The Night Sky Companion: A Yearly Guide to Sky-Watching 2008-2009 (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series) (Paperback)

~ K. Vogt (Adapter), Tammy Plotner (Author), T. Mann (Foreword)
Key Phrases: used public image, fingerwidth northeast, fistwidth northeast, Credit-Palomar Observatory, The Night Sky Companion Figure, Credit-Wes Higgins (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

"The Night Sky Companion" takes a look at astronomy every day over the course of the year - offering an overview of general history, soft science, astronomical trivia, and observing guides and motivation. Designed to appeal to readers at all skill levels and involvement, it provides a digest for sky watchers interested in all-in-one-place information that includes history, current events, and of course interesting objects to be observed on any given day. The Moon is followed through its phases with observing instructions, annotated pictorial maps, concise photos, and the science and history of what makes lunar observing a fascinating challenge. Unaided eye observers are offered an opportunity to view many objects or events; learn about their history, science and how just 'looking up' can be rewarding. Binocular and small telescope users will find a wealth of things to view using simple star hop instructions and finder charts. This book is more than just an observing guide, it's a way of learning your way round the night sky. Large-aperture telescope users looking for a challenge are not ignored either. Some of the finest deep-sky objects are detailed, with finder maps and photographs, most of them taken by talented amateurs. Be it a meteor shower, double stars, variable stars, solar viewing, lunar features, a variety of catalog studies, history or the physics and science behind the stars - you'll find it here, written in an easy-going style ideal for 'dipping in' on the relevant day, or even reading from cover to cover.

About the Author

Tammy Plotner lives in Ohio. She is a successful freelance writer, non-professional astronomy educator, advanced amateur astronomer, and lecturer. She is currently President and director of Outreach Education and Programs at Warren Rupp Observatory, and webmaster, team member and Astronomy Outreach coordinator for the Astronomical League.

Product Details

• Paperback: 674 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 1 edition (December 13, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0387716084
• ISBN-13: 978-0387716084
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,036,653 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy this book NOW if you're an astronomy lover!, January 13, 2008

By	Jason Lockridge "jllx" (Birmingham, AL United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This was purchased on a whim after disappointments with many past monthly "guides" which were always simply just rehashed yearly books with a few date changes on them.

This one is completely different.

Weighing in at a hefty 670 pages, Tammy Plotner, after a rather useful introductory section, even for seasoned observers, takes us on a DAY by DAY tour of 2008. Each day is given meaning based on famous astronomy-related people associated with that day, events past or present, and certainly observational objects able to be seen on that day, with WONDERFUL backup material, BUT in an easily digestible, concise group of paragraphs with beautifully done accompanying photos in most cases. Alas, very few of the photos are in color, but this keeps the book's price down considerably, I'm sure.

This book makes a great curriculum for a club, or outreach group, or even introductory University courses. I'm using mine to start a group with interested junior high and high school students.

I was very pleasantly surprised by the breadth and readability of this book. It is truly useful, and while I have a full library of astronomy books, this has become my "book of the day", getting even more use than any of my atlases, simply because it makes for great reading even on cloudy nights!!!

Do yourself a favor: no matter your experience level, if you love the hobby of astronomy, get this book. You owe it to yourself to have it in your library. We as astronomers all tend to "overbuy" books in the hopes of finding gems. This one is as brilliant a diamond as one can get. Thank you, Tammy Plotner and Patrick Moore's "Practical Astronomy" series!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Very Misleading!, January 18, 2009

By	Gnome Sane? (Southwest, USA) - See all my reviews

The title is VERY misleading. It says 2008-2009 but it ONLY covers 2008. So if you want a nice atronomical history book, go for it. Otherwise, steer clear!!