The 4th edition of Terence Dickinson's highly-regarded guidebook for beginning sky watchers. Revised and expanded for use through 2018.

Do you want to learn about Astronomy but don't know where to start? Nightwatch may just be the right book for you. It is written as a complete first book on amateur Astronomy and it has helped thousands of stargazers worldwide through the early stages of celestial exploration.

Nightwatch contains chapters on The Universe, Backyard Astronomy, Stars for all Seasons, Stargazing Equipment (full of good practical advice including factors to consider before you buy your first telescope), Observing Deep Sky Objects, The Planets, Moon and Sun, Solar and Lunar Eclipses, Comets, Meteors and Auroras, Photographing the Night Sky, and Resources.

In addition to 4 seasonal all-sky maps, a set of 20 detailed star charts are included that provide instant information on hundreds of naked-eye, binocular and telescopic objects. Considered by many to be the best book of its kind.

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Sky & Telescope Review: February 1999 p.78-80

Description: Did you ever wonder exactly what constellation you're seeing when you look up at the night sky? The first book in our Night Sky: Astronomy for Everyone Series will guide even the absolute beginner through the constellations in no time! An extensive introduction guides the reader through the basics of constellation observing, and the convenient season-by-season organization of the text makes observing throughout the year a snap. Patterns in the Sky emphasizes what anyone can see from a typical suburban backyard and concentrates on just-for-fun, naked-eye stargazing -- no optical aid required! Perfect for ages 10 to adult.

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Book Description: What type of telescope is best for beginners? Can I use my camera to take photographs through a telescope? How good are the new computerized telescope mounts? What charts, books, software and other references do I need? These questions are asked time and again by enthusiastic new amateurs as they take up recreational astronomy.

But accurate, objective and up-to-date information can be hard to find. Throughout the 1990s, the first edition of The Backyard Astronomer's Guide established itself as the indispensable reference to the equipment and techniques used by the modern recreational stargazer. Now, authors Terence Dickinson and Alan Dyer have produced an expanded and completely updated edition that again sets the standard for accessible and reliable information on one of the world's most popular hobbies.

Dickinson and Dyer -- both full-time astronomy writers -- bring decades of experience to their task. They explain why telescopes often perform much differently from what the novice expects. They recommend the accessories that will enhance the observing experience and advise what not to buy until you become more familiar with your equipment. They name brands and sources and compare value so that you can be armed with the latest practical information when deciding on your next purchase. Sections on astrophotography, daytime and twilight observing, binocular observing and planetary and deep-sky observing round out this comprehensive guide to personal exploration of the universe. Dickinson and Dyer's elegant yet straightforward approach to a complex subject makes this book an invaluable resource for astronomers throughout North America.

With more than 500 color photographs and illustrations, The Backyard Astronomer's Guide is also one of the most beautiful -- and user-friendly -- astronomy books ever produced.

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Sky & Telescope Review: August 2003 p.72-73

A classic! Widely recognized as one of the best books for learning the constellations. Written in a unique, simple style that is suitable for young and older stargazers alike. Contains many wonderful illustrations to help teach the novice stargazer about the night sky. Also contains a collection of simple star charts for year round use.

Reading Level: All Ages
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Turn Left at Orion is widely regarded as the single best guide for the beginner with a new telescope. Using bright stars in the sky, Turn Left at Orion will guide the new telescope owner to dozens of interesting objects even if they don't know the constellations. Contains easy to use finder charts and illustrations that show what the objects actually look like through a telescope. A clear and very readable text.

From the Publisher: A superb guidebook that provides all the information beginning amateur astronomers need to observe the Moon, the planets and a whole host of celestial objects. Large format diagrams show these objects exactly as they appear in a small telescope and for each object there is information on the current state of our astronomical knowledge.

Revised and updated, this new edition contains a chapter with ten new spreads describing spectacular deep sky objects visible from the southern hemisphere, and tips on observing the upcoming transits of Venus. It also discusses Dobsonian telescopes, with hints on using personal computers and the Internet as aids for planning an observing session.

