Customer Reviews

Skywatching (Nature Company Guides)

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I picked this book up practically on a whim from the clearance table at a local bookseller, and was very pleasantly surprised at how good of a book it is after getting it home.

It starts with a brief history of skywatching, and then moves on to describing many of the types of objects that can be found in space - stars, galaxies, supernovas, black holes, pulsars, star clusters, variable stars, nebulae... along with explainations of what they are and why they look the way they do.

After that the book talks about basic skywatching techniques, from simply spotting things with the naked eye, and the basics of binoculars and telescopes.

After all this, you're then taught the basics of how to read a star chart, including the rather nice basic charts that are included in the book for both Northern and Southern hemispheres.

At the most basic level you can use the charts to see what constellations are in the sky above you that night, which will help in learning the different constellations, and then as you advance a little you can use the approximate location to help locate items with a telescope.

Further details are given about each constellation, first discussing how it got its name, and then going into details about interesting items that are in the area of that constellation, such as nearby nebulea, galaxies, or star clusters.

Also included are details about each of the planets in our solar system, and a resource directory for those interested in further reading.

Along with all this great info, the book is chock full of beautiful photography, art, and well-drawn charts.

Definately one of the best ways to start out for someone who's recently become interested in the skies above.

Skywatching is a good book. But the book "Practical Skywatching" gives you two books for the price of one. It literally contains the best of the books "Skywatching" and "Advance Skywatching" in one reference.

I just bought this book and found it very easy to read, as well as helpful with using my brand new telescope.
It starts off by giving a very entertaing general history of astronomy, with plenty of illustrations.
It then covers astronomy concepts, such as star types, azimuth, etc. Also included is a section on telescopes.
Then it has 12 or so full scale maps of the sky, for every time of the year in both southern and northern hemispheres.
The best section is the constellation section. It has at least one page for each constellation, with a map showing a detalied view of it and surrounding stars/clusters/galaxies. It gives the history of the constellation, other interesting objects to look for nearby, and a photograph showing what the constellation really looks like (without the lines connecting the stars). Very helpful.

This glossy covered handbook is a treasure trove of information aimed at the beginner and amatuer astronomer. The quality of the production is what impressives me most. Wonderful diagrams and photographs throughout compliment informative text. The sky charts are easily accessible and make for a ready reference when identifying constellations. The other chapters include "Skywatching through the ages", "Stars and Galaxies", "Skywatching tools and techniques", "Understanding the changing sky", "A tour of the solar system" and "Probing the universe". This book would make an ideal gift for persons just starting out in astronomy, as well as the more experienced. Highly recommended and a bargain price to boot.

I purchased this as my first book on Astronomy and I can recommend it for this level, or for a young person. I am now purchasing Backyard Astronomy Guide which I believe is more advanced. Sometimes a more advance book, in the beginning, may stifle one's interest. This book was so colorful and easy to understand that it increased my desire to know more about this interesting and complex subject.

This is a wonderful book. It is very informative and very good for the amateur astronomer. I personally have learned a great deal from this book. No matter how many times I sit down and look at it, it never gets old. Has lots of pictures and lots of information.

This book is exactly what I was looking for. A perfect introduction for a novice with historical as well as practical information. I highly recommend it to anyone curious about the world above us!

This book gave me the best basic foundation for my now avid hobby of astronomy. I frequently go back to this book for references and also use this book to teach others. It is well written with easy to understand explanations of our solar system, universe, and how to view them. The book even has star charts to guide you throughout the year to the objects of your choice.

.... Primarily a constellation guidebook. Charts by Wil Tirion. Charts are mag 6, scale is 27mm per 10 degrees and each chart covers an area 4 hr RA by 45° Dec. A fair amount of sky surrounding each constellation chart helps with orientation. Has 100 pages of science, how to, equipment and data tables including nearest stars and brightest stars. Lots of good science with excellent visuals. All sky maps for every month. Several notable objects described in each constellation provide a wide variety, however many would not be found with a moderate telescope. Good charts, but could label more stars and plot more objects. Moon maps and a limited section on the planets. Excellent bibliography and list of resources. Overall a good choice as a constellation guidebook and astro science book.

I'm glad to see so many recommendations - astronomy is alive & well, in part because of David H. Levy. When I can see the night sky, I drag out my copy of David H. Levy's fine handbook & check out what is up there. When I can't see the heavens, I roam about David H. Levy's guide just because it teaches me so much. Skywatching is more than that though, it is a lavish reference source & a companion guide for embarking upon that grand discovery of the roof to our world. Do check out my full review at [my website]