Type of bind: Hardcover
Dewey Decimal Number: 520
EAN num: 9780783547510
ISBN number: 078354751X
Label: Time-Life Books
Manufacturer: Time-Life Books
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 288
Printing Date: 1995-09
Publishing house: Time-Life Books
Sale Popularity Level: 819302
Studio: Time-Life Books
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Rated by buyers 
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The Nature Company Guides "Skywatching", 1996, 288 pages provides a nice text for use in the field, or at the armchair. The presentation is very attractive as the artwork, poetry, and pictures of stellar objects are wonderfully done and relate well to the material. The seven chapters include; Skywatching Through the Ages, Stars and Galaxies, Skywatching Tools and Techniques, Understanding the Changing Sky, A Guide to the Sky, A tour of the Solar System, and Probing the Universe.
The field strength is provided in the chapter "The Guide to the Sky" covering both northern and southern hemispheres. For each hemisphere are six (6) semi-monthly pair of D-charts (North and South, each 9"x5") showing stars to 4.5 magnitude. Next, 88 Constellations are described and shown in detail (1-2 pages for each). For each constellation there is a star map showing DSOs and stars up to 6.5 magnitude. Text describes the constellation myth with picture, 4-8 more significant DSO with pictures, and icons (eye, binoculars, telescope) indicating minimum optical aid for viewing. Heavy paper and turtle back binding support use in the field.
Armchair use is supported by the other chapters and will give the beginner adequate coverage of many topics.
Rated by buyers -
This book is a multifaceted introduction to astronomy. I used it as the text in an observation-oriented astronomy class, and the students loved it. Overall, I would rate it at 3-4 stars, but let me evaluate its 5 focuses individually. As an exposition of general astronomy, I give it 4-5 stars. It is attractively illustrated and clearly written, an engaging and informative introduction to astronomical principles.
As an instruction book for beginning observing, it deserves 2-3 stars. It gives a good idea of many of the basic observing techniques but has shortcoming in the section on choosing equipment. First, it bases choice of binoculars on the irrelevant theory of exit pupils and incorrectly recommends 7x50 binoculars. A field comparison readily shows that 10x50s outperform 7x50s. Second, the book suggests in a grossly oversimplified way that equatorial mounts are the most desirable. This is incompatible with the book's supposed orientation toward beginners, who should avoid this specialized mount in favor of the simple, sturdy altazimuth.
As an observer's guide it rates 4 stars: there is a fine list of objects to look for in binoculars and small telescopes. The description is ample, and the number of objects is enough to keep you busy for quite some time. However, the indications of what can be seen in an instrument of a given size should be taken with a certain skepticism. They describe features that can be seen by a skilled observer with first-rate eyes under a rural dark sky in very good atmospheric conditions and do not represent what the novice in a suburban backyard is likely to see.
It contains one of the better 6th magnitude star atlases on the market, which rates 3 stars. There are 88 charts, one for each constellation in the sky. Although colored, they are clear and usable with a blue flashlight. Adjacent charts (constellations) are clearly marked and, as charts are arranged in alphabetical order, it is easy to navigate directly from one chart to the other without the intermediate step of an index. My one complaint is that on a given chart only the stars of the featured constellation are shown to magnitude 6.5. Stars in adjoining constellations are shown only to 5.5. This can present problems because sometimes an observer uses star fields which cross constellation boundaries. The atlas, of course, has the limitations inherent in any 6.5 magnitude work.
The observer's guidebook can stand alone for use with a separate atlas. Here, then, is my recommendation: except for the section on buying equipment, Skywatching is a fully competent all-in-one book for the beginning astronomer. When it comes time to upgrade, keep Skywatching as your guidebook, but for the atlas, I would recommend the excellent yet affordable 7.6 magnitude Sky and Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas.
Rated by buyers -
I picked this book up practically on a whim from the clearance table at a local bookseller, and was very pleasantly surprised at how good of a book it is after getting it home.
It starts with a brief history of skywatching, and then moves on to describing many of the types of objects that can be found in space - stars, galaxies, supernovas, grey holes, pulsars, star clusters, variable stars, nebulae... along with explainations of what they are and why they look the way they do.
After that the book talks about basic skywatching techniques, from simply spotting things with the naked eye, and the basics of binoculars and telescopes.
After all this, you're then taught the basics of how to read a star chart, including the rather nice basic charts that are included in the book for both Northern and Southern hemispheres.
At the most basic level you can use the charts to see what constellations are in the sky above you that night, which will help in learning the different constellations, and then as you advance a little you can use the approximate location to help locate items with a telescope.
Further details are given about each constellation, very first discussing how it got its name, and then going into details about interesting items that are in the area of that constellation, such as nearby nebulea, galaxies, or star clusters.
Also included are details about each of the planets in our solar system, and a resource directory for those interested in further reading.
Along with all this great info, the book is chock full of beautiful photography, art, and well-drawn charts.
Definately one of the best ways to start out for someone who's recently become interested in the skies above.
Rated by buyers -
Skywatching is a good book. But the book "Practical Skywatching" gives you two books for the price of one. It literally contains the best of the books "Skywatching" and "Advance Skywatching" in one reference.
Rated by buyers -
.... Primarily a constellation guidebook. Charts by Wil Tirion. Charts are mag 6, scale is 27mm per 10 degrees and each chart covers an area 4 hr RA by 45° Dec. A fair amount of sky surrounding each constellation chart helps with orientation. Has 100 pages of science, how to, equipment and data tables including nearest stars and brightest stars. Lots of good science with excellent visuals. All sky maps for every month. Several notable objects described in each constellation provide a wide variety, however many would not be found with a moderate telescope. Good charts, but could label more stars and plot more objects. Moon maps and a limited section on the planets. Excellent bibliography and list of resources. Overall a good choice as a constellation guidebook and astro science book.
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