| This book, by Guy J. Consolmagno and Dan M. Davis, is subtitled “A Hundred Night Sky Objects to See in a Small Telescope – and How to Find Them.” The subtitle describes the book perfectly. Unlike many guides to the night sky, this book is specifically written for observers using small telescopes. This superb guidebook, described in Bookwatch as 'the home astronomer's "bible"', provides all the information a beginning amateur astronomer needs to observe the Moon, the planets and a whole host of celestial objects. Large format finderscope diagrams show how to locate each object, while eyepiece sketches show these objects exactly as they appear in a small telescope and for each object there is information on the current state of our astronomical knowledge about that object. Revised and updated in October of 2000, this new edition contains a chapter with ten new spreads describing spectacular deep sky objects visible from the southern hemisphere, and tips on observing the upcoming transits of Venus. It also discusses Dobsonian telescopes, with hints on using personal computers and the Internet as aids for planning an observing session. Also new to this edition are redrawn "Guidepost" figures at the beginning of each season chapter that allow readers to visualize a three-dimensional view of the sky's dome; redesigned seasonal object layouts that provide more space for the naked-eye observing charts; and a unique "When and Where to Look" table has been added to the last page, among other new features. Clear and easy to use, this fascinating book will appeal to skywatchers of all ages and backgrounds. No previous knowledge of astronomy is needed to find your way around the sky using this book. It is interesting that the book should be called 'the home astronomer's "Bible"' in a review, as one of the authors is Brother Guy J. Consolmagno, SJ, an astronomer at the Vatican Observatory, who probably has considerable experience with Bibles. Hardback, 224 pages, 9 halftones, 270 line diagrams, and 23 tables.
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