The Practical Skywatcher's Handbook

The Practical Skywatcher's Handbook

by David H . Levy (Author), JohnO'Byrne (Author)

Synopsis

This practical, hands-on guide is the sailor's essential atlas of the sky.Assuming no prior knowledge, this comprehensive, practical handbook helps the user at sea or on land read and understand the changing sky. Readers are given hands-on advice on how to read the night sky and star charts, as well as information on whether particular stars can be seen with the naked eye or require binoculars or a telescope.At the core of the book are 150 sky charts, showing what features can be seen in each position and when. Every constellation in the northern and southern hemisphere is mapped out. Simple methods are given for finding the biggest, brightest stars and then identifying other lesser stars by their relative position.For sailors out of the sight of land, celestial navigation really comes into its own - providing a sure means of checking the boat's position even when GPS and other electronics malfunction. This book will provide a complete reference as to what stars and constellations they should be able to use when and where in the world.The Practical Skywatcher's Handbook is ideal for anyone, on land or sea, wanting a complete guide to the night sky.

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Quantity

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 480
Publisher: A & C Black Publishers Ltd
Published: 05 Jan 2012

ISBN 10: 1408157462
ISBN 13: 9781408157466
Book Overview: With 150 maps, charts and diagrams, this easy-reference guide to the night sky is a practical hands-on guide for everyone, amateur and expert, whether on land or at sea.

Media Reviews
A great starting point for anyone who wants to know a little bit more about what they are looking at when they gaze at the heavens * Sailing Today *
Here is a book, a beautifully illustrated book; a book for the seriously dedicated stargazer, or budding astronomer. * Sailing *
Assuming no prior knowledge, this helps the user to read and understand the changing sky. * World Cruising *
A tour de force * Fly & Fish *
A well-produced, lavishly illustrated paperback volume * RNSA *
Author Bio
David H Levy is an astronomer and science writer most famous for his co-discovery of Comet Shoemaker-Levy, which collided with Jupiter in 1994. John O'Byrne is the secretary of the Astronomical Society of Australia, and chair of the school of physics at the University of Sydney.