Stars and Planets (Eyewitness Handbooks) - Softcover

Ridpath, Ian; Gallagher, Amie

4.08

109 ratings by Goodreads

9780789435217: Stars and Planets (Eyewitness Handbooks)

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0789435217 ISBN 13: 9780789435217

Publisher: Dk Pub (P) (a), 1998

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In this new edition of their classic guide, Ian Ridpath and Wil Tirion bring the night sky down to earth with brand new sky charts, diagrams, and photos that enrich the clear, engaging text. Stars and Planets will delight both latent astronomers who have yet to touch a telescope and the more star-savvy who have spent many a night outside craning their necks behind a lens.

The introduction presents the basics of astronomical observation while answering such questions as: How did constellations come to be? Do the stars within them have anything to do with one another? Do stars really flicker? Next comes the book's centerpiece: an excellent series of maps of the night sky from hemisphere to hemisphere, month to month and, above all, charts showing all 88 constellations, including some 5,000 stars. The text vividly relates the human history behind each constellation and notes their most prominent stars while offering sundry stimulating facts.

The second section focuses on the astrophysics behind stars, galaxies, the sun, the planets, comets and meteors, and more. Striking full-color photos, maps, and illustrations appear on almost every page. The guide concludes with helpful tips on the optical tools of the trade and on astrophotography. Astrophysicists and amateur skywatchers agree that Stars and Planets is simply the most user-friendly, compact source of celestial information available. No one should leave home at night without it.

Up-to-date full-color photos and data, including recent planetary images

Monthly maps of the night sky as seen from latitudes throughout the world

Charts of all 88 constellations, with data and notes on bright stars and other objects of interest

Illustrated introduction to stars, nebulae, galaxies, and the solar system

Advice on choosing and using binoculars and telescopes

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Review:

"The handy size, copious illustrations, maps and charts, as well as the latest in astrophotography throughout . . . practically beg[s] astronomers to take [Stars and Planets] along to star parties."--Astronomy

"For those who gaze at the night sky, seeking the familiar patterns known to sailors and shepherds, this field guide will be an invaluable companion."--Bruce E. Fleury, Science Books & Films

"[A] first-class pocket field guide to the sky.... The charts, by Wil Tirion, are what we would expect of this master of celestial cartography; they are uncluttered, easy to read, and compress many (but not too many!) objects in a small space.... [A] very nicely produced book."--John Mosley, Planetarian

"This marvelously dense field guide tells you everything you need to know to find your way around the sky, whether you are an eager novice who is just looking around or a serious observer using binoculars or a telescope."--Discover

"[C]omprehensive yet compact.... This beautiful guide is suitable for amateurs and novices as well as stargazers more acquainted with navigating their night skies."--Irene Wanner, Seattle Times

"[A] rich resource for advanced amateurs, but novices will also like the star charts (both Northern and Southern hemispheres) and abundant explanatory text detailing each of the 88 constellations and the stars within them, as well as the sun, moon, planets, and Milky Way."--Library Journal

"Though I'm not in a position to assess the title's proclamation of being the most complete guide, I will say that it is the best one that I've read. With Ian Ridpath's text and Wil Tirion's illustrations, the Princeton Field Guides Stars & Planets is a wonderful guide to the stars, planets, galaxies, and our own solar system. It will help in getting that elusive target into the finder and onto the eagerly awaiting eye."--Mark Mortimer, Universe Today

From the Back Cover:

"A concise and beautifully illustrated guide to the sky's best sights, and to the science behind them."--Mitchell Begelman, author of Turn Right at Orion: Travels through the Cosmos

"Ridpath and Tirion are an unbeatable team. Ridpath writes concisely and movingly about the sky, and Tirion's charts are beautifully done and easy to follow. This is a superb guide to the night sky."--David H. Levy, author of Shoemaker by Levy (Princeton) and co-discoverer of the comet Shoemaker-Levy 9.

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