Sir Patrick Moore

Have you ever wondered how the constellations got their names? Or wanted to know the stories of the gods and heroes immortalised in the night sky? In Legends of the Stars, Patrick Moore, Britain's best-loved astronomer and presenter of The Sky at Night for over fifty years, re-tells some of the stories behind these star-groups, and explains how to look for them in the heavens. From the great hunter Orion to his nemesis the Scorpion, and from Pegasus the flying horse to Jason's ship the Argo, he guides the reader through the celestial picture book, bringing alive some of greatest tales ever told. In an age when the ancient myths are seldom taught in schools, this is an ideal book for anyone who has ever gazed at the stars and asked themselves how the names of the constellations came about.

Legends of the Stars

Find your way around the night sky with this handy guide to stargazing for the complete novice. In Philip's Guide to the Night Sky, Sir Patrick Moore explains how to find the most famous constellations and the brightest stars, and when to look for them. Clear star maps, showing stars visible to the naked eye, help you to navigate the skies. The maps are suitable for use in Britain, Ireland, northern Europe and Canada. Sir Patrick introduces the wonders of the night sky to absolute beginners in his characteristically entertaining and informative style. The Moon, the planets, the Sun and the stars are explained in non-technical language, while the constellations are described with the help of star maps and tables. The four main chapters in Philip's Guide to the Night Sky are devoted to what's on view in each season of the year. The information is appropriate for observers in Britain and Ireland, northern Europe and Canada; it will also be helpful a little outside these latitudes. Using prominent patterns, such as the Plough and Orion, Sir Patrick teaches the reader to 'star-hop' from constellation to constellation, thus learning to navigate the night sky. Star maps and photographs illustrate and clarify what will be on view. Philip's Guide to the Night Sky is an ideal introduction to stargazing, suitable for all ages and with no need for anything more technical than the naked eye.

A guided tour of the stars and constellations

Philip's Guide to the Night Sky

Chris North

Celebrating the 55th anniversary of The Sky at Night, this book collects and answers questions sent in by viewers. With sections on the solar system, the bizarre and unexplained, space missions, and more, this is an exciting journey into space for the novice astronomer and the lifelong stargazer alike. Discover how scientists work out the gravity of planets, what the 'Great Attractor' is and the basic principles of space navigation. Learn how to start observing the sky, what event inspired Patrick Moore to take up astronomy, and just how many of his cats are named after celestial bodies. From comets to black holes and Orion to eclipses, The Sky at Night is the ultimate introduction to the wonders and mysteries of the universe.

Sir Patrick Moore

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