Product Description

The first practical, interactive guide for learning astronomy. Fred Schaaf has spent years perfecting the teaching of skywatching and astronomy to newcomers. Here, he distills his experience into a revolutionary new approach to learning about the night sky. No other book on the market offers anything like the simple, interactive, step-by-step program Schaaf has created for new skywatchers of all ages. The key to Schaaf's ingenious program is a system of practical objectives and activities that get readers actively involved in skywatching. Starting with simple instructions on learning one's way around the night sky and progressing to more challenging concepts, each night's activity takes the reader to a deeper level of knowledge and understanding. All it takes is forty clear nights, and anyone can learn to enjoy the beauty of the heavens.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #911386 in Books
• Published on: 1998-08-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 272 pages

About the Author
Fred Schaaf has written numerous books for amateur astronomers, including The Starry Room and the Seeing the Sky series. He wrote a weekly newspaper column on astronomy for five years, and is currently a contributor to such magazines as Sky & Telescope, Discover, and Mother Earth News.

Customer Reviews

A great beginner's book to the night sky
I've always been interested in the night sky, and after reading a number of magazine articles, I thought it was time to learn more about the stars and galaxies above.

"40 Nights to Knowing the Sky" will help any adult learn more about the night sky and how to prepare for that first look through a telescope.

Each chapter is well written and easy to understand. The book has a lot of reference material, including pictures and drawings, to use well into the next century.

If you're beginning a hobby in amateur astronomy, this book will be a great addition to your library.

Cosmic Orientation Guide
This is an excellent resource for the beginner. A series of 40 exercises designed for the observational astronomer... night-by-night (thus knowing the sky in 40 nights.) Mr. Schaaf expalins the moon's phases towards the beginning of the book with an excellent explanation of the Earth's movements in relation to the sun and the moon's orbit around earth. He tells you exactly what to look for and, more importantly, why you want to look for certain features/objects (the lesssons build upon one another.)

It's important to point out that you don't need a telescope to complete the lessons, but I still would recommend using one... it will enhance your experience and appreciation.

Great general information book
This is an excellent "primer" book for beginning astronomers, or anyone interested in the night sky. It begins with very general concepts and builds on them each succesive night. Even if you have no knowledge of astronomy, after completing this book, you'll be able to understand the motions of the planets and stars. As well as where to locate fabulous sights to see when outdoors any night.