help on buying good books

[david b]

Hi i was wondering if anybody could give me the names of any good books on learning the constellations and stars?. I've managed to find orion quite easily but have had trouble finding others. Thanks for your time

[Tony.S]

Have you downloaded the program Stellaium yet ?

I find it a very helpful program & it gives a very good idea of where to look for what once you put you home cordinates in

[TheThing]

Turn Left at Orion is an essential book for beginners, although it might not be so helpful for constellations. It will help you track down faint fuzzies though.

For a good book to use at the scope, I can thoroughly recommend Sky and Telescope's Pocket Sky Atlas. Has all the constellations in and a multitude of other DSOs to look for. It is a handy size, spiral bound and is pretty dew proof!

[glowjet]

Night Watch by Terence Dickinson is also a popular book as a practical guide to viewing the heavens, it will go hand in hand with the Pocket Sky Atlas.

John.

[Mike W]

The Stargazers Handbook by Giles Sparrow.......this is quite a nice book in respect that it gives you a photographic print of what you see with the naked eye on one page, and on the next page a graphic of the constellation and a breakdown of the various star`s, galaxy`s etc that you need. This was £6.99 from Discount Books, Art Materials, Gift, Toys, Games, Audio Visual

Mike

[david b]

thanks guys for your help.

[Capricorn]

The Monthly Sky Guide by Ian Ridpath is pretty good for constellations.

Each month it identifies a "main" constellation and supplies details on the constellation and DSO's that are in it. Each month a full star map is supplied and the constellation is then covered separately. So you get a full sky map and constellation details.

[jimhaleysscomet]

Visit skymaps.com for a free monthly night sky map download. All the constellations will be on it.

[moocher]

Stars and Planets by Philips will have everything you need. I`d second Turn Right at Orion as well!!!!

Alan:)

[wishingonastar]

We are new to astronomy, and have just recently bought 'How To Identify The Night Sky' from WHSmith, and have used it every time we have been out.

Good luck

[glowjet]

Sorry Alan, [ Moocher ] if you have got lost I think you will find you turned the wrong way when you reached Orion.

Enjoy the New Year,

John.

[Dug]

I'd third Turn Left at Orion...

[brantuk]

Yup - turn left at orion and stellarium (also skyviewcafe). Those will set you up nicely for a while to come