Product Description

Stephen O'Meara's new and exciting observing guide spotlights an original selection of 109 deep-sky objects that will appeal to sky-watchers worldwide. His 'hidden treasures' include a wonderful assortment of galaxies, open clusters, planetary nebulae and more, all of which have been carefully chosen based on their popularity and ease of observing. None of these objects are included in either the Messier or the Caldwell catalogs, and all are visible in a 4-inch telescope under dark skies. Stunning photographs and beautiful drawings accompany detailed visual descriptions of the objects, which include their rich histories and astrophysical significance. The author's original finder charts are designed to help observers get to their targets fast and efficiently.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #135610 in Books
• Published on: 2007-04-12
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 602 pages

Review
Praise for Deep-Sky Companions: ‘Steve O’Meara has done it again. [This book] is a beautifully written, personal guide for observing 109 of the most beautiful objects in the night sky, plus 20 more personally chosen deep-sky treasures. Coupled with O’Meara’s own meticulous observations, the rich observational history and current scientific knowledge of each object bring this book to life, and the depth of O’Meara’s writing makes it a real gem.’ David H. Levy

‘An indispensable guide for anyone who observes the night sky with a quality amateur telescope from a reasonably dark place. Here are tips for viewing - and understanding! - more than one hundred entrancing galaxies, star clusters, and nebulae available to the backyard enthusiast. With its wealth of scientific and historical information, and its poetic sensibility, the book gave me immense pleasure even before I left my easy chair.’ Chet Raymo

‘… there is no better guide than Stephen O’Meara’s book. For each object there is a photograph, a finder chart, basic data, a discussion of what is seen through small telescopes, and some history of telescopic ideas. This is not a treatise on astrophysics, but an observer’s guide, a worthy and superior successor to previous attempts.’ Stephen P. Maran, Nature

‘Steve O’Meara says the purpose of the book is to provide new and experienced observers with a fresh perspective on these objects. He has succeeded brilliantly.’ Astronomy & Space

‘… impressive … contains careful descriptions of each object, finder maps, telescopic drawings, and photographs. The text is spirited and informed, and the result is a must-have on the bookshelf of deep-sky enthusiasts.’ Astronomy Magazine

‘… packed with useful advice, historical facts, and interesting anecdotes.’ Robert Argyle, The Observatory

‘… this is an excellent book and it deserves a place on the bookshelf of both the novice and experienced amateur astronomer.’ Journal of the British Astronomical Association

‘All in all, the book lives up to the author’s claim about offering a new perspective and is thoroughly up to date and very readable book on the subject. I feel that it offers all deep sky observers something. Highly recommended.’ Faith Jordan, Webb Society Quarterly Journal

'Hidden Treasures is not the sort of book you would pick up and read from cover to cover. Instead, you'll just keep it and delve into it when you need to, which you will do repeatedly. In fact, it's such a quality addition to your library that you may be reluctant to take it out at all, in case you accidentally ruin it.' BBC Sky at Night Magazine

'This is the third volume in the Deep Sky Companions series that Stephen O'Meara has written for Cambridge, and perhaps the best. … a large … volume packed with detailed information and written in a most approachable style by a highly experienced and skilled visual observer. … O'Meara presents a varied list to explore … supported by an assortment of other deep sky challenges. Each of the 109 objects has a substantial entry, on average covering five pages, with a chart, photographs and a drawing by the author. … A very useful feature is that this list is in Right Ascension order … the valuable and enthusiastically told entries for these deep sky marvels will enhance my observing …' Journal of the British Astronomical Association

'Anywhere on Earth labelled 'hidden' or 'undiscovered' can brace itself for an influx of visitors. The 'hidden treasures' described in this book will undoubtedly experience an upsurge of interest too, the difference being that you can visit them all without seriously enlarging your carbon footprint. Given the size it is remarkable that the publishers have kept the price down to an affordable level.' The Observatory

'… new and exciting observing guide … stunning photographs …' Spaceflight

'… this volume follows a similar format to its immediate predecessor, with some treasure hunting embellishments, as the book makes various references to a quest and actually includes a Treasure Chest at the very end, in which to record your 'finds' … This book … has certainly stimulated my desire to search out the treasures listed within, and to possibly seek out some of my own, and I suggest that it will do so for all of its readers, and thoroughly recommend it to all with an interest in astronomy.' F.A.S. Newsletter

'Deep-Sky Companions: Hidden Treasures succeeds on several levels. It provides a well-written and well-researched guide to objects often overlooked by observers. The emphasis on objects accessible to those with modest instruments means it will appeal to most telescope owners and binocular observers. In describing his experiences observing these objects Mr O'Meara includes advice on observing techniques that will surely appeal to beginners … But perhaps of greatest importance is the sense you get, while reading the book, that this is a joyful pursuit.' Thomas Watson, Cloudy Nights Telescope Reviews

About the Author
Stephen James O’Meara is an award-winning astronomer, former senior editor of Sky & Telescope magazine and author of the Deep Sky Companions books The Messier Objects (0521553326) and The Caldwell Objects (0521827965).

Customer Reviews

The long-awaited 3rd book in the Trilogy!!!
I had this one on pre-order with Amazon for over a year. Twice the publication date was put back it seems - but the wait was well worth it.
The third, longest, and heaviest book in the Stephen James O'Meara trilogy now sits proudly on my astronomy bookshelf.
With 584 high-quality pages you need to pick up this tome with both hands. Again we have an Index (thank you Stephen) that was suprisingly absent in "The Messier Objects" and made its first appearance in "The Caldwell Objects".
Similar format to the other two books with a nice B&W image plus a sketch of the object as seen by O'Meara through a small refractor - and an addition! This time we also get a small star map of the region the object is located in for reference - very useful - and a very welcome addition. Also once again the highly informative prose accompanies each object, and I really like the way O'Meara writes, so for me it adds a great deal to the enjoyment of the book.
A number of well-known and expected entries such as the Pac Man nebula, Kemble's Cascade, and the Flame nebula - but a much larger number of nebulae, star clusters planetary nebulae and galaxies that I'd not heard of before. None of the 109 "Hidden Treasures" are included in the Messier or Caldwell catalogues of course!
As a deep-sky imager this book has provided me with dozens of new exciting targets.
You simply must buy this book to complete the trilogy.