Customer Reviews

The Night Sky Observer's Guide : Vol. 1

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If it wasn't for the fact that this work is such an exhaustive expression of observational material, and partially devoted to users of larger telescopes, it would most certainly be placed on the Belmont Society's "Required Reading List". As it is, these two wonderful volumes of information are both extraordinarily useful and educationally priceless for intermediate beginners and the advanced amateur. It is mostly "tilted" at users of larger scopes, but those of us who have an interest in small and medium-sized instruments will greatly appreciate its enormous cache of useful information - i.e.: just double stars alone, to cite an example.

By itself, the data is worth the price of admission. But the foundational text is a bottomless well from which to draw buckets of valuable knowledge about all the known types of deep space objects. This information is compiled in an ideal arrangement, and is laid out in logical and sensible format. Explanations and informative text are among the finest we've ever seen. The sheer quantity of information, along with an exemplary written style gives the impression that this work was composed by scores of eminent astrophysicists and astronomers, all contributing within the realms of their individual specialties, and then edited by a single omnipotent director. And sure enough, there is a lengthy acknowledgment to the contributors, the roster of which is very extensive, and the complexion of which is almost exclusively amateur.

The work is divided into two volumes or seasonal groups - Volume #1 is dedicated to Fall and Winter constellations, and #2 consists of Spring and Summer. Each volume is divided into segments, which present its constellations in alphabetical order. Each constellation begins with an impressively detailed list of double stars. Then there are the deep sky objects - dark nebulae, emission nebulae, globulars, galaxies, etc. Each individual object is given a description and a graphic rating (5 stars for the very best, and so on) with notes that justify its rank. Additionally, objects are listed in chart form by type as well. Sad to say, objects below a minimal southern latitude are not included.

For the most part, object descriptions are presented as seen with apertures between 8 and 12 inches (and larger). Roughly 30 percent of the observations are described as seen with smaller apertures, and some binocular objects are listed as well. As mentioned, the double star listings are superbly done. There are over 2,100 worthy examples of these. This list is among the most detailed we've ever seen.

These are a pair of really big books! There's an interesting but typical reaction displayed upon seeing one close-up for the first time. They dwarf the average encyclopedia edition (remember those?). They are even bigger than the law books you see behind the District Attorney's desk on a TV serial. And we appreciate the hard glossy cover with no separate jacket to rip or lose. They aren't cheap books either. It would seem practical for the amateur on a budget to acquire them separately.

Kepple and Sanner are amateur astronomers who've created a magnificent work, worthy of commendation reserved for meritorious professionals. The magnitude of their efforts is astonishing, even considering that all of it was pieced together from smaller works that they themselves authored quite some time ago. We are so impressed with the quality of this work, that we've given it "Honorable Mention" status on the Belmont Society's "Required Reading" list. The only reason it didn't make the main list is because many amateurs do not have access to, or are deprived of the opportunity or the means to use larger aperture telescopes.

Very highly recommended.

Finally a set of books that has the amateur with large apeture telescope in mind. The majority of the observations were made with 12-1/2" to 25" telescopes under varied conditions and locations. The drawings are more useful than the usual photographs as drawings with accompanying descriptions and photos accurately reflect what an observer can expect to see at the eyepiece. The multitude of star field charts are useful and the arrangement of objects by constellation is handy as well. Overall, a very good presentation and a work that will prove useful at the telescope in the field.

I just received my hefty copy of this wonderful and encyclopedic work in today's mail. I can't remember the last time I was so completely satisfied and thrilled with a book purchase! If you are at all serious about amateur astronomy, this book is truly a "MUST OWN" item. When people told me it was "even better than Burnham's" classic work I thought they must be exaggerating. They weren't. It is better than Burnham's in all matters of practical significance to the amateur observer. It covers many more celestial objects and contains much detailed and useful information about each one. The layout and design of the pages are much superior to Burnham's as well, as are the ubiquitous maps, drawings and illustrations. Burnham's still has more "star lore" material, -- so you'll want to keep your old copies -- but all in all this is a much more usable and complete observer's guide. Truly this is a solid five star product! Congratulations to the authors on their incredible accomplishment!

This is the first volume of an incredible deep sky reference work for amateurs. First of all, the introduction written by Craig Crossen (noted astronomer and author) is the finest overview of basic layman's astronomy theory and observing conventions that I have run across.

The rest of the book consists of sketches or photographs and descriptions of hundreds of deep sky objects in all constellations visible from mid-northern latitudes during the Fall and Winter seasons. The second book covers Spring and Summer. Objects are described as to how they appear with telescopes of different apertures. The majority of objects are for large scope owners, e.g. 12"+, but the brighter objects like Messier are even described for 4" scopes.

The maps and finder charts are adequate but you'll need a good star chart to complement them and confirm that you've got your target. Each constellation chapter begins with a table of interesting double and multiple stars, an excellent and thoughtful inclusion for medium-size scope owners who may not be able to see many of the DSOs or for those in cities where DSOs are wiped out by light pollution.

I haven't seen a guide to compare to NSOG in depth of coverage. The two large volumes are enough to keep large scope owners busy for many years. There are nice guides out there with better descriptions of far fewer objects (e.g. The Universe From Your Backyard by Eicher), but for sheer quantity NSOG leaves them all in the dust.

