The Casual Sky Observers Guide

The Casual Sky Observer's Pocket Guide offers an observing program for occasional amateur observers looking for some quick, fun astronomy adventures under the stars. In the real world, where time for observing is limited, the weather is seldom perfect, and expensive equipment is not an option, amateur astronomy may not be seen as a worthwhile activity. However, portable and quick-to-set-up instruments are available. A pair of binoculars or a small telescope fills the bill. And the way to make the most of these instruments is described in the Casual Sky Observer's Pocket Guide. Not only does the book feature the best and brightest showpieces of the heavens; it also provides a great deal of physical and environmental data as well as lots of fascinating information and beautiful illustrations that provide a unique perspective on the many treasures within and beyond our home galaxy, the Milky Way--stars, star clusters, other galaxies, and nebulae, all within reach of binoculars or a small telescope.

'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.

This eBook is best viewed on a color device. Filled with practical information for the amateur astronomer, this Sky Observer's Golden Guide explains: -How to select and use binoculars and telescopes -How to best observe stars, the moon, planets, comets, meteors, and other celestial objects -How to use star charts Profusely illustrated with photographs, diagrams, charts, and tables, this guide is recommended by leading astronomers.

The Deep Sky Observer's Guide offers you the night sky at your fingertips. As an amateur astronomer, you want to know what's up tonight and you don't always have the time to plan ahead. Maybe the clouds have suddenly parted. Maybe you're at a star party. Maybe you want to challenge yourself with something new but don't know where to start. The Deep Sky Observer's Guide can solve these problems in a conveniently sized paperback that easily fits in your back pocket. Take it outside and let the guide suggest any one of over 1,300 deep sky objects, all visible with a small telescope and many accessible via binoculars. * Multiple stars with 2" or more of separation * Open clusters up to magnitude 9 * Nebulae up to magnitude 10 * Globular clusters up to magnitude 10 * Planetary nebulae up to magnitude 12 * Galaxies up to magnitude 12 * Includes lists of deep sky objects for the entire sky with R.A. and declination for each and accompanying images for many Whether you use a GoTo or prefer to star hop, no matter where you live in the world and no matter what time of year or night, the Deep Sky Observer's Guide is the indispensable companion for every adventure among the stars.

Deep-sky observing is easily the most popular field for amateur astronomers. The big problem faced by non-professional observers is what to look at - what is visible at a particular time of year. The Deep-Sky Observers Year is a month-by-month guide to the best objects to view. Objects are given a "star rating" according to how difficult they are to observe or image with a particular size of telescope. The book includes many images produced by amateur astronomers, as well as photographs from NASA, ESA, and ESO. There is background information about the objects, along with lots of useful tips, hints, and resources.

Discusses how to select and use binoculars and telescopes, how to observe planets, meteors, comets, and other celestial bodies, and how to use star charts.