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Consultant Editor: Dr. John O’Byrne

A comprehensive illustrated handbook for backyard astronomers, with expert starhopping guides and advice on essential stargazing tools and techniques

• Revised information about the latest seller discoveries and the most recent space explorations
• Up-to-date statistics, distances and measurements
• In-depth profiles of all our Solar System’s marvels-the Sun, Moon, planets and the celestial phenomena
• Expert advice for the backyard stargazer on everything from telescope choices, to using binoculars and taking your own astrophhotographs
• Starhopping tours to help the amateur astronomer traverse the heavens and identity the night sky’s wonders with ease

Fully illustrated throughout with hundreds of the latest stunning images, maps and photos

Authors: Ray and Cilla Norris

The art and traditions of Aboriginal Australia draw on 40,000 years experience of gazing into the richness of unpolluted skies from pristine lands. They include the “emu in the sky” constellation of dark clouds, and stories about the Sun, Moon, and the Seven Sisters. Several Aboriginal groups use the rising and setting of particular stars to show when to harvest a food source. Some explain how the tides are caused by the Moon, and even explain eclipses as a conjunction of the Sun and Moon. This book explores the mystical Aboriginal astronomical stories and traditions, and the way in which they are used for practical applications such as navigation and harvesting. It describes the journey of exploration that’s currently opening Western eyes to this treasury of ancient Aboriginal knowledge, and is written by two active researchers in the field: Prof. Ray Norris (an astrophysicist with CSIRO, and an Adjunct Professor at the Dept. of Indigenous Studies, Macquarie University), and his wife Cilla. In this book, Ray and Cilla bring you the results of their 6-year quest to research Aboriginal Astronomy, including: * uncovering little-known manuscripts, * visiting Aboriginal sites throughout Australia, * writing down stories from ancient communities. Few outsiders understand the depth and complexity of Aboriginal cultures. This book will give you a glimpse that will change your ideas about Aboriginal society.

Author: Ian Ridpath

The Book is divided into four parts: general introduction to astronomy; a detailed guide to the Solar System; an alphabetical catalogue of the constellations; a month-by month companion to the night sky. Sample pages from three main sections (excluding the Introduction). Further explanation appears at the start of each section.
Introduction (PP.6-24) General information on astronomy.
The Solar System (PP.25-62) This section contains descriptions of the nine planets, Sun and Moon, and the more significant smaller bodies. It also includes advice on how and where to find them.
The Constellations (PP.63-141) Entries on the 88 constellations are arranged alphabetically by name. Collectively, the charts in this section form a complete atlas of the sky. The text describes the origins of the constellations and selected features of interest.
Monthly Sky Guide (PP.142-215) An introduction to each month, with easy-to-use charts and descriptions of what to look out for, is followed by more detailed charts of the night sky as seen from northern and southern latitudes.

Author: Robin Kerrod

This four-part introduction to star watching is the work of astronomer Robin Kerrod. It consists of a planisphere, two 128-page spiral-bound books and a torch, all packed into a sturdy case. The planisphere is two rotating discs fixed one above the other. It shows the constellations at different times during each night of the year and is designed to work best at latitude 35 degrees south. The first of the two manuals, Mapping the Skies, expands on whats shown on the planisphere. It has an introduction to the main constellations of each hemisphere as well as a chapter dedicated to the regular celestial patterns that coincide with each month of the year. Within each chapter are more star maps, photographs of key features and information about the constellations. The second book, The Star Guide, covers some of the more fundamental principles of astronomy and describes the different types of telescopes used to view our skies. It also looks at the stars and the planets of our solar system (and our exploration of it) in more detail; includes helpful tips for people interested in buying a telescope; and lists the 88 visible constellations and important dates in the history of astronomy. Discover the Night Sky is a simple, practical introduction to astronomy for beginning enthusiasts. It contains lots of good reading, and the planisphere will help newcomers orientation. Its readers will probably next find themselves investing in a decent telescope – and batteries for the torch.

Authors: Ian Ridpath and Wil Tirion

Description

Previously entitled ‘Collins Pocket Guide Stars and Planets’, this classic guide to the night sky enters its fourth edition as part of the authoritative ‘Collins Guide’ series.
A comprehensive guide to all the stars and celestial objects visible with the use of binoculars or an average-sized telescope, this fully revised edition features updated and extended text, improved sky charts, and new diagrams and photographs.Includes:
* Unique yearly planetary data, available as a downloadable web resource
www.collins.co.uk/starsandplanets
* Monthly sky maps of the northern and southern hemispheres, so you can identify constellations and bright stars from various latitudes throughout the year
* Descriptions of all the 88 constellations and their stars opposite a specially prepared chart showing the constellation in relation to the surrounding skies
* Detailed information on stars, nebulae, galaxies, the Moon and the Solar System
* Practical advice on choosing and using binoculars and telescopes
* In addition to the charts and diagrams, the text is accompanied by many photographs throughout, making this the most practical and comprehensive guide to the night sky.

Author: Robert Gendler

To gaze at the stars is one thing; to capture that gaze in photographs is something else, a tantalizing scientific art that many attempt and few master. That rare mastery is on full display in this beautiful volume of space photography from thirty of the most accomplished astrophotographers in the world, both professional and amateur. Galaxies, star clusters, nebulae, and other deep-sky treasures fill the pages. Along with the marvels of the night sky–the Andromeda and Whirlpool galaxies, the Pleiades and the Praesepe, the Orion and Crab nebulae, and many more–each section features a profile of the photographer’s work, techniques, philosophy, and experiences. Compiled by the world’s leading amateur astrophotographer, with an introduction to the history of space photography, this spectacular volume is an essential for every stargazer’s bookshelf