Night sky atlas The moon, planets, stars and deep sky objects

Amateur astronomer Scagell has produced a concise introduction to the night sky suitable for the beginning stargazer. He begins with a description of the celestial sphere and motions, a listing of constellations, and an introduction to planets. Observing hints and images are offered for celestial objects (e.g., sun, moon, planets). Excellent information is provided about how to use and adjust binoculars and small telescopes. The seasonal sky maps are rather small, but can be used as pointers to the larger maps. The main star maps (sections of the entire sky) are accompanied by photo-realistic maps that allow an observer to compare what the sky looks like (bright stars on a black background without names or lines) to the map. A telescope observer might want more detailed maps of a larger scale. The unusual feature is the inclusion of many small constellation maps accompanied by images (an array of photographs, drawings, and/or electronic images) of interesting celestial objects from each region. The text is clear and easy to read. Scagell maintains a Web site with extended and updated information . For beginning observers. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. General readers; lower-division undergraduates; two-year technical program students. M.-K. Hemenway University of Texas at Austin

Introduction This star atlas is for anyone who wants to learn the night sky, anywhere in the world. You need no prior knowledge -- just add your own enthusiasm. Using a combination of maps of different scales and methods of plotting, you can discover the appearance of the stars wherever and whenever you observe. A special feature of this atlas is realistic views of the constellations that match as closely as possible what you actually see in the sky, with no labels or grid lines to clutter the page. Facing each one is a conventional map of the same area that you can use to identify the stars and constellations. Having found your way among the stars, you will want to study the other objects -- the Sun, Moon and planets and the much more distant nebulae, star clusters and galaxies. The most interesting constellations are described in detail, with illustrations that show the objects of interest in a variety of ways, from drawings that match accurately what you can see through a small telescope to images taken through large telescopes, including the Hubble Space Telescope. Notes give you the basics of observational methods and help you to find and observe the objects, whether you have the simplest telescope or an up-to-the-minute computerized model. A special website, www.stargazing.org.uk, accompanies this atlas to provide regularly updated links to sites giving further information and planetary positions, so you can always keep up-to-date. With this information, the Night Sky Atlas can be your astronomical companion for years to come. Excerpted from Night Sky Atlas: The Moon, Planets, Stars and Deep Sky Objects by Robin Scagell All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.