Robin Scagell

The ideal introduction to astronomy in the city. These days, skywatchers do not have to live close to a city or town center to suffer from the effects of light pollution. According to the National Park Service, city lights as far as 200 miles away diminish views of night skies. So even in a remote field, the sky above may be part of the "sky glow" of the surrounding city or town. Weather might be an issue too, as it is for all skywatchers. Nevertheless, there are many celestial delights to be seen. Urban Astronomy shows that nighttime lighting and the resultant brightening of the sky can be combatted and demonstrates how to make the best of poor conditions. Although the unaided eye may be able to pick out only a few hundred stars, binoculars or a small telescope will reveal many times that number. A little optical aid can also give you good views of every type of major astronomical object, including star clusters, nebulae and galaxies. For example, there are special filters that let through the light from distant nebulae while blocking out wavelengths infested by unwanted stray light from streetlights. Modern CCDs allow modest amateur telescopes to penetrate the urban sky glow and reveal sights that would have taxed larger instruments 30 years ago. The book also covers: How weather and pollution affect observing Specific tips to combat urban streetlighting The best objects to observe from cities and towns Deep-sky objects visible from urban locations in both the northern and southern hemispheres The range of telescopes and accessories for light-polluted skies CCDs and the rebirth of astronomy from cities and towns How to find dark skies. The book's nine chapters cover the basics of successful urban viewing, its "enemies" -- weather and streetlights -- and explain how to choose viewing targets and arm yourself with the right "weapons and ammunition" to find them. The book also covers indoor astronomy. Urban Astronomy is an ideal guide to skywatching while combating light pollution. It will show you how to get the most out of almost any sky.

Stargazing from Towns and Suburbs

Urban Astronomy

Άτλας του νυχτερινού ουρανού

Wil Tirion

Featuring recent discoveries and state-of-the-art space photography, an atlas illustrates all that science has revealed about constellations, the evolution of stars and galaxies, and the planets in the solar system.

The Moon, Planets, Stars and Deep Sky Objects

Night Sky Atlas

Opposite each map is a 'photorealistic' image which shows how the same portion of the sky appears to the naked eye. The next group of maps show the most interesting parts of the sky at a much larger scale, in 40 full-colour constellation charts, accompanied by colour photographs and drawings and a detailed explanatory text.

Philip's Night Sky Atlas

DK's Night Sky Atlas takes us on an amazing journey of discovery, from sparkling star clusters to spectacular supernovas. Hundreds of stunning photographs capture and explain our incredible night sky, illuminating stars, constellations, the Solar System, and beyond. With the help of charts, maps, and see-through pages, you can find out how to spot Orion wherever you are in the world, when to see a shooting star, and much, much more. Fact boxes, monthly sky guides, and information-packed captions explain key aspects of astronomy, with special features on mysterious phenomena such as eclipses, nebulas, and comets. Complete with useful glossary and index, the Night Sky Atlas is an ideal resource for all stargazers.

An ideal resource to stargaze the night sky and learn stars and constellations.

Children's Night Sky Atlas

Fully revised and now in its third edition, Philip's Night Sky Atlas is a highly practical star atlas that can be used anywhere in the world and at any time of the year. With a sturdy, damp-proof binding, it is the ideal choice for the backyard astronomer using binoculars or a small telescope. It contains all the maps you need to learn your way around the night sky, whether you want to find remote galaxies, sketch lunar craters or make estimates of variable stars. Author Robin Scagell explains what you can see, what equipment (if any) you will need and how to make the most of your time under the stars. The star maps are by Wil Tirion, the world-renowned celestial cartographer. The eight sky maps together show the whole of the night sky. Stars down to magnitude 5.5 are marked, together with the brighter deep-sky objects. They are drawn on a white background so that you can add your own pencil notes or observations to the maps. Opposite each of the sky maps is a photo-realistic version of the same map. In addition, constellation maps show numerous deep-sky targets, with interesting objects described in detail. A Moon map, split into quadrants, is accompanied by suggestions of what to look for, with images of the most interesting features. The author also describes how to observe and record the planets, the Sun, meteors, eclipses, comets and deep-sky objects.

Philip's The Urban Astronomy Guide provides the ideal introduction to the fascinating hobby of astronomy for the town dweller. These days, you don't have to live close to a city or town centre to suffer from the effects of light pollution. From your back garden or rooftop observing site, your night sky will be illuminated by light from the surrounding city or town. And while, like everyone else, you will have to contend with the vagaries of the weather, you will have the added problem of poor air quality. But despite these difficulties, there is still a host of celestial delights to be seen! In this book, author Robin Scagell shows that night-time lighting and the resultant brightening of the sky can be combated, and demonstrates how to make the best of poor conditions. Although the unaided eye may be able to pick out only a few hundred stars, binoculars or a small telescope will reveal many times that number. A little optical aid can also give you good views of every type of major astronomical object, including star clusters, nebulae and galaxies. For example, for those who want to develop their interest further, there are special filters that let through the light from distant nebulae while blocking out wavelengths infested by unwanted stray light from streetlights. And modern CCDs allow modest amateur telescopes to penetrate the urban sky glow and reveal sights that would have taxed the largest professional instruments only 30 years or so ago. Philip's The Urban Astronomy Guide will show you how to get the most out of almost any sky with whatever equipment you have, or even with none at all.

Philip's the Urban Astronomy Guide

Updated star maps include all sky events occurring in 2017 and beyond. Praise for the previous edition: "A concise introduction to the night sky suitable for the beginning stargazer... The text is clear and easy to read... Recommended." -- Choice "An ideal portable reference for backyard astronomers. This atlas combines clear, accurate star maps with reliable and informative text." -- The Lunar and Planetary Information Bulletin Night Sky Atlas is a highly practical atlas for sky gazers using binoculars or a small telescope. It combines clear, accurate star maps with reliable and informative text and color photographs of the solar system. The book is designed for practical use, with a lay-flat binding and cover flaps that help when in the field. The large format makes it easy to read the detailed maps and enjoy the beautiful photographs. The book includes: Sturdy plastic-laminated binding suitable for outdoor use Sewn binding that allows double-page reading and flaps to use as page-markers Constellation maps with yellow stars on a blue background for easy reference Black and white relief maps show interesting sections of the Moon's surface. Star maps with black stars on a white background, ideal for penciling in observations The book's back flap lists the constellations with page numbers for quick access The high-quality paper can withstand repeated use of an eraser. Opposite each map is a photorealistic image that shows how the same portion of sky looks to the naked eye, which allows less-experienced observers to locate and identify objects. The maps can be used for planning observations, navigating from one part of the sky to another, and as a quick reference guide.

Robin Scagell

Books

Your next favorite book is out there