Deep Sky Observer's Guide (Paperback)

~ (Author), Wil Tirion (Illustrator) "Astronomy is surely the most visual of the sciences, and this is largely why it has so captured the public imagination..." (more)
Key Phrases: deep sky observing, small amateur telescopes, deep sky objects, Milky Way, Orion Nebula, Coma Berenices (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

For both novice and experienced amateurs... very informative and handy to use... perfect gifts for any amateur astronomer. (Duncan Class Pulsar )

Summing Up: Recommended. General readers; lower-division undergraduates. (S.H. Schimmrich Choice )

Product Description

'Deep Sky' refers to the universe beyond our own solar system. Using binoculars or telescopes, any sky-gazer can become a deep sky observer. Deep Sky Observer's Guide looks beyond individual stars to target: - Star clusters - Double Stars - Nebulae - Galaxies.

The Deep Sky Observer's Guide introduces the basics of observing and explains what equipment is required. A chapter is devoted to each type of deep sky target. There are more than 200 such objects featured, with 126 color illustrations and star-finder charts.

The Deep Sky Observer Guide is also available in a convenient pack (ISBN: 1-55407-025-2) that comes with deep sky charts and an observing calendar.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Firefly Books (March 5, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1554070244
• ISBN-13: 978-1554070244
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 4.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #280,634 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Yet another excellent small scope book, February 16, 2005

By	Darren Wong (Australia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I must confess that I am a deep sky junkie. On clear moonless (and not so moonless) nights, I can be found out under the starry skies hunting down deep sky delicacies (planetary nebulas and globulars in particular!). On cloudy nights, I like to curl up in my fave couch and catch up on my deep sky reading. As such I am always on the lookout for books on this subject matter. When I heard about this book on the Yahoo 80 f/5 forum, I decided to give it a go. So what is my take on the book....well it is an excellent guide for users of small scopes (from 60mm to about 150mm's). The book is split into the usual groups of deep sky objects....starting with galaxies and going onto globular clusters, open clusters, nebulas, double stars, planetary nebulas and even supernova remnants. The chapters start off with a general introduction to the subject matter and then individual objects are highlighted. The object descriptions are rather detailed, easy to read and most of the eyepiece impressions were done at the eyepiece of commonly available chinese 80mm f/5 short tube achromatic refractors (owners of short tube refractors take note this is specially written for you!!!). Also there is a brief writeup on how to begin deep sky observing, a list of all the objects described in the book, first arranged by constellation and then by season and magnitude. My only gripe is that the book would have to be used with a star atlas as the maps included in the book are inadequate. Also I like the format employed by Philip's/Cambridge/Firefly. The size of the book is just right to be tucked into a deep cargo pocket to be taken out into the field (you might want to wrap the book in cellophane wrap though). Highly recommended for users of small telescopes (in particular 80mm short tube users!!!!!!!!) alongside books such as Turn Left at Orion and StarWatch.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for owners of small telescopes!!!, May 19, 2009

By	Sergio Castillo "Sergio A. Castillo." (Punto Fijo, Venezuela.) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I like this book. Ideal for astronomers who initiate and advanced. Show different ways that to find these objects that you are thinking about not being able to see with your instrument!!! From Punto Fijo.. Venezuela.

5.0 out of 5 stars Surprising little book, April 19, 2009

By	Star-guy "Star-guy" (right in the middle) - See all my reviews

I read lots of astronomy books. This one took me by surprise! It is very readable and useful. Finder charts by Wil Tirion are actually helpful for star-hoppers. But more than that, the descriptions by Neil Bone and a generous number of sketches made by the author at the eyepiece let you know what the object will look like for you in a moderate sized and priced telescope. Finally, Bone provides his objects sorted into several lists (by constellation and by season of the year) so you can plan an evening at your telescope. It will take you a year to work through this gem. And I have to admit, now that my experience has grown, I recognize there is a certain amount of "cherry picking" here. The selected objects are the best available in the sky. They show the range of nature's work with large, bright and beautiful objects that will hook a new observer on the joys of looking outside our little solar system. It is a wonderful universe that beckons to someone with a new telescope. Neil Bone and Wil Tirion make excellent guides. You got an owner's manual with the telescope. This is the handbook for what you will observe.