Stargazing Basics
Getting Started in Recreational Astronomy

A simple guide to get you started in astronomy, from observing the night sky to purchasing binoculars and telescopes.

Paul E. Kinzer (Author)

9781107439405, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 9 July 2015

173 pages, 91 b/w illus. 12 colour illus. 8 maps
24.6 x 17.5 x 0.8 cm, 0.38 kg

Review of previous edition: 'Author Paul Kinzer is an amateur astronomer himself, and clearly familiar with the challenge of selecting [equipment] from the dizzying range of possibilities. He wisely avoids recommending particular models, as specific suggestions will quickly become outdated. Instead, the book offers tips on telling flashy but poor quality features from those that will enhance an evening's stargazing.' Physics World

How do I get started in astronomy? Should I buy binoculars or a telescope? What can I expect to see? This wonderful beginners' guide to astronomy covers all the information you need to get started. This second edition has been fully updated and now includes new illustrations, the latest astronomy equipment and celestial events through to the year 2025. It starts by explaining the basic techniques and equipment you need for exploring the skies before taking you on a tour of the night sky, covering the Moon, Sun, stars, planets and more. Any necessary technical terms are clearly explained. The author gives sound advice on using and purchasing affordable binoculars, telescopes and accessories, and the book is illustrated with photos taken by the author, showing how objects in the sky actually look through modest amateur equipment. It contains a comprehensive glossary and references to further astronomy resources and websites.

Preface
Introduction: why another stargazing guide?
Part I. Stargazing Techniques and Equipment: 1. With the naked eye alone
2. Binoculars: the next step
3. 'But I want a telescope!'
Part II. What's up There?: 4. The Solar System
5. The deep sky
Part III. A Stargazing Glossary: Appendix 1. The Greek alphabet
Appendix 2. The constellations
Some simple star charts
Index.

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