Nightwatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe - Softcover

Dickinson, Terence

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1552093026 ISBN 13: 9781552093023

Publisher: Firefly Books Ltd, 2001

Synopsis

With more than 275,000 copies in print since its original publication in 1983, Nightwatch has become a standard reference guide for stargazers throughout the Northern Hemisphere. The enlarged third edition of the book was issued in 1998, but this new fourth printing has been re-issued this year with even more revisions and the latest astronomical statistics and information. Comprehensive field guide for amateur stargazers, featuring 20 specially created full-colour deep-sky star charts and 256 full colour photographs. Special full-colour sections cover the stars, constellations, nebulae, planets, the sun and moon, eclipses, comets and meteors. Ultra-simplified jargon-free text offers substantial information for the novice and intermediate astronomer on equipment and photography. New edition features spiral binding for lay-flat use next to your telescope

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 Easily the best in its field. ... Highly recommended for all libraries.-- (04/01/1999) 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 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) 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) Dickinson ensures that his guide will retain its position as a classic.--Library Review Terence Dickinson's new edition of Nightwatch is an excellent resource for aspiring astronomers and astrophotographers.--Outdoor Photographer 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 This is a book you can confidently recommend to anyone who is just starting out in astronomy.--Astronomical League 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)

Edition details

• Publisher: Firefly Books Ltd
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 1552093026
• ISBN 13: 9781552093023
• Binding: Spiral-bound
• Language: English
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 176