Product Description

Thoroughly revised, updated and expanded.

The first three editions of NightWatch sold more than 600,000 copies, making it the top-selling stargazing guide in the world for the last 20 years. The key feature of this classic title is the section of star charts that are cherished by backyard astronomers everywhere. Each new edition has outsold the previous one because of thorough revisions and additional new material.

NightWatch has been acclaimed as the best general interest introduction to astronomy. The fourth edition has improvements over the 3rd edition in every chapter, including:

• The famous charts, ideal for stargazers using a small telescope or binoculars
• A complete update of the equipment section, including computerized telescopes
• An enlarged photography section, including how-to instructions for using the new generation of digital cameras for astronomical photography, both with and without a telescope
• The tables of future solar and lunar eclipses, planetary conjunctions and planet locations, updated through 2018.

This edition includes for the first time star charts for use in the southern hemisphere. There are also dozens of new photographs throughout the book that show the latest thrilling discoveries made by current space observatories and probes.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8615 in Books
• Published on: 2006-09-12
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Spiral-bound
• 192 pages

Amazon.com
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

From School Library Journal
Grade 6 Up?This long-overdue update of a classic handbook for amateur astronomers combines a text both meaty and hard to put down with a great array of charts, boxes, tables, and dazzling full-color photos of the sky. Aiming this offering at new but serious hobbyists, Dickinson guides readers on a tour of the universe visible from any dark backyard, providing frank evaluations of many telescope models; specific advice for photographers; and a simple system for locating stars, constellations, nebulae, and other intriguing sights. Convenient charts track upcoming eclipses and the locations of the five planets visible to the naked eye (both through the year 2010). The author closes with lists of supplementary resources, including books, software, Web sites, and conventions. Dickinson's contagious enthusiasm and vast expertise earn this a place in reference and circulating collections of any size.?John Peters, New York Public Library
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
Van Holt, who teaches stargazing courses at the University of Kansas, explains how anyone living between southern Canada and northern Mexico (basically between latitudes 30 and 50 degrees) can learn to identify star formations and constellations without using complicated charts and equipment. Incorporating outdoor survival techniques with science, legends, and the myths surrounding the constellations, he teaches readers how to tell the difference between planets, comets, satellites, and stars and how to use star patterns to determine time and direction. By combining humor with fact, he has created an entertaining illustrated guide to the nighttime skies. Recommended for larger public libraries. For beginning skywatchers and amateur astronomers who want more substance, Dickinson's Nightwatch?the standard guide since its 1983 publication?is the book to read. Newly revised and updated, this edition claims to allow for use through the year 2010. Dickinson, an award-winning science writer specializing in astronomy, explains how to find constellations, differentiate galaxies, and identify the location of stars according to seasons. He also discusses equipment, including what criteria to use for selecting a telescope, and includes information about astronomy on the Internet, computerized telescopes, astrophotography, and tips for stargazers using binoculars. With a completely updated and revised text and more than 100 new diagrams and color photographs, Dickinson ensures that his guide will retain its position as a classic. Essential for all public and college library astronomy collections.?Gloria Maxwell, Kansas City P.L.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Customer Reviews

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 buy this book BEFORE you buy a telescope or binocs or any gear whatsoever. Use the book for a while just to learn your way around the sky. They have great suggestions for where to go and how to get there after that. Highly recommended!!!

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 in amateur astronomy. It is the best guide to getting started in something I've ever seen in my life.

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 the comprehensive text. The content is engaging and easy-to-understand.

Buy, enjoy, and have fun. Also, the book is worth the $35.00 price, but Amazon has a great discount.