Stargazing Basics: Getting Started in Recreational Astronomy (Paperback)

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Key Phrases: astronomy equipment, solar filter, finder scope, Solar System, Stargazing Basics Figure, Milky Way (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"If you have a budding astronomer in your life, then this certainly is a book that you should consider as a gift, or buying yourself, if you're that emerging stargazer. I remember when I first turned my dad's binoculars toward the night sky. I had no idea what I was looking at or the proper way to do stargazing. Some 55 years later, this small, information-packed book has arrived. I wish I had these fundamentals packed into one book back then. ... I highly recommend this well-written book for anyone interested in learning about the night sky, using and/or purchasing binoculars or a telescope, and desiring to learn how to become a knowledgeable stargazer." - Robert Garfinkle, Sky & Telescope

"The extensive glossary is a real jargon buster and will be a great help for the absolute beginner. I enjoyed this book hugely and recommend it very strongly. Kinzer is a true enthusiast. If he does not get you out there and looking up, no one will." - The Observatory

"In clear, accurate and precise terms, [the book] explains what sort of things you are likely to see...observing the sky, and from the beginning sets out to dispel common misconceptions about what is needed in order to get pleasure from observing. The descriptions of different types of binocular and telescope set-up are particularly useful to the beginner. ... Just enough explanation of each of the types of object is given so that the observer can feel they know something about what they have been looking at ... A recommended read for all who are new to stargazing...." - David Bowdley, Astronomy Now

"...written in a friendly, encouraging tone...loaded with good advice...Reading this book should be required for anyone who plans to purchase a telescope..." - Dr. John Dickey, professional astronomer

"This book does a good job of covering most of the aspects of starting recreational astronomy, from naked eye observing to purchasing and using a telescope." - Hazel Collett, Journal of the Royal British Astronomical Association

"Difficult astronomical concepts are explained clearly, there's an excellent glossary and the text is broken up with useful pictures and information boxes." - BBC Sky at Night

"[Kinzer] wisely avoids recommending particular models, as specific suggestions will quickly become outdated. Instead, the book offers tips on telling flashy but poor quality features from those that will enhance an evening's stargazing." - Physics World

Product Description

How do I get started in Astronomy? Should I buy binoculars or a telescope? What can I expect to see? This wonderful informal guide has all the answers for an absolute beginner to get started observing the night sky. It begins with advice on how to choose appropriate and affordable equipment and accessories, and covers basic stargazing techniques, from observing with the naked eye to binoculars and telescopes. It then takes you on a tour of the night sky, covering the Moon, Sun, stars, planets, and more. Photos taken by the author, himself, will show how objects in the sky actually look through modest amateur equipment. Whether you are a parent thinking of buying a telescope for your children, or a newcomer yourself, this book has all you need to know to take the first steps into the fascinating world of astronomy.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 1 edition (October 27, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521728592
• ISBN-13: 978-0521728591
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #182,117 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent brief guide for complete beginner, November 6, 2008

By	Herbert V. Leighton (Minnesota) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

"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.

5.0 out of 5 stars Everything I needed to know to get started with amateur astronomy, September 30, 2009

By	M. Kinzer "Capture the world, one shot at a time" (Upper Midwest) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

5.0 out of 5 stars Black-and-white astronomical photographs taken by the writer illustrate this handy reference, April 14, 2009

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

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.