Night Sky Atlas [Hardcover]

DK Publishing (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up

Featuring up-to-the-minute discoveries and state-of-the-art space photography, this atlas illustrates all that science has revealed about constellations, the evolution of stars and galaxies, and the planets in the solar system. Acetate overlays highlight special points of interest to show even more about what we see in the night sky.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5 Up–A visually stunning and informative introduction to astronomy and stargazing. Opening materials include definitions, polar and equatorial sky maps, and instructions on using the book. The bulk of this spiral-bound volume is arranged chronologically, featuring the part of the sky best observed each month of the year. Each entry focuses on a specific constellation and its component stars and includes a photo of that area of the sky. Six of the pictures have a plastic overlay that shows the outline of the constellation. Interspersed between months are spreads on topics such as the evolution and types of stars, the sun, planets and other solar system objects, nebulae, and galaxies. There is minimal text, with most information conveyed through detailed captions or the images themselves. Added features include numerous sidebars with factual data, such as dates of future eclipses, brief biographies of famous astronomers, and statistics on heavenly bodies. The information is concise, yet the author does not shy away from complex topics such as parallax and red shifts. Profusely and beautifully illustrated, the book features numerous pictures of celestial objects and clear, easy-to-understand diagrams. Jack Challoner's The Atlas of Space (Copper Beech, 2001) is similar and more detailed, but lacks the visual impact and abundance of star maps of Scagell's title.–Jeffrey A. French, Euclid Public Library, OH
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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: DK CHILDREN; First American, Later Printing edition (April 26, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 075660284X
• ISBN-13: 978-0756602840
• Product Dimensions: 11.9 x 10.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,023,520 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Heavens for Children, January 18, 2008

By 

Barrie W. Bracken "Researcher" (Daytona Beach, FL) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Night Sky Atlas (Hardcover)

As a very mature adult I can say I thoroughly enjoyed my peak into this book. As an adult I can gladly say I was thrilled by the excitement it generated in a six year old child for whom I bought it. If you want to know how a child will react to this, I can tell you that research with a sampling of one shows great excitement for this volume. It is well contructed and beautifully laid out.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "O Stars of Wonder"....."Every Night, Every Month!", December 28, 2009

By 

first words...God's breath (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Night Sky Atlas (Hardcover)

You will be excited to have this book in your collection; it is an informative introduction to astronomy and stargazing. It contains, maps, definitions, and instructions on how to use this book to become familiar with the heavenly sky. If you are fascinated by a particular constellation, the other constellations will seek your attention, and they will get it. Be there!

What is most likeable about this book is its monthly focus on the constellations at night. You stargazers, astronomers, and dreamers, out there will be able to take a particular month and gaze into the night sky and locate the particular constellations that are most noticeable that month. There are six clear overlays with lines to configure the shapes of the constellations that are most noticed during this month. What's really neat are the illustrations of dot to dot of the particular constellation; it makes it more recognizable.

The newly revised edition (2007) contains a CD-ROM produced by the publisher, Dorling Kindersley, known as DK. This CD-ROM is an atlas that will explain how to see and read the night sky, not just in your backyard, but for those all over the world, from their viewing point, at all latitudes. It contains 5 simple interactive screens to further your knowledge of the celestial sphere, the solar system, the constellations, spacecraft & satellites, and finally, downloadable images.

By itself, the book is a fantastic view of the night sky during each of the twelve months, focusing on some very specific stars and constellations seen during that month. This would be an excellent book for the child and parent who love to stargaze. Could that be you, "I"? A high powered telescope would be the best accompaniment; this is just a starting point.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars perfect for any child, July 4, 2009

By 

R. WESTBROOK (VIRGINIA BEACH, VA USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Night Sky Atlas (Hardcover)

we got this for our 8 yr old grand daughter who is fascinated with space and space-related things. it is a perfect starting point for her and has provided a starting fpoint for further reading!