Deep-Sky Companions: Southern Gems

This text presents 120 deep-sky objects for southern hemisphere stargazers, each accompanied by beautiful images, finder charts and lucid commentary.

Stephen James O'Meara (Author)

9781107015012, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 8 April 2013

450 pages, 204 b/w illus. 114 maps
26 x 18.5 x 2.8 cm, 1.27 kg

'Here is an exceptional deep-sky armchair and field book for amateur astronomers. Not only do you get an interesting selection of deep-sky objects, but the added bonus of well-researched, in-depth background information for each object too … This book certainly has something for everyone.' The Observatory

In Southern Gems, Stephen James O'Meara makes a detour beneath the southern skies, presenting a fresh list of 120 deep-sky objects for southern hemisphere stargazers to observe. Showcasing many exceptional objects catalogued by the pioneering observer James Dunlop, known as the 'Messier of the southern skies', all are visible through small- to moderate-sized telescopes or binoculars under dark skies. The list features some of the blackest dark nebulae, icy blue planetary nebulae and magnificent galaxies of all types. Each object is accompanied by beautiful photographs and sketches, original finder charts, visual histories and up-to-date astrophysical background information. Whether you live in the southern hemisphere or are just visiting, this new Deep-Sky Companion will make a perfect observing partner, whatever your background. There is no other southern sky guide like it on the market.

Preface
1. How to use this book
2. The southern gems
Appendix A. Southern gems: basic data
Appendix B. Forty-two additional southern gems in Dunlop's catalogue
Appendix C. A brief history of early telescopic exploration of the far-southern skies
Appendix D. Photo credits
The southern gems checklist
Index
Wide-field star charts.

Subject Areas: Astronomy, space & time [PG], Mathematics & science [P]