Also new to this edition are redrawn "Guidepost" figures at the beginning of each season chapter that allow readers to visualize a three-dimensional view of the sky's dome; redesigned seasonal object layouts that provide more space for the naked-eye charts; a new spread on double stars near Bootes has been added to Spring, replacing the "Shrinking Double" spread; and a unique "When and Where to Look" table has been added to the last page, among other new features.

Unlike many guides to the night sky, this book is specifically written for observers using small telescopes. Clear and easy to use, this fascinating book will appeal to skywatchers of all ages and backgrounds. No previous knowledge of astronomy is needed.

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Description: In 1752, Charles Messier left the small French town of Badonviller for employment in Paris as an astronomer's assistant. In the following years, he discovered 20 comets and compiled the first catalogue of over 100 objects listing star clusters, nebulae and galaxies collectively called Deep Sky Objects. Today, Messier's catalogue is often the first set of Deep Sky Objects observed by budding amateurs wanting to go beyond viewing the Moon, Planets and Sun.

The Next Step is a complete field guide to discovering Messier's objects -- a celestial road map for the successful navigation and exploration of these beautiful heavenly bodies. Experience space anew by taking the next step into the cosmos.

• Easy to understand, written especially for the novice amateur astronomer.
• Complete set of color star charts for locating every Messier object.
• Scale photographs, up-to-date information and easy-to-use spreads for each object.
• Expanded catalogue now includes 112 objects.
• New historical information about Charles Messier's childhood and journey to Paris.

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Book Description: 365 Starry Nights is a unique and delightful introduction to astronomy designed to give you a complete, clear picture of the sky every night of the year. Divided into 365 concise, illustrated essays, it focuses on the aesthetic as well as the scientific aspects of stargazing. It offers up-to-date information, with hundreds of charts, drawings, and maps (sample page) that take you beyond the visible canopy of stars and constellations into the unseen realm of nebulae and galaxies.

This simple yet substantial text is full of critical information and helpful hints on how to observe the stars; describe their position; calculate their age, brightness, and distance; and much more. Whether you observe the sky with a telescope or the unaided eye, 365 Starry Nights makes the infinite intimate and brings the heavens within your grasp. Keep this invaluable, informative guide close at hand, and you'll find that the sky is the limit 365 nights a year.

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Book Description: The night sky is alive with many wonders -- distant planets, vast star clusters, glowing nebulae, and expansive galaxies, all waiting to be explored. Let respected astronomy writer Philip Harrington introduce you to the universe in Star Watch, a complete beginner's guide to locating, observing, and understanding these celestial objects. You'll start by identifying the surface features of the Moon, the banded cloud tops of Jupiter, the stunning rings of Saturn, and other members of our solar system. Then you'll venture out beyond our solar system, where you'll learn tips and tricks for finding outstanding deep-sky objects from stars to galaxies, including the entire Messier catalog -- a primary goal of every serious beginner.

Star Watch features a detailed physical description of each target, including size, distance, and structure, as well as concise directions for locating the objects, handy finder charts, hints on the best times to view each object, and descriptions of what you'll really see through a small telescope or binoculars and with the unaided eye.

Philip S. Harrington is a contributing editor for Astronomy magazine and has been published in most leading astronomy periodicals. He is also the author of Star Ware, Touring the Universe through Binoculars, and Astronomy for All Ages.

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Description: Many people assume that amateur stargazers must invest hundreds or even thousands of dollars in equipment before they can enjoy the wonders of the night sky. The truth is, though, that all you need is a simple pair of binoculars. This handy, easy-to-follow guide explains how to observe everything from the moon to meteor showers with binoculars and provides safety tips for viewing eclipses. It also includes separate sections for winter, spring, summer, and fall that give advice on what to look for and how to optimize your viewing. Ideal for budding astronomers of all ages, Binocular Stargazing is the perfect way to see the night sky through new eyes.

About the Author: Mike D. Reynolds is an Astronomy professor and executive director emeritus of the Chabot Space & Science Center in Oakland, California. He is the author of numerous scientific publications, as well as the book Falling Stars. He is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and a member of the American Astronomical Society, the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers, and the Astronomical Society of the Pacific.

