Stephen James O'Meara's Observing the Night Sky with Binoculars: A Simple Guide to the Heavens 1st Edition
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Stephen James O'Meara
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Stephen James O'Meara
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ISBN-13:
978-1843155553
ISBN-10:
1843155559
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"The mythology and history of the stars and other objects are explained in engaging narrative, and the reader is left feeling as though they have truly learned about what they have seen. ...ideal for those who want to know more about astronomical objects easily seen with binoculars." - David Bowley, Astronomy Now
"The chapters cover all the major binocular deep-sky objects well, but unlike most such guides, the author devotes even more space to star patterns and individual stars. On the whole, I find this refreshing. ... As always, O'Meara's writing is lively, quirky, and infused with his personality." - Tony Flanders, Sky & Telescope
“[O’Meara] lends depth and richness to the observing experience. His skilled observations and side jaunts to obscure targets give both novice and seasoned skygazers fresh vistas to seek and explore.” – Sky & Telescope on Deep-Sky Companions: The Caldwell Objects
"Finding your way around the thousands of stars scattered across the night sky is pretty daunting when you're new to astronomy. So a good guide to what you're looking at is crucial to building your foundation as a budding astronomer. [This book] will certainly help you along the way. [O'Meara] relates his invaluable experience as an astronomer, revealing the unique stories and secrets each constellation has to offer, bringing them right down to Earth. O'Meara's writing inspires and his passion and enthusiasm for observing leaps off the pages. ... Armed with O'Meara's book and a pair of binoculars, you'll be hunting for your next mythical beast or hero with no trouble at all." - Vincent Whiteman, Sky at Night Magazine
"...simple star charts and pictures of nebulae allow the book to double as a valuable supplement to the many free star charts or “planispheres” available online." - Physics World
"[This book] will have you comfortably cruising the night's starry sphere in no time with its straightforward techniques and handy mnemonics. - Mark Mortimer, Universe Today
"Whenever Stephen O'Meara comes out with a new book, it's almost an automatic purchase for many amateur astronomers. There's nobody who loves the sky (day and night) and its phenomena more than Stephen, and there's nobody who does a better job describing what he sees in the sky and helping us experience some of the enjoyment that he has." - Bill Pellerin, GuideStar
"...an engaging introduction ... O'Meara, a veteran contributor to Astronomy and Sky and Telescope, brings breadth of knowledge, outstanding skills, and a personal voice. Stargazers of all levels can learn from an observer's hard-won wisdom and ability to see with the mind's eye. Those in the field will appreciate the book's cumulative approach, organization by season, and portable format. ... Recommended." - CHOICE
"There's nobody who loves the sky (day and night) and its phenomena more than Stephen, and there's nobody who does a better job describing what he sees in the sky and helping us experience some of the enjoyment that he has." - GuideStar
"The chapters cover all the major binocular deep-sky objects well, but unlike most such guides, the author devotes even more space to star patterns and individual stars. On the whole, I find this refreshing. ... As always, O'Meara's writing is lively, quirky, and infused with his personality." - Tony Flanders, Sky & Telescope
“[O’Meara] lends depth and richness to the observing experience. His skilled observations and side jaunts to obscure targets give both novice and seasoned skygazers fresh vistas to seek and explore.” – Sky & Telescope on Deep-Sky Companions: The Caldwell Objects
"Finding your way around the thousands of stars scattered across the night sky is pretty daunting when you're new to astronomy. So a good guide to what you're looking at is crucial to building your foundation as a budding astronomer. [This book] will certainly help you along the way. [O'Meara] relates his invaluable experience as an astronomer, revealing the unique stories and secrets each constellation has to offer, bringing them right down to Earth. O'Meara's writing inspires and his passion and enthusiasm for observing leaps off the pages. ... Armed with O'Meara's book and a pair of binoculars, you'll be hunting for your next mythical beast or hero with no trouble at all." - Vincent Whiteman, Sky at Night Magazine
"...simple star charts and pictures of nebulae allow the book to double as a valuable supplement to the many free star charts or “planispheres” available online." - Physics World
"[This book] will have you comfortably cruising the night's starry sphere in no time with its straightforward techniques and handy mnemonics. - Mark Mortimer, Universe Today
"Whenever Stephen O'Meara comes out with a new book, it's almost an automatic purchase for many amateur astronomers. There's nobody who loves the sky (day and night) and its phenomena more than Stephen, and there's nobody who does a better job describing what he sees in the sky and helping us experience some of the enjoyment that he has." - Bill Pellerin, GuideStar
"...an engaging introduction ... O'Meara, a veteran contributor to Astronomy and Sky and Telescope, brings breadth of knowledge, outstanding skills, and a personal voice. Stargazers of all levels can learn from an observer's hard-won wisdom and ability to see with the mind's eye. Those in the field will appreciate the book's cumulative approach, organization by season, and portable format. ... Recommended." - CHOICE
"There's nobody who loves the sky (day and night) and its phenomena more than Stephen, and there's nobody who does a better job describing what he sees in the sky and helping us experience some of the enjoyment that he has." - GuideStar
Book Description
Useful guide and reference for amateur astronomers exploring the night sky through handheld binoculars.
