The Star Guide: Learn How to Read the Night Sky Star by Star

Demonstrates how to observe the stars with binoculars or the naked eye, introduces the main constellations, and describes how astronomers study the universe. An international bestseller for more than a decade, The Star Guide has been the bible for stargazers everywhere. Now, Robin Kerrod, one of the world's leading writers on astronomy and space, has expertly updated this invaluable resource to include the most recent developments in astronomical research and technology. The Star Guide, Second Edition, present the latest findings from the world's astronomers, as well as by the Hubble Space Telescope and the Magellan probe to Venus. The Photographic coverage has been dramatically enhanced by the newest jaw-dropping views of the universe, which were captured by the latest generation of ground-based telescopes like the Very Large Telescope in Chile and space telescopes such as the Hubble at the Chandra Observatory. This thoroughly revised edition has also been reorganized to make it even more user-friendly. It retains the moon maps, the detailed maps of the monthly night skies, and the featured constellations that so distinguished the first edition, as well as the immensely useful detachable planisphere. Each key constellation has become the focus feature that dissects the monthly sky where it is more prominent and best observed. A specially engineered and unique visual cross-referencing system provides easy access to information and to explanations of core terms and concepts. Discussion and analysis of the astronomer's tools includes advice on the use of binoculars, telescopes, computers, and cameras. Feature boxes explain scientific theory and both recent and ancient astronomical history harking back to stargazing's mythological foundations in ancient Greece. Recent planetary discoveries from the newest space probes and landers bring us closer to the cosmos than ever before. Easy-to-follow star charts means that The Star Guide relies on the user's observations made with binoculars and the naked eye-you don't need to be an expert astronomer to interact with the heavens! Star sightings and an introduction to the galactic wonders of giant stars, comets, supermassive black holes, hurling asteroids, satellites, and other uncharted deep space territory are sure to inspire. Plunge headfirst into the fascinating minutiae of the celestial sphere. From the explosive birth of a star to an eclipse to a cloudy nebula, The Star Guide demystifies astronomy and gets you up close and personal with the awesome wonders of the universe.… (more)