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Top Recommendations

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Ridpath, Ian: Stars and Planets

Superb book; every young person interested in astronomy should have it. Ridpath is an excellent writer whose entusiasm shines through his very clear and accurate writing. This is a new edition of the clearest, most authoritative guide to stars and planets you will find. From the planet Jupiter to a refracting telescope, discover all about the stars and planets in our solar system and the equipment you need to spot them. Each of the planets is illustrated and described in incredible detail while the complex process of locating planets in the night sky is made simple through charts, maps and diagrams. You'll find star charts to help you to locate and identify constellations and individual stars. Interesting features in the sky are examined in a monthly guide, complemented by absorbing accounts of all 88 constellations and the objects they contain. It is perfect for beginners or intermediate astronomers and pocket-sized so you can take it outside.

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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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Collins Gem: Stars

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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Dickinson, Terence: Nightwatch

An excellent introduction to backyard astronomy, suitable for about age 12 to adult. The specific yearly information in this (4th) edition goes through to 2018.

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Kerrod, R. : Universe

This infomative and well -written book covers black holes, galaxies, and other amazing features of the universe. This new edition includes a CD and wall chart.

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Photo-Guide to the Constellations

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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Matloff, G.L.: Telescope Power

Practical Activities and Projects for 10-15yr olds.

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The Monthly Sky Guide

Ridpath, Ian & Tirion, Wil: The Monthly Sky Guide

Clear and simple introduction for beginners of all ages.
Recommended.

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Ridpath, Ian: Astronomy

Excellent overview from this skilled populariser of astronomy; Ridpath shows you what other writers only tell you.

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Sis, Peter: Starry Messenger

A stunningly beautiful and powerful book, in which Sis employs his remarkable artistic talent and simple but evocative prose, bringing to life the story of Galileo. Although the publishers say it is aimed at 4 - 8 yr. olds, older chidren and adults will also enjoy this book.

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Stott, Carole, : Space Exploration

Aimed at 8-12 year olds, this is a very readable and informative book in the D-K Eyewitness series.

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Vancleave, Janice: Astronomy for Every Kid

101 experiments for the under-12s. Very good for children who like to actually do things that work; please note this is NOT a teacher's resource book.

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Vancleave, Janice: Constellations for Every Kid

Companion to the above book; again, good for children of a practical disposition.

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Vancleave, Janice: Solar System: Mind-Boggling Experiments You Can Turn into Science Fair Projects

Perhaps not quite as mind-boggling as the subtitle suggests, but still another good astronomy book for practically-minded under-12s.

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