Product Description

This is the fifth edition of this established introduction to astronomy, but the first edition with UK specific content. With more than 275,000 copies in print since its initial publication, Nightwatch has become the standard reference guide to stargazers around the world. 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 pronouce the names of stars and constellations, telescope mounts, averted vision and why the Harvest Moon looks especially bright. Most of the photographs are taken by amatuers, which gives the section on astrophotography a particularly inspirational gleam. The deep-sky star charts are incredibly comprehensive and all the tables of dates and times of future solar and lunar eclipses, planetary conjunctions and planet locations have been updated through to the year 2018. 'One of the best handbooks for the wannabe astronomer'. Dr. Tim O'Brien, senior lecturer in astrophysics at Jodrell Bank Observatory.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #31275 in Books
• Published on: 2006-09-30
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 184 pages

Amazon.co.uk 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
'Well deserving of its fine reputation as an internationally respected reference guide.' The Good Book Guide (October 2006) 'The enthusiasm and knowledge of the author is apparent as he gives sensible and thorough advice... It is among the best introductions to amateur astronomy I have seen and the book that I wish someone had given me when I started skywatching.' Astronomy Now (May 2007) 'Patrick Moore's irrepressible personality comes through strongly in this delightful little book. It's filled with quirky anecdotes and wry observations that made me chuckle on several occasions.' Astronomy Now 'This book covers almost everything you need to know about the observable Universe... Thoroughly enjoyable.' Sky At Night (May 2007) 'One of the best handbooks for the wannabe astonomer.' The Times (June 2007)

The Good Book Guide, October 2006
'Nightwatch... is well deserving of its fine reputation as an
internationally respected reference guide.'

Customer Reviews

Now I understand!
I am a beginner; I have other astronomy books, but these always seem to be impenetrable hence I was an unsuccessful and disillusioned beginner.

Within an hour of reading the book I was navigating my way around the sky with good success and growing confidence. The information is well laid out and guides you easily in simple steps. It also avoids the "list everything" approach of my other books and details those things that are worth the effort to look for (whether with binoculars or smaller telescope). I am sure that this information is in other books - but the layout of this makes it considerably more useable. Physically its ring bound; so you can fold the pages back and orientate the sky maps. Secondly it leads you step by step from a guide constellation to get an orientation and mapping this to the sky maps. Once you know what you are looking at the maps help you to see what is *worth* looking at with the equipment you have.

I am sure that I will grow out of this book at some point in time and need to use my other more encyclopaedic books - but the point is that without Nightwatch these other books would collect dust forever.

Excellent introduction for novice amateur astronomers.
This book is very well thought out. It is not only well written, well structured and illustrated, but even the spiral bound format is excellent for using the book while star-gazing. The charts are excellent, the stars of the Big Dipper, Orion and other constellations are used as pointers to other stars, constellations and deep sky objects. This format is a boon to those of us just learning the stars.

The seasonal star charts show the night sky in two formats on opposing pages. One is annotated with the constellations, star names, a few deep sky objects and the pointers to other objects(mentioned earlier), the second chart shows a rendition of a deep blue sky with the stars and no annotations. This combination of charts has been very helpful to my wife, children and me as we learn the night sky.

Later in the book there are twenty, more finely detailed charts showing the locations of more galaxies, nebulas and star clusters.

The book also introduces "deep sky objects" (galaxies, nebulas and star clusters) and explains each type. These objects are what have actually sparked my interest in astronomy even more than the stars and planets.

The book covers several other astronomical subjects, inluding: the planets, sun and moon, eclipses, comets, meteors, and auroras. The chapter on stargazing equipment is very useful if your trying to choose a telescope. The second chapter "The Universe in Eleven Steps" is mind-stretching journey starting at the Earth and expanding to the breadth of the physical universe.

My wife received "Night Watch" from me as a gift, and for Christmas she got me "The Backyard Astronomer's Guide," also by Terence Dickinson. Mr. Dickinson's writing style and clarity brings this lofty subject down to earth for those of us who are not astrophysicists or astronomers.

Best beginners book
Interested in astronomy? Thinking of buying a telescope? Please buy this book first. It will tell you everything you need to know about the different types of telescopes and all the different accessories including eyepieces and mounts. It is very easy to waste your money buying the wrong type. This book is one of the most comprehensive guides available. In my opinion it is THE guide. As well as being an equipment guide is also an excellent introduction to actual observing.
After you buy your telescope have a look at Turn Left at Orion.
These two books are the ones recommended most often to beginners on astronomy forums.