Product Description

Backyard Astronomer's Guide, 2nd Edition. With more than 500 color photographs and illustrations, The Backyard Astronomer's Guide is one of the most beautiful -- and user-friendly -- astronomy books ever produced. By Terence Dickinson and Alan Dyer.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #362733 in Books
• Brand: Firefly Books Ltd.
• Published on: 2002-11-02
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 320 pages

From Library Journal
Despite the book's title, there is very little about astronomy here, i.e., lists of constellations, star charts, night sky maps, or details about planets, stars, and galaxies. However, there is a wealth of information about the equipment used in astronomy, including prices, consumer-type information, advice on when to use and when not to use binoculars, telescopes, cameras, film, lenses, filters, and other items for the amateur astronomer. Four chapters, though, concern the observation of the solar system and deep space objects. There are also several chapters discussing the photographing of all types of astronomical phenomena. Though cost may deter small-to-medium-sized libraries, there is much information here for the experienced amateur, and some useful information for the beginner as well. (Illustrations and index not seen.)-- Robert Ellis Potter, Dunedin P.L., Fla.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

John O. Christensen, Science Books and Films 10/15/2003
I highly recommend this volume for most amateur astronomers and all libraries.

Review
Lively, accessible style; is comprehensive; and is lavishly illustrated with hundreds of photographs, diagrams... highly recommended for any library. (Mark Wilson American Reference Books Annual, Volume 35 2004)

Few books capture the spirit of the hobby so well ... the simple joy of watching the universe go by. (American Scientist 200301)

This all-encompassing reference provides practical advice. (Science News 20030104)

Recommended for all libraries and for experienced or inexperienced amateur astronomers. (A.R. Upgren Choice 200304)

Big colorful user-friendly book ... This book is your passport to the stars. (David Aguilar Sky and Telescope 200308)

Indispensable tool for any serious naturalist who wants to understand and experience the full expanse of the world and universe. (Pierre R. Gauthier Canadian Camera 200306)

Its nontechnical language makes astronomy an avocation accessible to everyone. (Library Journal 20030501)

Crammed with practical information that should help you become a better observer, and have fun doing it. (Craig Tupper Astronomy 200305)

This book is a real treat for the eyes. It's loaded with colorful photographs, graphics and information boxes. (John McPhee Halifax Chronicle-Herald 20030201)

One of the most attractive practical astronomy works ever produced. (Russ Francis Monday Magazine 20031015)

Excellent introductory text ... completely revised from the 1991 edition, and it is lushly illustrated in color throughout. (Ursula Ellis E-Streams, Vol. 6, No. 4 200411)

I highly recommend this volume for most amateur astronomers and all libraries. (John O. Christensen Science Books and Films )

More than any other guide to backyard observing, this excellent book focuses on equipment. (Astronomy )

Customer Reviews

Excellent for Sorting thru What Can Be Bewildering at 1st
If you are new to astronomy, THIS is THE book. I have read it and re-read on a regular basis as questions arise. It is comprehensive and covers every main topic of concern and interest to amatuer astronomers from what telescope would be right for you to how to use it and what to look at. An indispensable reference.

Excellent Reference
Although the material is a few years old, it is still one of the best guides for the novice. I highly recommend it.

A great resource!
When my husband recently got his first telescope I checked out several books from the library including an older copy of this book. It was definitely the most helpful of the bunch. Then we went to a telescope store to look at accessories and the owner recommended this book. He carried it there but at full retail price so I ordered it from Amazon. It's a great resource for learning what's in the sky as well as how to effectively use a scope and the different eyepieces. The text and pics are imformative yet easy to follow.