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from: Firefly Books
Binding: Spiral-bound
Dewey Decimal Number: 523.80223
EAN: 9781552093023
ISBN: 1552093026
Label: Firefly Books
Manufacturer: Firefly Books
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 176
Publication Date: November 01, 1998
Publisher: Firefly Books
Sales Rank: 55534
Studio: Firefly Books
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Editorial Review:
Product Description:
With 250,000 copies in print since its initial publication in 1983, NightWatch has become a standard reference guide for stargazers throughout North America.
The new Third Edition expands on that success with a completely revised and updated text, more than 100 new color photos and diagrams and 16 additional pages that cover such! new astronomical pursuits as computerized telescopes, reviews of new telescope designs and accessories, and astronomy on the Internet.
All charts, tables and diagrams have been updated and, in some cases, redesigned for easier use. Improved spacecraft measurements of the distances to the stars (recently released by the European Space Agency) are included in the charts, along with additional observing tips for stargazers using binoculars and telescopes. An expanded chapter on Astrophotography lists the best modern films and cameras for skyshooting.
The new NightWatch is faithful to the 'ultra-simplified, no jargon' philosophy of the original, and at the same time, offers substantially more practical information for the novice and intermediate-level amateur astronomer. The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada called the first edition 'the best of its kind'- the new Third Edition is better still. It is still an abundantly illustrated, wide-sized volume designed for easy reference during many starlit nights.
Amazon.com Review:
The third edition of Nightwatch continues its tradition of being the best handbook for the beginning 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 watchword 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, it's a field guide that pulls its own weight in the field. Author Timothy Ferris says, 'Like a good night sky, Nightwatch is clear and wind-free. Try it and see for yourself.' --Mary Ellen Curtin
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Wonderful book but several printing imperfections.
An absolutely wonderful book; however, the numerous printing imperfections encountered (odd smudges, smears, and stains) have significantly detracted from the reading experience.
The book states that it was printed in China and it shows--really bad for a new book.
Perhaps whoever printed the book thought that one would be reading it mainly in the dark and would not notice the blemishes.
A five-star rating for content and 0-stars for print quality equals 3 stars total (more of less).
Rating:  - A well written introduction to stars
I always wanted to own a telescope. This was the year. I talked to people, read reviews, joined online forums...thought I knew what I was doing and bought the thing. First night out I realized - I have absolutely no clue what to look for up there!!! This book is the perfect answer to that question, as well as an extremely good beginner's guide. There is enough detail to give you the sense that you are learning a lot, but not so much detail that you feel overwhelmed and intimidated. My recommendation is ... Read More
Rating: - The Easiest Way to Get Started
I bought this book some years ago, to see if I wanted to try amateur astronomy again. I had been given a department store telescope as a kid, and was discouraged by the fact that you really couldn't observe anything other than the moon with it. This book gave me the confidence to go out and buy a reasonably expensive telescope, and get it up and running with almost no assistance from anyone else. It opened up a wonderful hobby.
I strongly recommend giving this book to anyone with an interest ... Read More
Rating: - Hurry Buy THIS book
If you are a beginner, buy this book immediately. It is probably fabulous for the rest of you, too. :) I am just getting started myself and have spent just a short time with it. I look forward to learning and appreciating it even more. Beginners absolutely need it. Try to read before you get a telescope, but even if you have made a purchase, will be able to help you make best use of it and help you avoid frustration.
This book is first of all beautiful with many color photographs to enhance ... Read More
Rating: - must have
A must have book for any star gazer.For either the amateur or the professional.
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