Deep-Sky Companions: Hidden Treasures (Hardcover)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: true physical extent, stinger stars, brightness from magnitude, Milky Way, Stephen James O'Meara, William Herschel (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...many people know of author O'Meara as an eagle-eyed observer and wonderful writer. This book confirms his award-winning reputation. ...With is penchant to observe each object to the fullest, and a flair for creative description, O'Meara provides a great guidebook to these 109 beautiful objects. ...Highly recommended." - J.R. Kraus, CHOICE

"...packed with detailed information and written in a most approachable style by a highly experienced and skilled visual observer...valuable and enthusiastically told entries for these deep sky marvels will enhance my observing." --Journal of the British Astronomical Association

"Deep-Sky Companions: Hidden Treasures succeeds on several levels. It provides a well-written and well-researched guide to objects often overlooked by observers. The emphasis on objects accessible to those with modest instruments means it will appeal to most telescope owners and binocular observers. In describing his experiences observing these objectsm Mr O'Meara includes advice on observing techniques that will surely appeal to beginners ... But perhaps of greatest importance is the sense you get, while reading the book, that this is a joyful pursuit." - Thomas Watson, Cloudy Nights Telescope Reviews

Product Description

Stephen O'Meara's new and exciting observing guide spotlights an original selection of 109 deep-sky objects that will appeal to sky-watchers worldwide. His 'hidden treasures' include a wonderful assortment of galaxies, open clusters, planetary nebulae and more, all of which have been carefully chosen based on their popularity and ease of observing. None of these objects are included in either the Messier or the Caldwell catalogs, and all are visible in a 4-inch telescope under dark skies. Stunning photographs and beautiful drawings accompany detailed visual descriptions of the objects, which include their rich histories and astrophysical significance. The author's original finder charts are designed to help observers get to their targets fast and efficiently.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 602 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; illustrated edition edition (May 7, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521837049
• ISBN-13: 978-0521837040
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 7 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #304,470 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!, September 3, 2007

By	Eric M. Strang (Cheney, WA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

O'Meara has put together another great book. Here he takes us off the beaten path somewhat in search of deep sky treasure that many observers may neglect. In addition to the NGC and IC catalogues, he also ventures into lesser known catalogues such as Melotte, Trumpler, and Collinder as well as one of his own objects. As with previous volumes in the Deep Sky Companions series, each object is given a photo, drawing, and a finder chart as well as complete historical information. In addition to observations made with his trusty Tele Vue Genesis 4" refractor, observations from other observers using larger scopes are also included. All done in a writing style that is one of the most enjoyable today. Highly recommended for the deep sky observer!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars After Messier, this is the one catalog you need!, August 7, 2007

By	G. Yanez (Montréal, Quebec Canada) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amateur astronomers surely agree that Messier and Caldwell catalogs missed many wonderful objects in the sky (north and south). Why not just ask a REAL deepsky observer to build a list of the missing gems? Well, that is exactly what this book offers. The 109 objects listed were observed by the author in a moderately small refractor telescope under dark skies. I have only observed a sample of objects in the entire list but do believe that the remainder are worth a try. Every object is introduced with such passion and in such an enthusiastic way that you really feel like going outside and give it a try.
5 stars!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Deep Sky treasures, July 22, 2007

By	Harold F. Mason "Hal" (Carson City, NV) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

An excellent volume/ If there is any problwem, it is that it is too extensive. It thus serves ,more as a reference than an "easy reading'.