Product Description

The modern classic, completely updated.

The newest edition of The Backyard Astronomer's Guide includes the latest data and answers the questions most often asked by home astronomers, from beginners to experienced stargazers. Terence Dickinson and Alan Dyer provide expert guidance on the right types of telescopes and other equipment; photographing the stars through a telescope; and star charts, software and other references. They cover daytime and twilight observing, planetary and deep-sky observing, and much more.

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

New and updated for this edition:

• A 20-page full-color Atlas of the Milky Way provides location and context for hundreds of celestial objects mentioned throughout the book.
• A chapter on Astrophotography with Digital Cameras specifies what equipment works best and how to use it to collect a color gallery of celestial portraits.
• Telescopes for Recreational Astronomy features assessments of a wide range of new telescopes, from models for beginners to those for veteran astronomy enthusiasts, with special emphasis on computerized telescopes and how they work.
• Accessory Catalog spotlights the best of the accessories and flags the frivolous and irrelevant.
• Three practical appendices: Polar Aligning Your Telescope; Optics Cleaning and Collimation; Testing Your Telescope Optics.

Any serious home astronomer must have this superb guide as an ongoing reference.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #13407 in Books
• Brand: Firefly
• Published on: 2008-09-12
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 1.33" h x 9.34" w x 10.92" l, 4.33 pounds
• Binding: Hardcover
• 368 pages

From Library Journal
Despite the book's title, there is very little about astronomy here, i.e., lists of constellations, star charts, night sky maps, or details about planets, stars, and galaxies. However, there is a wealth of information about the equipment used in astronomy, including prices, consumer-type information, advice on when to use and when not to use binoculars, telescopes, cameras, film, lenses, filters, and other items for the amateur astronomer. Four chapters, though, concern the observation of the solar system and deep space objects. There are also several chapters discussing the photographing of all types of astronomical phenomena. Though cost may deter small-to-medium-sized libraries, there is much information here for the experienced amateur, and some useful information for the beginner as well. (Illustrations and index not seen.)-- Robert Ellis Potter, Dunedin P.L., Fla.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review
[Review of earlier edition:] I highly recommend this volume for most amateur astronomers and all libraries. (John O. Christensen Science Books and Films 20031015)

[Review of earlier edition:] More than any other guide to backyard observing, this excellent book focuses on equipment. (Astronomy 200411)

[Review of earlier edition:] Excellent introductory text ... completely revised... it is lushly illustrated in color throughout. (Ursula Ellis E-Streams, Vol. 6, No. 4 2004)

[Review of earlier edition:] One of the most attractive practical astronomy works ever produced. (Russ Francis Monday Magazine 200301)

[Review of earlier edition:] Lively, accessible style; is comprehensive; and is lavishly illustrated... highly recommended for any library. (Mark Wilson American Reference Books Annual, Volume 35 20030104)

[Review of earlier edition:] Few books capture the spirit of the hobby so well. (American Scientist 20030501)

[Review of earlier edition:] This all-encompassing reference provides practical advice. (Science News 200305)

[Review of earlier edition:] Recommended for all libraries and for experienced or inexperienced amateur astronomers. (A.R. Upgren Choice 20030201)

[Review of earlier edition:] Big colorful user-friendly book ... This book is your passport to the stars. (David Aguilar Sky and Telescope 200812)

[Review of earlier edition:] Indispensable tool for any serious naturalist. (Pierre R. Gauthier Canadian Camera 20090401)

[Review of earlier edition:] Its nontechnical language makes astronomy an avocation accessible to everyone. (Library Journal 20101002)

[Review of earlier edition:] Crammed with practical information that should help you become a better observer, and have fun. (Craig Tupper Astronomy 201104)

[Review of earlier edition:] A real treat for the eyes. It's loaded with colorful photographs, graphics and information boxes. (John McPhee Halifax Chronicle-Herald )

With over 500 color photographs and illustrations, this book is a valuable, beautiful and user-friendly astronomy reference. (Lunar and Planetary Information Bulletin )

Magnificently illustrated and superb... a beautiful and informative resource for the amateur astronomer, both the beginner and the experienced. (Denise A. Garofalo American Reference Book Annual )

Dickinson and Dyer have brought their excellent guide further into the 21st century. I can't recommend it highly enough. (Sean Walker Sky and Telescope )

This revised and expanded third edition will be of interest to serious amateur astronomers. (Glenn Perrett Simcoe.com )

It is one book you will never tire of opening, always finding something of interest in the world of astronomy. (Shelf Life )

Review

The Best Skygazer's Guide You Can Buy
(Robert Burnham former Editor in Chief, Astronomy magazine 20101210)