The Casual Sky Observer's Guide: Stargazing with Binoculars and Small Telescopes (Astronomer's Pocket Field Guide)

The Casual Sky Observer's Pocket Guide offers an observing program for occasional amateur observers looking for some quick, fun astronomy adventures under the stars. In the real world, where time for observing is limited, the weather is seldom perfect, and expensive equipment is not an option, amateur astronomy may not be seen as a worthwhile activity. However, portable and quick-to-set-up instruments are available. A pair of binoculars or a small telescope fills the bill. And the way to make the most of these instruments is described in the Casual Sky Observer's Pocket Guide. Not only does the book feature the best and brightest showpieces of the heavens; it also provides a great deal of physical and environmental data as well as lots of fascinating information and beautiful illustrations that provide a unique perspective on the many treasures within and beyond our home galaxy, the Milky Way--stars, star clusters, other galaxies, and nebulae, all within reach of binoculars or a small telescope. Annotation The CasualSky Observer'sPocket Guide offers an observing program for occasionalamateur observers looking for some quick, fun astronomy adventures under the stars. In the real world, where time for observing is limited, the weather is seldom perfect, and expensive equipment is not an option, amateur astronomy maynot be seen as a worthwhile activity. However, portable and quick-to-set-up instruments are available. A pair of binoculars or a small telescope fills the bill. And the way to make the most of these instruments is described in the CasualSky Observer'sPocket Guide. Not only does the book feature the best and brightest showpieces of the heavens; it also providesa great deal ofphysical and environmental data as well as lots of fascinating information and beautiful illustrations that provide aunique perspective on the many treasures within and beyond our home galaxy, the Milky Way--stars, star clusters, other galaxies, and nebulae, all within reach of binoculars or a small telescope Here is an invaluable guide for those stargazers who are just starting out on their fascinating journey. Don't know what sights to look for? How to locate them? What seasons are best for viewing what stars? All that and more is included in these pages. Plus lots of tips for what equipment to use and good observing techniques. Take this with you to your viewing site, along with your equipment, and you're ready to begin. The universe is there for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy! Front Matter....Pages i-xiv Navigating the Sea of Stars....Pages 1-57 Welcome to the Milky Way....Pages 59-77 January....Pages 79-97 February....Pages 99-115 March....Pages 117-132 April....Pages 133-147 May....Pages 149-162 June....Pages 163-180 July....Pages 181-195 August....Pages 197-209 September....Pages 211-225 October....Pages 227-240 November....Pages 241-257 December....Pages 259-273 Taking It Further....Pages 275-277 Back Matter....Pages 279-292