Burnhams Celestial Handbook

[AstroTiger]

Hi Guys

in another thread (i couldn't find it!) I mentioned tht have purchased the three volumes of the burnhams handbook.

The copies i have were published in 1950, does anyone know what the latest editions are?

I know its wrong to assume, but i "assume" that the no longer publish these? would i be right in "assuming" that?

Does anyone have any later editions?

Cheers

Al

[geoff_k]

I think you can still buy editions for either 1978 or 1979 which must be the latest.

Amazon.co.uk have this:

http://amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_ss_w_h_/203-9910508-4870365?initialSearch=1&url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=burnham%27s+celestial+handbook

Geoff

[AstroTiger]

tell a lie, mine is 1978, must be the most recent.

shame nonone is updating it

[barkis]

My copies are also 1978. Volumes 1 and 2 are revised, greatly expanded versions of the original, privately printed (1966) edition.

The material in volume 3 has never before been published in any form.

Volume 1: Andromeda--Cetus ISBN 0-486-23567-X

Volume 2: Chameleon--Orion ISBN 0-486-23568-8

Volume 3: Pavo--Vulpecula. ISBN 0-486-23673-0

Cheers. Ron.

[lunator]

Mine are 1978 as well.

I think that was the last edition.

[AstroTiger]

indeed, just taken a brief look at mine too, all 1978.

I guess they must be close to collectors items now!

mind u its not like the sky has changed much since they were published!

[barkis]

indeed, just taken a brief look at mine too, all 1978.

I guess they must be close to collectors items now!

mind u its not like the sky has changed much since they were published!

That's true AT. It is a great pity that Burnham himself didn't get more recognition for his efforts though.

Here is a link to an article supplied by Astroman, a member of SGL. It is an article by AM's friend Tony Ortega, about Burnham's life. Very interesting.

http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/1997-09-25/news/sky-writer/

[AstroTiger]

yes no doubt these are classics, and one i think that no astronomer should be without.

To think i only paid a tenner for all three, and these came from the USA!!! lol

I tihnk they should be up there with the norton star atlas.

Like the chemistry series by Arthur Vogel, another unsung hero of his field!

cheers for the link, i will have a read in a bit

[lunator]

They couls reprint them quite easily

They would have to upadte the co-ordinates, put some newer pictures in and update some of the explanations a little.

But 90% of the book is still spot on which is amazing given it is 30 years since the last edition.

Cheers

ian

[AstroTiger]

They couls reprint them quite easily

They would have to upadte the co-ordinates, put some newer pictures in and update some of the explanations a little.

But 90% of the book is still spot on which is amazing given it is 30 years since the last edition.

Cheers

ian

to be honest, i think if u let some cowboy author in to update it, it could ruin the publication.

Perhaps it would be better to let Burnhams remain the unspoilt classics they are and start again.

[Astroman]

Yes, Burnham's was published in 1978 and the coordinates are from the 1950 epoch, but most modern planetarium software can precess the coordinates for you. Much of the data are dated, but a lot is still correct, as Lunator says. And, I agree with AstroTiger about any updates spoiling the original. Care to update Shakespeare? >ducks head and runs<