small telescope or giant binoculars, the detailed moon maps, displayed in a series of 76 individual close-up drawings, provide a wealth of moon topology. The book also groups lunar features and indexes for easy reference. For example, under "rupes--scarp," it lists Rupes Recta (the Straight Wall) on plate 54, along with other scarps. It does the same for other lunar features, such as craters, rilles, and mares--seas. Not only does "Atlas of the Moon" include 76 drawings, but it also has 50 photographs of diverse terrain, such as walled plains, craters, and valleys, to name just a few. I would recommend "Atlas of the Moon" for anyone who enjoys looking at the moon and wants to learn many of its detailed features.

From full charts to detailed renderings, this book has the best information in the best form available for systematic observation of the Moon. This is the book to buy if an authoritative reference is needed or detailed observing of the Moon is undertaken with amateur telescopes, small or large. There is plenty of information on the Moon to read, along with the many sectional drawings and photographs of prominent and unique features.

-This book is a beautiful complement to a photographic atlas or description. I was surprised to find how this graphically drawn atlas seems easier to use than a photographic one, even if the accuracy cannot be quite as good -- photos do not always look like the view in the telescope, they are far harsher, and the shading often affects your perception enough to confuse some features (the author did include photos of some of the more prominent features). The book obviously shows considerable love for the science and patience, which are terrific qualities for any observer to take to the eyepiece.
-The atlas is also divided up into small sections which makes it more enjoyable to plan a "visit," with plenty of description about the people for whom the craters are named (of course, one can never be satisfied that enough features are named). Users of both small and large telescopes can enjoy using this book. The author has complemented his research with a good bibliography, comprehensive charts, and a brief description of the art and science of observing the moon. Surprisingly, and disappointingly, he gives very little description about his work in drawing the lunar features or general astronomical sketching, which in my opinion is a missed opportunity to add some charm and value to an already aesthetic book. He also says little about some of the pre-scientific ideas and musings about this object which has captivated and enriched the imaginations, as well as the mind, of so many people for so much of our history. Well, there are other sources, but it would have been nice to have the artist's perspective.
-Observational astronomers often complain about the moon as a source of light pollution. So did I, until I decided to join in and enjoy what I couldn't change (the moon is also less subject to the many vagarities of astronomical seeing). This is a superb book to use with either a small or a large telescope and the rich artwork will add to your enjoyment of one of our most beautiful astronomical companions. May the moon brightly "light up" your observing.

If you are a serious lunar observer, this book belongs on your shelf. An absolute must since so many other refferences rely on it. The problem of red ink has been corrected in this edition. Get two copies: one for scope-side use, the other as a desk refference.

When I first opened the book, I was surprised that all the maps were drawn instead of actual photos. Thinking shortly about this I realized that photos would have been very expensive not alone impossible at the scale the author chose. It love to look through my 4 inch scope and see how fine a detail I can observe as compared with the book.

I thoroughly recommend Antonin Rukl's Atlas of the Moon. I have used it together with the Consolidated Lunar Atlas, published by the Lunar and Planetary Institute.

The Atlas allows the armchair astronomer to locate sites on the moon and to relate them to photographs. The images (drawings) are accurate enough.

It also lists the sites of all the lunar landings American and Russian.

This is the book to use for a lunar observing program, such as the one that the Astronomical League has. The book contains a complete (for the near side of the moon) set of drawings with wonderful attention to detail. The inside front and back covers contain an index map. Each detail map contains information on the major land forms as well as a reference to the origin of the name. The only complaint I have is that the index map numbers are in red print. This means that when I am out observing and using a red flashlight (to protect night vision) I cannot read the numbers. On the other hand, when the moon is more than a few days past New, a red flashlight isn't very beneficial because the moon is so bright my eyes never completely dark adapt.

This is the only atlas I have found with enough detail to suit telescope users. Not only does it show all of the area you can see from Earth, it also lets you know who the people were that each feature was named after.

Just received my first copy of Antonin Rukl Atlas of the Moon. I'm an amateur astronomer for over 40 years and have seen over a dozen different Moon Atlas. This INMO is the BEST. However its out of print and expensive. I could not afford the supposedly better second edition upgrade. Now going for about $370.If I hit the LOTTO Im buying one.

I bought the 1st edition hardcover for over $115 in Very Good condition and another copy in Good condition for $48.These prices to me are a lot of money for a Moon Atlas but the Rukl Moon Atlas is no ordinary Moon Atlas. The price skyrocketed as they are the BEST, out of print and hard to find at a reasonable price. Part of the reason I bought them is as an investment to pass down to my 2 children. I expect the price to go up more on this beautiful Moon Atlas.

Ill use the Rukl moon Atlas time and time again as I view the moon, always treasure it but keep it away from food, drink, smoke and animals.

Antonin Rukl was the director of the Prague Planetarium. He obviously was a master at hand drawing the moon. So detailed its incredible. Also so much moon information and info about moon flights and history of the people various craters named after. This Atlas has it all. The first edition is 224 pages, extremely well written and richly illustrated with hand drawings and photos.Atlas is on good quality paper. Should last a long time.

If you like viewing the Moon or want detailed info on it this is the atlas to get. Plus INMO because of the quality and scarcity of this out of print Moon Atlas the price will continue to go up. Buy one in good shape and enjoy using it. Keep it in good condition and you will have a good investment too.