Product Description
With 250,000 copies in print since its initial publication in 1983, NightWatch has become a standard reference guide for stargazers throughout North America. The new Third Edition expands on that success with a completely revised and updated text, more than 100 new color photos and diagrams and 16 additional pages that cover such! new astronomical pursuits as computerized telescopes, reviews of new telescope designs and accessories, and astronomy on the … More >>
Nightwatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe
Tags: astronomy, color photos, initial publication, nightwatch, north america, practical guide, reference guide, stargazers, telescope designs, telescopes
#1 by C. D. MYERS on June 26, 2010 - 11:18 am
This book is outstanding for two people: parents that are considering buying a telescope for their children, and adults that have an interest in becoming an amateur astronomer. This book will allow both groups of people to learn more about not only the stars, planets, and our universe, but to make intelligent decisions on purchases of such things as telescopes, binoculars, software programs, or more reading material.
All too often a parent will buy the “blue light special” telescope for their children, yet the child is quickly frustrated with inferior optics, a wobbly stand, and no knowledge of what to look at and why. This book will allow those parents to grasp the basics of astronomy and therefore teach their children to appreciate the universe. Mr. Dickinson has presented material so that everyone can enjoy the night sky; whether viewed with a telescope, binoculars, or the naked eye.
For those older children or adults, this book will allow them to jump headfirst into astronomy as a lifelong enjoyment. If you want to have only a basic understanding of the celestial bodies, this book is more than enough. But in the last few pages, Mr. Dickinson tells you where to go to find greater resources to further knowledge. Because of his recommendations and my own research, I’ve acquired the following items that I would also like to recommend:
Sky Atlas 2000.0 by Wil Tirion (a great resource for finding objects not usually in the astronomy magazines’ monthly inserts)
The Backyard Astronomer’s Guide by Terence Dickinson (this is a “sequel” to Nightwatch and between these two books, they are used about 80% of the time compared to my other resources)
Turn Left at Orion by Guy Consolmagno (I enjoy using this book to plan an observation session for “old favorites” or as a “highlights tour” for showing to those new to astronomy)
Other resourses that are more in depth that you may want to consider if you become very serious about astronomy:
Burnham’s Celestial Handbook, Volumes 1, 2, & 3
Deep-Sky Companions : The Messier Objects
A subscription to Sky & Telescope or Astronomy
I can’t say enough about Nightwatch. This may be your first, or your “first and last” book on astronomy. But either way, you will enjoy astronomy because of Terence Dickinson’s writing.
Rating: 5 / 5
#2 by M. H. Bayliss on June 26, 2010 - 12:25 pm
Having recently purchased a telescope, I’ve been reading lots of astronomy books. Even though this one is very basic, overall I’ve found it the most useful. No math, no equations, but tons of helpful advice that will have you up and finding stars right away. I like the fact that he emphasizes how much you can see with binocs too. The star charts are very helpful and are printed so that they can be read by a red light while you’re out observing. Lots of great information on how to buy a telescope too. The bound version is perfect for carrying with you to find objects in the sky. Well written, easy to follow and informative — if you only buy one book, this should be it (although I’d have to add my all time favorite, The Stars by H.A. Ray, the only book that draws the constellations so that they actually look like pictures).
Rating: 5 / 5
#3 by Steven Nicolaou on June 26, 2010 - 12:55 pm
This is perhaps the most important book you’ll need to get started if you feel you’re one of those people who have suddenly been captured by astronomy. The book sets out to answer all those questions that will inevitably flood your mind and does so in a way that is very easy to understand, complemented by a touch of inspiring poetry. It never gets too technical, yet the amazing wealth of information in there is never compromised.
Topic coverage is very broad and the depth of information I find is very satisfying. Chapters include the structure of the universe, stargazing, a detailed guide to selecting and purchasing equipment, the stars, the planets, the moon and sun, solar and lunar eclipses, comets, meteors, auroras and even how to photograph the night sky.
The book is further enriched by an abundance of backgrounders, star charts, tables, breathtaking images and excellent diagrams explaining things like measuring degrees with your hand and how to use the constellations to find other stars. Important stars and constellations are treated like individual personalities as a lot of the associated data such as distances are put into perspective.
Nightwatch is a clearly focused book. Rich in information, and down to earth with its content, it will satisfy the budding backyard astronomer’s need to appreciate what’s out there and how to enjoy it.
Rating: 5 / 5
#4 by Luis Gallo on June 26, 2010 - 2:58 pm
Terence Dickinson’s “Nightwatch” is a practical all-around guide to amateur astronomy. Spiralbound for outdoor and easier use, and packed with colorful pictures, charts and skymaps, the book gives the reader all the help needed to become a first class amateur astronomer. Wonderfully written with chapters on the Sun, the moon, the planets and the motions of the sky, the constellations and the stars, comets, meteors, eclipses and auroras, stargazing equipment and photographing the nightsky this revised and updated edition is expanded for use through the year 2010, and contains also a chapter on resources covering astronomy magazines, books, software, clubs, conventions and useful websites as well as information on observatories and leading manufacturers of astronomical telescopes and binoculars. An acomplished astronomer himself and the author of 14 books, with “Nightwatch” Dickinson has crafted one of the best astronomy field guides available today. A superb book!
Rating: 5 / 5
#5 by Atheen M. Wilson on June 26, 2010 - 3:09 pm
I was discouraged at an early age by the books on practical, observational astronomy for the amateur. Most of them contained star charts that were a mass of confusion, and the printed information was hardly any more helpful. When a friend and I decided to take a beginning observational astronomy course, I was doubtful, but Dickinson’s volume is much more lucidly written and his charts are designed for the beginner. I was able to find the planets Venus, Mars and Jupitor on a casual night time walk with my Great Dane and was absolutely thrilled. Just as told, the planets were clearly visible despite the city lights. Although I have been able to identify the big dipper since childhood, finding other named heavenly bodies was something I hadn’t believed myself capable until trying it with this book. Both my friend and I have enjoyed the experience. She says she wishes she’d known about it when her “kids” were still kids! Speaking of which, the book also has VERY important information for the prospective purchaser of a telescope, a must read especially for those looking to buy a gift for the amateur astronomer in their family. This would make a fun family book for those who enjoy doing special things with the kids.
Rating: 5 / 5