Customer Reviews

Stargazing Basics: Getting Started in Recreational Astronomy

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

 

 

As someone who knows almost nothing about astronomy (other than vague references I can remember from Intro to Astronomy in college 20 years ago), after reading this easy to understand guide and the fun tidbits about getting started, I feel confident that I am now prepared to take a stab at the skies with my new little telescope.Thanks to your explanations about the choices available within my price range for a new telescope, I feel good about the decision I've made for what kind of scope I should start with, what kind of mount, a few other accessories, and even where I want to begin looking. The price of this book probably saved me a couple hundred dollars in making a better decision about what to buy and what not to buy to get going.

"Stargazing basics" does a good job of introducing the complete beginner to astronomy and the use of telescopes. It is brief, less than 150 pages, and it focuses on how to buy and operate telescopes that cost less than $500. There are other, much longer guides that deal with more costly telescopes and equipment, but this is the only current guide with the goal of introducing the beginner to astronomy on a budget.

Caveat: Friend of author.

Amateur astronomer and educator Paul Kinzer presents Stargazing Basics: Getting Started in Recreational Astronomy, a highly accessible guide to readers of all ages and backgrounds. From where to find affordable binoculars, telescopes, and accessories; to how and why the visible images in the night sky change over time; to getting started in astrophotography, Stargazing Basics is an excellent and easy-to-follow primer. Black-and-white astronomical photographs taken by the writer illustrate this handy reference.

An easy to read book that covers all the information a begginer needs to get started in astronomy. Interesting and enlightening, with lots of very useful ideas for further and more detailed study. A book every beginner should read before purchasing a first telescope.