NightWatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe [Hardcover]

Terence Dickinson (Author, Photographer), Adolf Schaller (Illustrator), Victor Costanzo (Illustrator), Roberta Cooke (Illustrator), Timothy Ferris (Foreword)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 155209300X | ISBN-13: 978-1552093009 | Publication Date: November 1, 1998

With 250,000 copies in print since its initial publication in 1983, NightWatch has become a standard reference guide for stargazers throughout North America.

The new Third Edition expands on that success with a completely revised and updated text, more than 100 new color photos and diagrams and 16 additional pages that cover such! new astronomical pursuits as computerized telescopes, reviews of new telescope designs and accessories, and astronomy on the Internet.

All charts, tables and diagrams have been updated and, in some cases, redesigned for easier use. Improved spacecraft measurements of the distances to the stars (recently released by the European Space Agency) are included in the charts, along with additional observing tips for stargazers using binoculars and telescopes. An expanded chapter on Astrophotography lists the best modern films and cameras for skyshooting.

The new NightWatch is faithful to the "ultra-simplified, no jargon" philosophy of the original, and at the same time, offers substantially more practical information for the novice and intermediate-level amateur astronomer. The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada called the first edition "the best of its kind"- the new Third Edition is better still. It is still an abundantly illustrated, wide-sized volume designed for easy reference during many starlit nights.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6 Up?This long-overdue update of a classic handbook for amateur astronomers combines a text both meaty and hard to put down with a great array of charts, boxes, tables, and dazzling full-color photos of the sky. Aiming this offering at new but serious hobbyists, Dickinson guides readers on a tour of the universe visible from any dark backyard, providing frank evaluations of many telescope models; specific advice for photographers; and a simple system for locating stars, constellations, nebulae, and other intriguing sights. Convenient charts track upcoming eclipses and the locations of the five planets visible to the naked eye (both through the year 2010). The author closes with lists of supplementary resources, including books, software, Web sites, and conventions. Dickinson's contagious enthusiasm and vast expertise earn this a place in reference and circulating collections of any size.?John Peters, New York Public Library
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Van Holt, who teaches stargazing courses at the University of Kansas, explains how anyone living between southern Canada and northern Mexico (basically between latitudes 30 and 50 degrees) can learn to identify star formations and constellations without using complicated charts and equipment. Incorporating outdoor survival techniques with science, legends, and the myths surrounding the constellations, he teaches readers how to tell the difference between planets, comets, satellites, and stars and how to use star patterns to determine time and direction. By combining humor with fact, he has created an entertaining illustrated guide to the nighttime skies. Recommended for larger public libraries. For beginning skywatchers and amateur astronomers who want more substance, Dickinson's Nightwatch?the standard guide since its 1983 publication?is the book to read. Newly revised and updated, this edition claims to allow for use through the year 2010. Dickinson, an award-winning science writer specializing in astronomy, explains how to find constellations, differentiate galaxies, and identify the location of stars according to seasons. He also discusses equipment, including what criteria to use for selecting a telescope, and includes information about astronomy on the Internet, computerized telescopes, astrophotography, and tips for stargazers using binoculars. With a completely updated and revised text and more than 100 new diagrams and color photographs, Dickinson ensures that his guide will retain its position as a classic. Essential for all public and college library astronomy collections.?Gloria Maxwell, Kansas City P.L.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Firefly Books (November 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 155209300X
• ISBN-13: 978-1552093009
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 10.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,183,008 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Strongly Recommended For the Beginner, February 21, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: NightWatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe (Hardcover)

A few months ago someone gave me a telescope for my birthday. I was eager to use it but felt I could get more out of it if I understood what I was pointing at in the night sky. In my quest for knowledge in this area I stumbled upon "NightWatch: a practical guide to the viewing the universe." It gave me a quick and thorough understanding of backyard astronomy field in a simple and easy to understand language free of all the technical jargon you may find in other sources (not that these are bad in themselves). I strongly recommend this book for the amateur astronomer, especially before going out to purchase a telescope or binoculars. The book gives some hefty and misery saving advise on equipment, its use and what to watch out for. To be honest, even wished the person who purchased the telescope had read this before doing so.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars for My Purposes, but..., July 15, 2000

By 

Timothy F. Hayes "nh0h" (Centerville, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: NightWatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe (Hardcover)

Excellent, wonderful, etc... I agree with the reviews except for the statement that this book is for the beginner. Advanced beginner, maybe, but not the raw recruit. This is also an excellent reference for the more advanced amateur astronomer. The charts are the best in the business! Unfortunately, I only know of two really good books for the neophyte -- one out of print and outdated and the other British, also outdated. So, for the newcomer, this is the best available.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Getting Started Book, June 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: NightWatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe (Hardcover)

This book is very well thought out and superbly designed. The text touches on almost every concept in amateur astronomy and explains difficult concepts in easy to understand terms. The star charts are an excellent edition and provide detailed object information not usually found on more formalized charts. This book has something for everyone - from the person who has never even lookup up at the sky to the more advanced amateur astronomer.