Product details
- ASIN : 0521721709
- Publisher : Cambridge University Press; 1st edition (October 27, 2008)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 168 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1843155559
- ISBN-13 : 978-1843155553
- Item Weight : 1.1 pounds
- Dimensions : 8.3 x 0.3 x 11.7 inches
-
Best Sellers Rank:
#816,184 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #273 in Star-Gazing (Books)
- #295 in Astronomy & Astrophysics
- #1,650 in Astronomy (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
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Customer reviews
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
15 global ratings
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2013
Verified Purchase
Really enjoyed this book. Many helpful hints and so forth. Most useful to me because my binos are my winter back yard observing instruments of choice. If you don't think binos are a good alternative to setting up your telescope for a short observing session, read this. You may become a convert.
Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2015
Verified Purchase
Well put together to interest a beginner.
Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2013
This book is much better than the previous book of O'Meara's that I read (Exploring the Solar System with Binoculars)...the lovely prose, explanations of mythology and references to poetry and Christian iconography are still there, and well done, but they do not overwhelm the actual skygazing as they did in the solar system book. The book is organized by seasons with suggested "targets" to observe. Ir is exceptionally illustrated with helpful simulated binocular views, sky charts, and telescopic views...there is no misleading about what you'll actually see through binoculars, but at the same time he offers interesting objects from easy to challenging. It's especially interesting to see the mentions of objects that were once (and may still be in some places) visible to the naked eye but are now obscured by light pollution. Personally I think his books still presuppose a lot of knowledge that the beginning stargazer may not have, and there is no primer on tips on using binoculars, which might be helpful. That said, this is a GREAT book for home stargazing (perhaps not for the field, though) and I am DEFINITELY adding this one to my own library (first borrowed from the public library). And if you don't own a pair of binoculars, here's some advice: get some! You will be ASTOUNDED by what you see when compared with the unaided eye, not so much in terms of magnification of objects, but in how much MORE you see. It's just beautiful sometimes!
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Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2014
There have been countless books written on astronomy with binoculars in recent years. Most devote much of the material to giving advice on choosing the right binoculars. Well, what if you already have a good pair of binoculars? This book is mostly devoted to OBSERVING with them. Very useful book.
Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2017
A much overrated book by a much overrated observer who at times exaggerates his observing skills and his astronomical background including his background in volcanism.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2012
Enjoyed the charts and all the observing insights by a legendary observer. Lots of mythology about the constellations is a pleasant lead in to the observing highlights.
Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2008
Hands down the best backyard star gazing book ever written! Before you buy a telescope you MUST! read Stephen James O'Meara's Observing the Night Sky with Binoculars book. O'Meara writes in hard-to-put-down fascinating prose and you will learn everything you need to know to observe and appreciate the night sky, stars and constellations. You will not find a better beginners book anywhere. Grab this book, grab a pair of binoculars,go out tonight and begin to appreciate what the night sky has to offer. A must read!
6 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries
Tieflyer
5.0 out of 5 stars
Read this before buying your astronomical binoculars.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 28, 2014Verified Purchase
Good book specifically for binocular users. Gives realistic targets so you don't waste time looking for objects which are impossible to see with binoculars. Good advice for those looking for a first pair of binoculars a outs types, sizes and limitations.
Writer one
1.0 out of 5 stars
Star gazing
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 15, 2012Verified Purchase
Found the book difficult to understand No explanation as to why east and west were reversed on the maps as opposed to the normal placing This is even more confusing as the first map has east and west in the normal positions Do not think this is much help to a stargazer beginner
Frank
3.0 out of 5 stars
Mostly fine ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 19, 2009Verified Purchase
... but some causes for concern.
Firstly, given that the book is clearly aimed at beginners, I think it should explain why most (but, confusingly, not all) of the charts show east and west 'inverted'.
Secondly, I was surprised to read the following, from page 28, regarding the Beehive Cluster:
"At a feeble distance [what is a 'feeble' distance?] of 515 light years, M44 is one of the largest ... clusters. The age of the cluster is estimated to be about 400 million light years, which means the light we are now seeing from its stars left the cluster during the Devonian Period, when the first plants bloomed on land..."
A bit of a howler, this. If it is 515 light years away, the light we now see left it 515 years ago, not 400 million years ago.
With respect to Mr O'Meara, if he and his editors at Cambridge can let this one through, what other misleading information may be lurking in the text?
Firstly, given that the book is clearly aimed at beginners, I think it should explain why most (but, confusingly, not all) of the charts show east and west 'inverted'.
Secondly, I was surprised to read the following, from page 28, regarding the Beehive Cluster:
"At a feeble distance [what is a 'feeble' distance?] of 515 light years, M44 is one of the largest ... clusters. The age of the cluster is estimated to be about 400 million light years, which means the light we are now seeing from its stars left the cluster during the Devonian Period, when the first plants bloomed on land..."
A bit of a howler, this. If it is 515 light years away, the light we now see left it 515 years ago, not 400 million years ago.
With respect to Mr O'Meara, if he and his editors at Cambridge can let this one through, what other misleading information may be lurking in the text?
3 people found this helpful
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