General Astronomy
*** NEW ***
Tonkin, Stephen: Binocular Astronomy, 2nd Edition
The first edition of this title was praised for its suggested objects for observation and especially for the finder charts for each object. In this second edition, this section is expanded in three ways. There are new objects, more information on each object, and a re-organization of the objects for binoculars for easier selection.
Binocular Astronomy 2nd Edition puts an emphasis on understanding binoculars and their use. The additional content reflects the latest developments in technology, new testing techniques, and practical ideas for binocular use. It also responds to the substantially positive reviews of the first edition, and is now even better suited to its target readership.
See publisher's details at Springer
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Top Recommendations
Upgren, Arthur: Night Has a Thousand Eyes
This is, quite simply, the best
introduction to naked eye astronomy yet written. Upgren weaves a remarkable
book that takes the reader to a greater depth of understanding and knowledge
than any other book aimed at a similar readership. The style is captivating and
the explanations have a simplicity that comes from a mastery of the subject
matter.
Highly recommended.
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Al-Khalili, Jim: Black Holes, Wormholes and Time Machines
A superb book which will appeal to anyone from interested teenager to someone well-versed in physics and cosmology.
Al-Khalili is the pre-eminent populariser of the physical sciences in Britain today and this entertaining and exceptionally well written
book, which makes no concessions to "dumbing down", shows why. This new (2011) edition incorporates recent
findings in cosmology and partical physics.
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Karttunen, Hannu et.al. : Fundamental Astronomy
An undergraduate level book with marvellous breadth and depth, and which is very readable. Not for the novice
amateur. Now in its 5th edition, this is one of the books I would not be without.
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Ridpath, Ian: Dictionary of Astronomy
A very thorough quick reference, written in
the clear, understandable style that we have come to expect from Ridpath.
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Burnham, Robert: Burnham's Celestial Handbook : An Observer's Guide to the
Universe Beyond the Solar System
An absolute treasury of
information, including related history and mythology. This book is very
obviously a work of love for astronomy.
Volume 1 (Andromeda through Cetus)
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Volume 2 (Chameleon through Orion)
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Volume 3 (Pavo through Vulpecula)
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Consolmagno, Guy & Davis, Dan: Turn Left at Orion
The new edition of this excellent book,
packed with viewing tips and clear instruction. Also realistic drawings of what
you can expect to actually see.
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Kitchin, Chris: Photo-Guide to the Constellations
The photographs of the sky
as it actually looks under a variety of conditions, coupled with a detailed
guide to star-hopping and other useful techniques, will enable you to quickly
and easily gain a working knowledge of the constellations.
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Levy, David H.: Skywatching
An attractive and comprehensive introduction for the beginner, with charts by the
lauded Wil Tirion. Suitable for about age 12 to adult.
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Malin, David & Frew, David: Hartung's
Astronomical Objects for Southern Telescopes
This exquisitely illustrated handbook is a must-have for those able to observe the
magnificent sights of the southern skies. It is currently out of print and difficult to get hold of, but is worth the effort!
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Minnaert, Marcel: The Nature of Light and Colour in the Open Air
Compulsive
examination of the naked-eye optical effects which produce some of the most
beautiful sights in the sky. You'll never again look at a humble shadow in the
same way!
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Ridpath, Ian and Tirion, Wil: Collins Gem: Stars
This little "gem" is often overlooked
by serious astronomers, but its small format (8cm x 11.5cm) gives you a star
atlas in your shirt pocket! Separate chart for each constellation, down to mag
5. Lots of DSOs, including the Messiers, are marked.
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Tirion, Wil: The Cambridge Star Atlas
Now in its 4th edition, this classic star atlas is ideal for both beginning astronomers and more experienced observers worldwide. The clear, full-color maps show stars, clusters and galaxies visible with binoculars or a small telescope. The atlas also features constellation boundaries and the Milky Way, and lists objects that are interesting to observe. This new edition features a clearer map of the Moon's surface, showing craters and features; a second Moon map, mirror reversed for users of telescopes with star diagonals; enhanced index charts showing the constellations more clearly; and a new data table listing stars hosting planetary systems. It is now spiral bound, making it ideal for use at the telescope.
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Tonkin, Stephen: Binocular Astronomy
The physics and physiology of
binocular visual astronomy is followed by an in-depth description of how to choose,
test, and buy the best equipment. This is followed by details of care and use your binocular.
Finally, there introductory lists of several hundred of the most exciting objects for 2-inch (50mm) and 4-inch (100mm) binoculars, complete
with finder charts and descriptions.
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Tonkin, Stephen: AstroFAQs
THE quick reference to get you up and running in practical astronomy; an enormous amount of concise, practical information.
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Verschuur, Gerrit L. : The Invisible Universe Revealed: The Story of Radio Astronomy
Excellent account of the story of radio
astronomy, this well illustrated and very readable book is an excellent
introduction to the ideas, discoveries and techniques in this field.
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Kindle Edition
Van Zyl, J.E. : Unveiling the Universe
This is, perhaps, one of the most complete introductory astronomy books ever published. Van Zyl assumes an intelligent reader,
but explains everything from first principles. This is an outstanding book which, despite its age,
deserves to be far better known. It is its price alone that keeps it out of the "Top Recommendations".
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Zeilik, Michael & Gregory, Stephen: Introductory Astronomy & Astrophysics
An extremely good advanced
text. The "prelude" addresses the mathematics and physics necessary
for the rest of the book. The authors have a knack of making complex concepts
easy to understand without trivialising them.
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