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: #259332 in Books
• Published on: 2007-05-07
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 602 pages

Review
"...many people know of author O'Meara as an eagle-eyed observer and wonderful writer. This book confirms his award-winning reputation. ...With is penchant to observe each object to the fullest, and a flair for creative description, O'Meara provides a great guidebook to these 109 beautiful objects. ...Highly recommended." - J.R. Kraus, CHOICE

"...packed with detailed information and written in a most approachable style by a highly experienced and skilled visual observer...valuable and enthusiastically told entries for these deep sky marvels will enhance my observing." --Journal of the British Astronomical Association

"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 objectsm 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

Great Book!
O'Meara has put together another great book. Here he takes us off the beaten path somewhat in search of deep sky treasure that many observers may neglect. In addition to the NGC and IC catalogues, he also ventures into lesser known catalogues such as Melotte, Trumpler, and Collinder as well as one of his own objects. As with previous volumes in the Deep Sky Companions series, each object is given a photo, drawing, and a finder chart as well as complete historical information. In addition to observations made with his trusty Tele Vue Genesis 4" refractor, observations from other observers using larger scopes are also included. All done in a writing style that is one of the most enjoyable today. Highly recommended for the deep sky observer!

After Messier, this is the one catalog you need!
Amateur astronomers surely agree that Messier and Caldwell catalogs missed many wonderful objects in the sky (north and south). Why not just ask a REAL deepsky observer to build a list of the missing gems? Well, that is exactly what this book offers. The 109 objects listed were observed by the author in a moderately small refractor telescope under dark skies. I have only observed a sample of objects in the entire list but do believe that the remainder are worth a try. Every object is introduced with such passion and in such an enthusiastic way that you really feel like going outside and give it a try.
5 stars!

Another O'Meara Great
This is a large book (586 pages with appendices) that is a nice follow-on to his other books on the Messier and Caldwell objects. It is a nice blend of modern observing notes and rich history. It is very well written. I haven't worked through the book yet, but by inspection some objests are known and most are hidden. As in the other books, he describes the view from a 4-inch refractor. He quotes from Star Clusters by Archinal and Hayes, which is a plus.

Get the his Messier book first, and then work through this one.