Books for the beginner

[Rider]

There is such a wide choice of reading material around that it is a little confusing to find the right one. I am looking for a good book which covers the basics of astromony. ie: what to look for, what direction to point my bins etc, etc. I am also looking for a good star map which maybe some of you have tried and rave about.

I would appreciate your help.

A book on punctuation would also be welcomed....

[Helen]

My favourite beginners' book is Nightwatch http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nightwatch-Practical-Guide-Viewing-Universe/dp/0713679395/ref=pd_bbs_sr_6?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1196677609&sr=8-6

It starts with basics and works up, with good maps too!

If you have a telescope then a next good buy is Turn left at Orion which gives you a 100 targets for a small scope and shows you how to find them.

HTH

Helen

[jonifive]

Helen ( my lovely Welsh lady) has picked the best two IMHO. I prefer Turn Left because it really explains the heavens in a very simple format (which I needed at the beginning!).

Both books are a revelation, honestly.

JV

[Rider]

Cheers guys for your help. I have placed both on my wish list....

[rawhead]

I prefer Turn Left because it really explains the heavens in a very simple format

I can vouch for Turn Left as being good for beginners...

[Albireo380]

I have Nightwatch. Not only is it an interesting read, but the star charts are easy to see in red light and have just the right level of detail for Bins or a small 'scope.

Tom

[AlexG]

Hi Rider

Check out the pamphlets produced by the Irish Astro federation IFAS - they have a few challenges for people to earn certificates I think and there's a novice, binocular and messier objects challenge. The binocular one ought to keep you busy!

They are all on the web, Google for IFAS observing challenges - confusingly it also appears as 'observering'.

All the best

AG