David Levy's Guide to the Night Sky [Paperback]

David H. Levy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 10, 2001 | ISBN-10: 0521797535 | ISBN-13: 978-0521797535 | Edition: 2

If, as Immanuel Kant once said, we are guided by the starry sky above and the moral law within, then, thanks to David Levy, we can now conceptualize Kant's adage at least half-way. David Levy's Guide to the Night Sky is designed to satisfy observers who have just become interested in the sky and want to navigate their way around it. By stirring the imagination and putting observation in a framework of personal adventure, Levy explains how to discover the Moon, planets, comets, meteors, and distant galaxies through a small telescope. Fully updated, the new edition includes:

A new section on the computer-controlled telescopes and how to use this new technology;

One new chapter on how charge-coupled devices (CCDs) have revolutionized the art of astronomical observation

An explanation of how a new variable star is discovered and studied, based on Levy's personal experience Levy explores topics as diverse as the features of the Moon from night to night; how to observe constellations from both urban and rural observation sites; how best to view the stars, nebulae, and galaxies; and how to map the sky. David H. Levy is one of the world's foremost amateur astronomers. He has discovered seventeen comets, seven using a telescope in his own backyard, and had a minor planet, Asteroid 3673 Levy, named in his honor. As a respected astronomer, he is best known for being the co-discoverer of the famous Shoemaker-Levy9 comet in 1994. Levy is frequently interviewed by the media and succeeded Carl Sagan as science columnist for Parade magazine. He has written and contributed to a number of books, most recently The Scientific American Book of the Cosmos (St. Martin's, 2000), Advanced Skywatching (Time Life, 2000), and Deep-Sky Companions (Cambridge, 2000).

Editorial Reviews

Review

"... [A] friendly collection of topics that takes the beginner from the ground level of naked-eye sky watching step by step to advanced amateur work. The author is an enthusiast, and he makes it contagious. While reading this book you feel compelled to grab a telescope and go out and look." Sky and Telescope

"...[A]n excellent book for the serious astronomer who really wants to learn the sky...If you are interested in the night sky and really want to learn more about serious observing, then (this book) is a must, no matter what your area of interest or experience level." Lunar and Planetary Information Bulletin

"A simple but detailed--and thoughtful--instructional manual for personal astronomy." Griffith Observer

"The book would be particularly valuable to anyone taking up amateur astronomy for the first time. It is an excellent guide, and the author obviously knows the sky well....Overall a delightful book, one every amateur astronomer should have in his or her bookcase. Strongly recommended." Choice

Book Description

The perfect introduction for the novice astronomer, this book stirs the imagination and puts observation in a framework of social activity and personal adventure. Beginners who have just joined an astronomy club or amateurs who wish to learn more about what can be accomplished with a small telescope will not find a better first book.

Product Details

• Paperback: 372 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 2 edition (December 10, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521797535
• ISBN-13: 978-0521797535
• Product Dimensions: 1 x 0.7 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,436,599 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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