I've seen a pre-publication edition of this book. It divides the northern sky down to -40 degrees declination by devoting a chapter to each individual constellation. While the book focuses on deep sky objects you don't want to miss, worthwhile double-stars are also cited. Drawings and photos are included along with finder charts. I can't wait to get my own copy! Will it replace Burnham's? There are thousands of listings in its 2 volumes (approximately 900 pages).

Got my books about a month ago. Have had two chances to use them at night. The information and presentation is excellent. Each chapter has a highlight box for the best object in the constellation. It also covers objects from very bright to dimmer ones for the large scope owners. Tables in the front list interestring stars and doubles, enough to keep a lot of observers happy for a long time. The data is accurate and the descriptions are quick concise and organized for different scopes. I wanted to give it 4.5 stars as the only two things I don't like and these are MINOR!

1 the paper is too bright a white. A lot of glare when using it at night with a red flashlight

2 the organization by seasons is less obvious too me than straight alphabetical order. You need both books if you stay out several hours so no benefit by doing it this way.

Let me echo what others have said: this is the best observational reference guide out there for intermediate or advanced observational astronomers. The descriptions are useful but brief, and I really like that it "rates" the objects based on brightness and overall impact. It also lists what it considers to be the showpieces in each constellation. This really helps you to summarize what you are going to look at that evening. I do my homework in this book before going out. I love the linear map on the inside cover, too. For many objects, it describes views you'll see in scopes from a backyard 6" reflector to a 20" (and beyond) dob. The only drawback is that it seems like kind of cheap paper; I'm afraid to take it out in the field and have to deal with the dew.

I bought this set from Kepple at Astrofest 2000. It's an amazing set of books, and I think if I lost all my astronomy references, I'd buy this set along with a bright star atlas as the first things I'd replace.
I definitely wouldn't recommend it for beginners, but if you've been observing for a year or more, and especially if you're getting bored with the same old things, these books will keep you busy for YEARS.
Especially helpful are the descriptions of objects submitted by multiple observers using different sized scopes.

George R. Kepple's Night Sky Observer's Guide should by now be included among every astronomer's resources. I personally have found this two-volume guide (Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter)to be one that I routinely refer to during my sky-hopping planning sessions. At a minimum, I have found Mr. Kepple's rating system (ie. 5 star, etc.)to be very reliable and has helped to guide me toward must-see non-stellar objects. Also, for me personally, focusing on any DSO by 'type' (ie. nebulas, galaxies, etc.)makes it much easier for me than other approaches. Check these guides out-you will be very glad you did.

the three volumes of the "night sky observer's guide" are the single most reliable, useful and stimulating guide to deep sky observing available in any format at any price. where other guides are excellent but introductory ("norton's star atlas and observer's handbook"), excellent but narrowly focused (mullaney's "cambridge double star atlas"), massive data dumps (cragin & bonanno's "uranometria deep sky field guide"), skimpy (luginbuhl & skiff's "celestial observer's handbook"), idiosyncratic (o'meara's "hidden treasures," "herschel 400", etc.) or downright antiquated (burnham's "celestial handbook"), the NSOG manages to define best practices across a wide variety of features. it is a pleasure and inspiration to use.

though the authors are nominally kepple & sanner, but the NSOG actually a collaborative venture with sustained support from publisher willmann bell, editing and 50 pages of front matter on astronomy and observing by craig crossen, and contributions from over 70 skilled amateur observers and astrophotographers using actual amateur equipment (described at the back of volume 1). these contributions include detailed observing notes -- which summarize how each object appears in 8" to 10", 12" to 14", or 16" to 18" reflecting telescopes -- and observer drawings that show how the object appears to an experienced viewer. where many handbooks provide visual documents without details, all the drawings and astrophotographs in NSOG indicate the field orientation, aperture, focal length and magnification (for drawings) or field orientation, aperture, focal length, film type and exposure time (for photographs). these visuals are deployed with a general constellation chart, several deep sky object finder charts, and even a finder chart key, to provide excellent visual documentation of most of the objects discussed in the text.

the three volumes are organized seasonally: volume 1 describes all the constellations best viewed in autumn or winter, volume 2 all constellations for spring and summer, and volume 3 all constellations in the southern sky; within each volume the constellations are listed alphabetically. in effect, the astronomer need only consult one or two volumes each month. each constellation chapter includes an overview of the constellation's history and contents, a marginal box of summary info (which helpfully explains how to pronounce the constellation name), separate exhaustive tables of constellation variable stars and binary/multiple stars, with short notes on the more interesting of these; and finally a long section on the deep sky objects. the descriptions for each object inclue its catalog designation(s), classification, position (epoch 2000), magnitude, brightness and angular size, and for the more famous or important objects, comments on its discovery and nature. the binding is robust and the paper is high quality, both designed to withstand nighttime moisture. the index points to the major citations of every deep sky object, listed by principal catalog name (NGC, Barnard, ESO, etc.). weirdly, there is no index listing for double or variable stars, apparently because you are supposed to know which constellation it is in and can find it listed in the chapter data tables.

these books are an extremely practical and welcome resource for amateur observers. in comparison to other sources available, it is surprising how little the NSOG leaves out, and how efficiently it has packaged everything it contains. easy to use and comprehensive, these volumes are a remarkable resource.