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Book Description: One look at a starry night sky is often enough to arouse an individual's curiosity and generate a desire to discover the wonders of the heavens. But how do you learn the identities of all those stars and constellations and when they appear? What is a planetary nebula or a globular star cluster--where do you find them and how do you tell them apart? Acclaimed popular science writer Fred Schaaf has created this eloquent guide that both beginners and veteran skywatchers will find rewarding.

According to Schaaf, the secret to learning astronomy is to begin with one night and one part of the sky or one constellation and then let the passing nights add to your framework of knowledge and sights. To that end, after a introductory primer covering the basics of astronomy, the rest of the book uses a month-by-month organization, highlighting the constellations, stars, meteor showers, and other special phenomena visible each month, with many fascinating insights into the science, history, and lore of various celestial objects. Schaaf's many years of writing for "Sky & Telescope", the "Old Farmer's Almanac", "Mother Earth News", and other publications make him the world's leading expert in the monthly format of astronomy sights and the perfect guide through the year of the stars.

Complete with beautiful maps, drawings, photos, a very useful glossary, and Schaaf as a guide, this is the perfect book for the amateur astronomer or anyone curious about our place in the universe.

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Book Description: If, as Immanuel Kant once said, we are guided by the starry sky above and the moral law within, then, thanks to David Levy, we can now conceptualize Kant's adage at least half-way. David Levy's Guide to the Night Sky is designed to satisfy observers who have just become interested in the sky and want to navigate their way around it. By stirring the imagination and putting observation in a framework of personal adventure, Levy explains how to discover the Moon, planets, comets, meteors, and distant galaxies through a small telescope. Fully updated, the new edition includes:

• A new section on the computer-controlled telescopes and how to use this new technology;
• One new chapter on how charge-coupled devices (CCDs) have revolutionized the art of astronomical observation
• An explanation of how a new variable star is discovered and studied, based on Levy's personal experience.

Levy explores topics as diverse as the features of the Moon from night to night; how to observe constellations from both urban and rural observation sites; how best to view the stars, nebulae, and galaxies; and how to map the sky.

David H. Levy is one of the world's foremost amateur astronomers. He has discovered 17 comets, seven using a telescope in his own backyard, and had a minor planet, Asteroid 3673 Levy, named in his honor. As a respected astronomer, he is best known for being the co-discoverer of the famous Shoemaker-Levy 9 comet in 1994.

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Exploring the Night Sky with Binoculars is a small book written to complement The Night Sky planisphere (by the same author). The planisphere helps stargazers find what is up in the sky for any day and time. The book discusses the significance of what is seen.

The book starts with a discussion of how to observe the sky and how to choose binoculars with astronomy in mind. Then comes a brief geography lesson of the universe, including helpful models to keep in mind when trying to visualize large numbers, such as millions, billions, and trillions. The bulk of the book is a survey, starting with the Sun and its family of planets, moons, asteroids and comets, then moves outward into the Milky Way with its nebulae, stellar remnants, open star clusters, and globular star clusters, and finally out beyond the Milky Way to the realm of the galaxies. Examples of each kind of object are given that are visible with no more than binoculars, and each is discussed with enough detail to make it meaningful but not overwhelming to the beginner.

The appendices include seasonal tours of the sky, tips on buying your first telescope, and a resource guide for those who want to go further.

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The National Audubon Society Pocket Guide to Constellations is a compact guide to the night sky of the northern hemisphere. It contains full-color seasonal sky charts which are perfect for the beginning stargazer to use in learning the sky. Full-color charts are provided for each constellation showing bright stars and deep-sky objects. Descriptions of the objects in each constellation are also provided on the facing page.

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Book Description: From the galaxies and the stars and planets they comprise to the mysteries of black holes, the Big Bang, and the possibility of life on other planets, this book clearly explains the essentials usually covered in an introductory college-level course in astronomy and space exploration.

Its unique self-teaching format lets beginners easily and quickly grasp basic principles. You are constantly actively involved in learning astronomy using:

• Star and Moon maps that identify objects in the sky. [Note, star maps comprise only 4 seasonal all-sky maps drawn for 40° north]
• Objectives, reviews, and self-tests that monitor your progress.
• Simple activities that help you to test basic principles on your own.

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