Amateur Astronomy Guides

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	Amateur Astronomy Guides, Tables, and "How-To"	Reviews / Prices
	How to Use a Computerized Telescope: Practical Amateur Astronomy Volume 1 From Michael A. Covington, author of the astro-imaging "bible" (Astrophotography for the Amateur) comes a "must have" for owners and perspective users of automated "go to" telescopes. It contains complete explanations of coordinate systems, movement of objects in the sky, telescope tracking, types of mounts, optical testing, eyepieces, accessories, and imaging. The book features information specific to popular computerized telescopes, such as the Meade LX200, Celestron NexStar 5 / 8 series, and Meade Autostar (ETX and LX90).

	Celestial Objects for Modern Telescopes: Practical Amateur Astronomy Volume 2 Michael A. Covington's companion volume to How to Use a Computerized Telescope is a general observing guide for users of any small telescope. It includes descriptions of stars and deep-space objects visible from suburban skies, instructions for the "star-hop" location technique, object catalogues, lunar maps, and observation of comets, asteroid, and satellites. Includes observing advice for portable telescopes, Internet resources, and pronunciations guide.

	Burnham's Celestial Handbook: An Observer's Guide to the Universe Beyond the Solar System (3 Vols) Everyone in amateur astronomy has heard of Burnham's classic 3-volume opus on observing telescopic objects in the night sky. Organized by constellation, you'll find page-after-page of data on double-stars (complete with orbital charts), bright-stars, galaxies, nebulae, etc. But this is not just a dry recitation of objects: it is filled with Burnham's original prose and exposition that encompasses ancient literature and religion from around the globe. Readers find the book "addictive." [Note: Did Robert Burnham's dedication to (obsession? for) observational astronomy leave him unprepared for the real world? Read Sky Writer from the Phoenix New Times]
	Turn Left at Orion: A Hundred Night Sky Objects to See in a Small Telescope--and How to Find Them Now in its third edition the book is updated to the year 2006. Meant for the portable telescope user, this book will guide you year-round through the seasonal changes of the sky. Keep this book in hand at the telescope for instructions on learning the gems of the night sky! Includes southern hemisphere objects. Reviewers agree that this is a "must have" for the small scope users and inspired them to "dust off" their telescopes and put them to use. Even works for binocular users.

	The Messier Objects If you have an interest in astronomy, you'll soon come across the name Stephen James O'Meara on a byline. Rumored to have a "bionic eye", he's the best living visual observer of modern times. So, when he writes a book on the 110 galaxies, clusters and nebulae on the Messier list of extra-Solar System objects, it's got to be a modern classic. And the reviewers agree. O'Meara's text, photos, finder charts, and data for each object is greatly supplemented by his exceptional drawings. Many new observers are unsure of what they have located in the telescope when it looks vastly different from the color images taken at professional observatories. O'Meara's strength is that the drawings show you the object and stellar neighborhood as it actually appears in the amateur telescope -- eliminating any confusion as to identity of the object. Book reviewers agree that the author's refreshing tips on ways to observe the Messier objects brings new life to familiar objects and makes this the book to own even if you have other Messier observing books in your library.

	NightWatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe By well-known astronomy popularizer Terrence Dickinson. This spiral-bound field guide is meant to accompany the beginner under the night sky. Contains constellation charts, object tables (to the year 2010), info on meteor showers, eclipses, equipment advice, etc.

	Choosing and Using a Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope Ray Mollise's quarter-century experience with Schmidt-"Cats" is poured into this book. Gives you the low-down on maintaining, testing, imaging, etc. A must-have for the perspective Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope buyer.

	The National Audubon Society Field Guide to the Night Sky This field guide contains easy to read charts tabbed by month that guide you to the celestial wonders in each constellation. Charts and text work together to help you navigate the sky and view objects of interest to you. Beautiful photographs. Contains equipment advice.

	A Field Guide to the Stars and Planets This handy 512-page reference source of astronomical data is brimming with maps and charts that tells you what's what in the sky and when and where to look for it. Contains monthly sky charts to guide you as well as all-sky atlas pages with close-ups of interesting objects. Tables contain various data for stars: multiple, spectral class, distance, etc.

	The Astronomical Almanac The yearly pro-level compilation of astronomical tables and phenomena. Some tables are year specific (sunrise/set) while others aren't (Julian date/calendar date for centuries back). This is the book for those needing star tables, Sidereal Time, Universal Time, Atomic Time, Dynamical Time, Hour Angle, nutation, precession, ecliptic coordinates, etc., on a certain date. Contains sections for the Sun, Moon, Planets, Bright Stars, and more. With examples, glossary, index and references. Good addition to your library as an explanatory reference.

	The Backyard Astronomer's Guide This is mostly a general-purpose hardware book with information on binoculars, telescopes, filters, eyepieces, astrophotography. Tells you how to select and use equipment. Gives you the skinny on exit pupils, light pollution, films, and more. Discusses observing the planets, Messier and NGC objects.

	Star Ware: The Amateur Astronomer's Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Buying, and Using Telescopes and Accessories This book if for everyone requiring hardware advice. Will assist you in buying, testing, and using amateur hardware. Since this 257-page book was published it has become something of a standard reference for amateur equipment. Author posts 'ware' updates on website.

	Astrophotography for the Amateur Modern classic on all things astro-imaging. Discusses film, ccd, cameras, telescopes, filters, focusing, scanning, etc -- comments are general and model specific. A good up-to-date reference for beginner and advanced alike. Author posts updates on his website and can be found answering questions on 'sci.astro.amateur' Usenet newsgroup.

	Night Sky: An Explore Your World Handbook Stargazers have enthusiastically received this book. It is a complete handbook that contains a primer on the Universe, how astronomers study the Universe, viewing the starry sky advice that includes equipment tips, and sky maps for every season and hemisphere -- including individual maps for the 88 constellations. All this and over 300 color images -- reviewers are right when referring to this book as "meaty" and packing a "wealth of information". A good pick for the library of beginner and seasoned observer alike.

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