Customer Reviews

Stars and Planets: The Most Complete Guide to the Stars, Planets, Galaxies, and the Solar System (Fully Revised and Expanded Edition) (Princeton Field Guides)

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This is the latest (Jan 2008) edition of the venerable Ridpath and Tirion handbook originally published in 1985. Mine was originally titled Universe Guide to Stars and Planets and has served me well all these years as a guide to use in the field. This new book is one inch wider, 1/2 inch taller and has 15 more pages. The format is similar: 1/3 all sky maps, 1/3 coverage of all 88 constellations including details of stars, nebulae, clusters, etc., 1/3 astrophysical data. The middle third is what always appealed to me as that section helps in my stargazing. In addition to updating data (for instance, pluto's demotion and the new dwarf planet nomenclature is here, latest updated distances, and data boxes for each planet) this new edition has all color photographs - with one or two exceptions - and RA/Dec coordinates for listed objects described in the middle constellation section. I especially liked the additon of close up charts of the Hyades and Pleiades clusters under Taurus' listing. Here also is a composite photo comparing the full moon's size to the Pleiades. I look forward to this book replacing my worn out original! I have two minor gripes though: I wish the printing was bolder or darker, it looks somewhat pale compared with my older book. Perhaps because the book is new or the binding is tight, it doesn't open wide easily to read. Perhaps with usage it will. And maybe I'll adapt to the paler print. Still, considering the content and price - this book is a winner. I can think of no other one book to rely on in the field for a stargazer's reference for use at the telescope.

The book is thoughtfully produced and contains a wealth of information. The constellation by constellation maps are attractive and readable and the highlighted descriptions of selected objects of interest accompanying each map are informative and do capture the main highlights of each constellation. The planets section is useful, especially for those with suitable telescopes. The lunar pages with maps are very good and field usable.

What I don't like:
-binding very stiff to open in the field.
-very sadly, the double stars mentioned in the constellation sections have no mention of apparent separation. Not sure while this is left out. It is certainly very valuable having separation distances instead of "can be seen with a small telescope", a description that is not too useful for folks with different telescopes wanting to have a go at double star observation. For example, one might want to try Mizar, Izar and Antares- separation measurements would be most helpful for planning an approach for each of these, instead of telling us how many light years away from earth is each star.

All in all, for me, a very nice handbook, but not as great as an observational aid in the field.
Ivan

If you're a beginning astronomer, or already have basic knowledge, this is the book for you. I teach astronomy to the general public and I always recommend this book to my students. It has a great overview of the constellations, the planets, deep sky objects and the cosmos in general. What I like is that for each constellation you have nice sized maps, star names, scientific information and even a general outline of the mythology relating to each of the constellations. Its only flaw is that I live in the southern hemisphere, so all the maps are upside down! Ah well, I'll manage. I'd love to see a southern hemisphere version in the future with the maps the correct way up :) Buy this book it's great!

I received this book from my friends as a Job Leaving Present; knowing how much I like star gazing. It's a wonderful little book, enjoyable to read with wealth of information and colourful pictures and maps for beginners and intermediate Star Gazers. It covers all 88 Constellations with some details about their most prominent stars and objects; its covers the moon with very good maps and highlight of the observable feature. Clear star maps for northern and southern hemispheres. A Section of simple star physics and classifications including our Sun is very educational. Equipment and many other bits valuable information make it a one book field guide for any amateur astronomer. If you are beginning astronomy or just want to read about the wonders out there and want to buy "One Good Book"; then this is the one. Simply, 400 Pages of useful information yet easy to take any where and the price is right!!

I really like this as a guidebook and I felt that it really had some great information in it. Even though this book was required for my astronomy class, I really found it helpful outside of that as well.

I bought this book from Amazon marketplace but unfortunately as it is not posted to Sri lanka I ordered to post it to one of my friends in Australia & from there I got this book to SL.I tried my best because I thought that this book will be very beneficial for my hobby.As I thought my dreams never fade away after reading the material.It helped me to locate many interesting objects in the sky with details.It is very handy book & the finishing is excellent. I think this book is good for beginners like me & who prefer to have a brief introduction before going to the observation...
So I highly recommend this book for beginners & intermediates who want to have a general idea in starry night in brief.....!

Excellent book, has maps for every constellation and
interesting details for every constellation
A must have for people interested on observing the skies.