40 Nights to Knowing the Sky: A Night-by-Night Sky-Watching Primer [Paperback]

Fred Schaaf (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0805046682 | ISBN-13: 978-0805046687 | Publication Date: August 15, 1998 | Edition: 1st

The first practical, interactive guide for learning astronomy. Fred Schaaf has spent years perfecting the teaching of skywatching and astronomy to newcomers. Here, he distills his experience into a revolutionary new approach to learning about the night sky. No other book on the market offers anything like the simple, interactive, step-by-step program Schaaf has created for new skywatchers of all ages. The key to Schaaf's ingenious program is a system of practical objectives and activities that get readers actively involved in skywatching. Starting with simple instructions on learning one's way around the night sky and progressing to more challenging concepts, each night's activity takes the reader to a deeper level of knowledge and understanding. All it takes is forty clear nights, and anyone can learn to enjoy the beauty of the heavens.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Fred Schaaf has written numerous books for amateur astronomers, including The Starry Room and the Seeing the Sky series. He wrote a weekly newspaper column on astronomy for five years, and is currently a contributor to such magazines as Sky & Telescope, Discover, and Mother Earth News.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Holt Paperbacks; 1st edition (August 15, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805046682
• ISBN-13: 978-0805046687
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,011,779 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great beginner's book to the night sky, March 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: 40 Nights to Knowing the Sky: A Night-by-Night Sky-Watching Primer (Paperback)

I've always been interested in the night sky, and after reading a number of magazine articles, I thought it was time to learn more about the stars and galaxies above.

"40 Nights to Knowing the Sky" will help any adult learn more about the night sky and how to prepare for that first look through a telescope.

Each chapter is well written and easy to understand. The book has a lot of reference material, including pictures and drawings, to use well into the next century.

If you're beginning a hobby in amateur astronomy, this book will be a great addition to your library.

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cosmic Orientation Guide, June 29, 2000

By 

M. Smith (CO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 40 Nights to Knowing the Sky: A Night-by-Night Sky-Watching Primer (Paperback)

This is an excellent resource for the beginner. A series of 40 exercises designed for the observational astronomer... night-by-night (thus knowing the sky in 40 nights.) Mr. Schaaf expalins the moon's phases towards the beginning of the book with an excellent explanation of the Earth's movements in relation to the sun and the moon's orbit around earth. He tells you exactly what to look for and, more importantly, why you want to look for certain features/objects (the lesssons build upon one another.)

It's important to point out that you don't need a telescope to complete the lessons, but I still would recommend using one... it will enhance your experience and appreciation.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great general information book, January 4, 2000

By 

John Esher "johnelaw" (Havertown, Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 40 Nights to Knowing the Sky: A Night-by-Night Sky-Watching Primer (Paperback)

This is an excellent "primer" book for beginning astronomers, or anyone interested in the night sky. It begins with very general concepts and builds on them each succesive night. Even if you have no knowledge of astronomy, after completing this book, you'll be able to understand the motions of the planets and stars. As well as where to locate fabulous sights to see when outdoors any night.