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NightWatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe
 
 
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NightWatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe [Spiral-bound]

Terence Dickinson (Author, Photographer), Timothy Ferris (Foreword), Adolf Schaller (Illustrator), Victor Costanzo (Illustrator), Roberta Cooke (Illustrator)
4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (41 customer reviews)

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The third edition of Nightwatch continues its tradition of being the best handbook for the beginning astronomer. Terence Dickinson covers all the problems beginners face, starting with the fact that the night sky does not look the way a modern city-dweller expects. He discusses light pollution, how to choose binoculars and telescopes, how to pronounce the names of stars and constellations, telescope mounts, averted vision, and why the harvest moon looks especially bright. Most of the lovely photographs in the book were taken by amateurs, which gives the section on astrophotography a particularly inspirational gleam.

Dickinson's star charts are very handy, each covering a reasonable field of view and mapping the most interesting amateur objects. He gives good advice for planet watching, which he notes "is one of the few astronomical activities that can be conducted almost as well from the city as from dark rural locations."

Altogether, the watchword for Nightwatch is indeed "practical"--this is a book to be used, not just read. Spiral-bound to lie flat or to fold back undamaged, it's a field guide that pulls its own weight in the field. Author Timothy Ferris says, "Like a good night sky, Nightwatch is clear and wind-free. Try it and see for yourself." --Mary Ellen Curtin

From School Library Journal

Grade 6 Up?This long-overdue update of a classic handbook for amateur astronomers combines a text both meaty and hard to put down with a great array of charts, boxes, tables, and dazzling full-color photos of the sky. Aiming this offering at new but serious hobbyists, Dickinson guides readers on a tour of the universe visible from any dark backyard, providing frank evaluations of many telescope models; specific advice for photographers; and a simple system for locating stars, constellations, nebulae, and other intriguing sights. Convenient charts track upcoming eclipses and the locations of the five planets visible to the naked eye (both through the year 2010). The author closes with lists of supplementary resources, including books, software, Web sites, and conventions. Dickinson's contagious enthusiasm and vast expertise earn this a place in reference and circulating collections of any size.?John Peters, New York Public Library
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Imagine a world where a thimbleful of matter weighs as much as Mount Everest. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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41 Reviews
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4.8 out of 5 stars (41 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect starter to the Astronomer's world, Sep 10 2003
By 
This review is from: NightWatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe (Spiral-bound)
This book is greatly build up and covers every major aspect of Astronomy . In an understandable way and very plastic with supportive pictures you get to understand cohesions and basics about our solar system, the galaxies and the whole universe.
It puts emphasize on the star constellations and features great maps to navigate the sky. The ringbinding helps a lot to work with it in the field. And the paper is high quality and will take a lot of use.
This makes a great gift for anyone who is intersted in nature or wants to explore the night sky.
This is the absolute BEST BUY to start with!!! Nothing else.
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5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent book for new astronomers., Jan 18 2003
By 
Lisa Brewer (Millville, NJ United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: NightWatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe (Spiral-bound)
For the money you can't go wrong this is an excellent book for people just starting out in astronomy or who need a better understanding of the night sky and where to locate things. This book is packed full of info. and nice color photographs to go along with the many things you can see in a small telescope. I wouldnt really suggest this book though to those who allready know how to locate things and have a good understanding of astronomy. For the new person though theres tons of night time sky charts with details of nebulas and everything else in that part of the sky. Theres an excellent part that shows you how to measure the distances between stars & constellations to locate those harder to find subjects!! An excelent book that deserves a 5 star review. I forgot to mention that it's spiral bound so this makes it easy to lay flat and keep on a certain page. And don't forget take your time with the book to learn things the night sky isnt going anywhere!
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5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for budding astronomers, Dec 21 2002
This review is from: NightWatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe (Spiral-bound)
I cannot praise this book enough.Within minutes of "pre-reading" it, I repacked the telescope I had just purchased,and am sending it back.Why? Because Mr. Dickinson explained, in perfectly understandable terms,why that particular telescope was the wrong choice for me.The section on "trash telescopes" was very informative.I also now have a real respect for binoculars..and may purchase a good quality pair,based on Mr.D.'s comments about proper binoculars for viewing the nightsky.They will be a good stepping-stone on my way to purchasing the best telescope for me. I have always dreamed of being a backyard astronomer,but never had enough time to pursue the hobby.Now that I am retired,the first thing I crossed off my "to-do" list was the telescope purchase.It was an impulse buy,I am ashamed to say,and if it hadn't been for the excellent advice from Mr.D,I would have wasted a few hundred bucks on something that would ultimately cause me frustration.
So...if you are thinking of getting into amateur astronomy,look no further than this wonderful,well-thought out,easy to understand,and beautifully presented book.I will now purchase the right equipment I need to really get into my long-desired hobby.
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