Product Description

The Cambridge Star Atlas covers the entire sky, both northern and southern latitudes, in an attractive format that is suitable for beginners and experienced astronomical observers. There is a series of monthly sky charts, followed by an atlas of the whole sky, arranged in 20 overlapping full colour charts. Each chart shows stars down to magnitude 6.5, together with about 900 non-stellar objects, such as clusters and galaxies, which can be seen with binoculars or a small telescope. There is a comprehensive map of the Moon’s surface, showing craters and other named features. Wil Tirion is the world’s foremost designer of astronomical maps. For this new edition he has devised improved versions of all the charts, and the text and star data have been completely revised based on the latest information. Clear, authoritative and easy-to-use, The Cambridge Star Atlas is an ideal reference atlas for sky watchers everywhere.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #224550 in Books
• Published on: 2001-03-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 96 pages

Review
‘Star maps of beauty and clarity are the hallmark of Wil Tirion. Imagine that you are anywhere in the world and want to know what stars are in the sky at any time; then his colourful and handy Cambridge Star Atlas … is the book for you.’ New Scientist

‘[This star atlas] is among the best I have ever used.’ Alex Lovell, GNOMON

‘… a painstakingly produced book … literally opens up a galaxy of information.’ Reference Reviews

‘... excellent value for money’. David Stickland, The Observatory

‘Recommended for anyone who plans to observe with the naked eye, binoculars, or small telescope … The printing is excellent, and the pages easily lie flat (important for use outdoors).’ M. K. Hemenway, Choice

From the Author
Comment on the THIRD edition of the Cambridge Star Atlas
The third edition of the Cambridge Star Atlas is a vast improvement compared to the second edition. The 20 main star charts have completely been redrawn, using computer techniques and the maps contain more deepsky objects. Consequently there are completely new tables to accompany the maps.

Wil Tirion

Customer Reviews

It's really the best
Let me first say ... that I used this Atlas belonging to someone else before buying my own. Yes, Norton's great ... as are other publications, but Tirion has out-done himeself. Very well presented, accurate and designed for both novice and intermediate observer. Small enough to take with you, but still large enough to present a mature view of the night sky. Many would say, " the fainter magnitudes are not displayed". Well, yes, you are right ... but this publication is designed for the casual, or novice observer and serves it's purpose well. As an experienced observer ... and someone who has really used various sky maps .. this one is tops!

I suppose that I am used to using the Sky Atlas 2000 ( Field Edition ) .. which again is superb. Highly recommended, well priced and will be used over and over.

The most practical atlas
The main star charts in this volume are quite superb - even better than those in Norton. What's more, unlike Norton, the book is reasonably priced and printed on paper of acceptable quality (although this could be improved still further, at least for those sheets on which the main charts are printed).

The lists of interesting objects are also first-rate.

My only criticism is that I think rather too much space has been given over to the monthly maps, which I personally do not find particularly useful.

Nevertheless, I have awarded this volume the highest rating, because I find it hard to imagine that the main charts and observing lists can be bettered, and these are of course the real 'meat' of the book. It is worth the price for these alone.

Overall, this is probably the most practical star atlas you can buy. Ideal for naked-eye observers or users of binoculars or small telescopes.

Crystal Clear
I love this book. As a doorstep astronomer this is probably the highest level of detail I need and, as usual, Wil Tirion has come up trumps. His diagrams are excellent and the book is a valuable addition to my small library. I bought it when I upgraded to a Meade telescope. Wanting more detail than I could find in the average astronomy paperback, I wasn’t disappointed. Stars down to a magnitude of 6.5 are shown, which may not suit some users, but to me it’s quite enough. The clarity of Tirion’s work is renowned and this book is another great example.