This was purchased on a whim after disappointments with many past monthly "guides" which were always simply just rehashed yearly books with a few date changes on them.
This one is completely different.
Weighing in at a hefty 670 pages, Tammy Plotner, after a rather useful introductory section, even for seasoned observers, takes us on a DAY by DAY tour of 2008. Each day is given meaning based on famous astronomy-related people associated with that day, events past or present, and certainly observational objects able to be seen on that day, with WONDERFUL backup material, BUT in an easily digestible, concise group of paragraphs with beautifully done accompanying photos in most cases. Alas, very few of the photos are in color, but this keeps the book's price down considerably, I'm sure.
This book makes a great curriculum for a club, or outreach group, or even introductory University courses. I'm using mine to start a group with interested junior high and high school students.
I was very pleasantly surprised by the breadth and readability of this book. It is truly useful, and while I have a full library of astronomy books, this has become my "book of the day", getting even more use than any of my atlases, simply because it makes for great reading even on cloudy nights!!!
Do yourself a favor: no matter your experience level, if you love the hobby of astronomy, get this book. You owe it to yourself to have it in your library. We as astronomers all tend to "overbuy" books in the hopes of finding gems. This one is as brilliant a diamond as one can get. Thank you, Tammy Plotner and Patrick Moore's "Practical Astronomy" series!
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The title is VERY misleading. It says 2008-2009 but it ONLY covers 2008. So if you want a nice atronomical history book, go for it. Otherwise, steer clear!!
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