Nightwatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe - Hardcover

Dickinson, Terence

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 155209300X ISBN 13: 9781552093009

Publisher: Firefly Books Ltd, 2001

Synopsis

With a completely reivised text and more tha n 100 new colour photographs, this third edition of Nightwat ch is the standard reference guide for stargazers. All chart s and diagrams have been updated, along with coverage of new astronomical pursuits. '

About this title

Review

The third edition of Nightwatch continues its tradition of being the best handbook for the novice astronomer. Terence Dickinson covers all the problems beginners face, starting with the fact that the night sky does not look the way a modern city-dweller expects. He discusses light pollution, how to choose binoculars and telescopes, how to pronounce the names of stars and constellations, telescope mounts, averted vision and why the Harvest Moon looks especially bright. Most of the lovely photographs in the book were taken by amateurs, which gives the section on astrophotography a particularly inspirational gleam.

Dickinson's star charts are very handy, each covering a reasonable field of view and mapping the most interesting amateur objects. He gives good advice for planet watching, which he notes "is one of the few astronomical activities that can be conducted almost as well from the city as from dark rural locations."

Altogether, the maxim for Nightwatch is indeed "practical": this is a book to be used, not just read. Spiral-bound to lie flat or to fold back undamaged, this is a field guide that pulls its own weight in the field. Author Timot hy Ferris says, "Like a good night sky, Nightwatch is clear and wind-free". Try it and see for yourself." --Mary Ellen Curtin, Amazon.com

Review

Nightwatch is an ideal first book for the backyard astronomer. It is an ideal second book too, one that will grow along with the observer's skill.--Chet Raymo "Sky and Telescope " A great all-round astronomy guide.--Glenn Chaple"Astronomy" (12/01/2002) An accessible reference for all amateur astronomers ... Packed with practical information.--Astronomy Magazine Dickinson ensures that his guide will retain its position as a classic.--Library Review One of the best all-around general astronomy books .... The text is simple to understand and has just enough of a 'gee-whiz' tone. ... [It will also] provide good cloudy night reading and encourage exploration.--Air and Space Absolutely the best book for beginners.--Library Journal (05/01/2003) I've been reading astronomy guides since Jimmy Carter was in office, and I believe I've found the best beginners book ever. That's a strong claim, but "NightWatch" by Terrence Dickinson is nothing short of awesome.-- (05/14/2005) One of the top stargazing guides in the English language, gives novices just the right information to feed their curiosity.--Canadian Living (12/01/2002) Easily the best in its field. ... Highly recommended for all libraries.-- (04/01/1999) Terence Dickinson's new edition of Nightwatch is an excellent resource for aspiring astronomers and astrophotographers.--Outdoor Photographer Highly recommended as the best of its kind.--Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canad A fine beginner's guide to observational astronomy.--Astronomical Society of the Pacific This is a book you can confidently recommend to anyone who is just starting out in astronomy.--Astronomical League Wonderful book. Great pictures... a classic. The kind of guide that takes you by the hand and leads you to all the good stuff.-- (04/11/2005) The premier book for new and seasoned astronomers alike.--McCook Daily Gazette (12/11/2013)

Edition details

• Publisher: Firefly Books Ltd
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 155209300X
• ISBN 13: 9781552093009
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 176