Astronomy Books

Though written in 1984, Ken Fulton's book, The Light-Hearted Astronomer is as up-to-date as can be, for the advice he gives budding amateur astronomers is timeless. He cautions that once bitten by the astronomy bug, serious complications can ensue -- and he happily warns how to avoid the pitfalls of the "jungle" that's out there.

The title tells all about Fulton and his happy-go-lucky attitude toward life and astronomy. He writes with a light heart, and with gentle humor to get his points across. Astronomers are a strange breed according to him. "Strange things turn them on", he says; "dismal points of light . . . playing cosmic peek-a-boo . . . quiet parties on a starlit mountaintop," and more. For some, astronomy is a science; for others, an escape from everyday life.

He cautions newbies who start out to beware of the temptations and snares in the astronomy jungle. Don't run out and buy a telescope, and above all don't buy one in a department store. He says to do your homework, read magazines, books, talk to other astronomers, and don't believe all the advertisements. Don't be bamboozled by the hype and the colorful pictures.

He describes the different types and sizes of telescopes and compares relative costs, and why they may vary. He suggests you go easy on buying accessories. Start out with a couple of decent eyepieces and a Barlow lens, and decide later what else you really need. "Beware of telescope fever," he says, and gives eight "survival tips" on how to brave the wilds of the jungle.

The author warns, with a twinkle in his eye, "You do not need that set of 64 eyepieces." He advises, "Face it, unless you're gonna use them for chess pieces, you don't need that many."

The chapters are short, and the book is thin, only 115 paperbacked pages, but he covers a lot of ground. Like deciding what type of astronomer you really want to be; a do-it-yourselfer, into amateur telescope making, or a gadget-lover, or a shutterbug, an aesthetic, or a casual scientific astronomer. And the question of whether to specialize . . . on planets, deep-sky objects, meteors . . . ? "You don't have to make a decision right away, just go out and have fun."

With easy humor he tells of mistakes, like money spent foolishly, things broken and lost, getting in trouble with the spouse, and says, "I can laugh now -- even while crying -- at my blunders and bloopers." Fulton advises, "Get mad, and kick and spit -- but don't quit. And don't forget to laugh."

He sums up the book with some final thoughts. Be patient and understanding -- with yourself and your neighbors and family. Don't feel guilty for NOT observing on a clear night; and don't become an astroholic and lose your family. Cut your family and your neighbors some slack, even when they leave lights on and do not appear to appreciate your passion. Even when things that didn't bother you "B. T." (before telescope) really bug you now. Take it easy, lighten up. "No one ever said astronomy was easy," he concludes, "Go gently into that good night. Happy star trails, and God speed!"

A newbie's guide written by a cynic. Extremely helpful information to the newcomer wanting to buy a telescope, even useful for the experienced observer thinking of buying a second scope. But what REALLY makes this book special are the hilarious anecdotes and on-target descriptions of familiar companies with the names thinly disguised. Far and away the funniest book on amateur astronomy ever published. A must read!

This is the book that kept the hobby in perspective for me when I first was captured by the wonders of the night sky. This is a fun, quick read and should be mandatory reading before someone can buy a telescope.

This is the kind of book I wish I'd read as a child. The art makes you think you are back in time, and the story reminds me of how important childhood dreams can be.

I got this book for my daughter, who loves to look at the stars. It's inspiring to read about a girl who pursued her dream of being a scientist at a time when such careers weren't open to women.

The first grade classes at our school read MARIA's COMET then went on a field trip to a planetarium. This book really enriched the factual part of the lesson, and helped the students think about all the people in the past who have looked up at the stars in wonder and curiosity. Highly recommended!

I've been surprised and enriched through reading Mercury Retrograde. The writing is both interesting and informative, and Ms. Peay's prose are beautiful. I purchased the book shortly before the start of Mercury Retrograde, and was amazed how frequently I had experiences that the author asserts are typical during this period. Not only does Ms. Peay offer suggestions and advice for living during MR, but her observations can be carried through the rest of the year!

This book is so beautifully written. It is an excellent book both for those who have little knowledge of astrology and those who have a great deal. Pythia Peay offers an insightful understanding of how to work creatively with one of the most talked about astrological cycles. In this Information Age, understanding how to work with Mercury's three retrograde cycles each year is a valuable insight to say the least. After reading this book I no longer cringe at the onset of Mercury Retrograde but am more attuned to the positive value of such periods throughout the year, as a valuable time for all the activities that begin with "re"...reviewing, reexamining, retracing, etc. The excellent chapter on a short history of astrology is so fascinating and well-researched that anyone interested in astrology would find this particularly worth reading.

Mercury Retrograde is an entertaining and enlightening look at one of the many ways astrology can offer insight and meaning to the often chaotic and senseless aspects of our lives. A great read for both the new and advanced student of astrology, Peay's book poetically weaves together the history, literature, and mythology surrounding mercury retrograde. Using a variety of lenses from many of the world's wisdom traditions, Peay shows her readers how the setbacks and difficulties characteristic of mercury retrograde can be viewed as opportunities for personal growth and transformation.

I once thought that meteorites were hunks of rock from outer space. Not any more! This fascinating book opened a whole new world for me. The easy-to-understand text and accompanying artwork and photographs gave me a new understanding of these messengers from beyond time and space. Who knew they held secrets to the birth of our solar system and to how planets formed? A terrific, well-done book. Meteorites rock!

For Middle and High school students this is an excellent and interesting basic source on meteorites. It is not only informative but visually appealing. Visual learners, like many of our regular students and English as a Second Language young adults will discover learning science content to be an easy task with this title.

This book covers what I would consider all the major aspects of meteorites, including craters. The section on the chemistry of meteors is augmented by extremely useful color coded charts that visually display what is being discussed. Also the book has a very interesting section on the reason that most meteorite falls occur at 4PM (it is due to the rotation of the earth around the sun).
The format of the book is very esthetic, with glossy pages and excellent graphics.
Anyone interested in meteorites, who is not a planetary geologist, should find this book both fascinating and informative.

Excellent - My 2-1/2 yr old can't get enough!
If in-laws don't get it for him for Christmas, we will.

Nice illustrations, too.

(my 6-yr old got bored with it quickly...)

When an emergency call comes to Mickey Moonbeam from the asteroids he jumps into his rocket and blasts off to help - until he discovers that a stranded traveler isn't what he expected. Can he help another when size matters? A fun space story encourages kids in grades 2-3 to learn about problem-solving and unusual solutions.

Mickey Moonbeam is excited to meet his pen pal Quiggle for the first time. When a distress call indicates that Quiggle may not make the meeting, Mickey hops into his spaceship to rescue his friend. What ensues surprises them both.

Mickey Moonbeam is chock full of fun, especially for the six-year-old boy who dreams of rocket boots. The language sparks the imagination with word combinations like "super-zippy-hyper-fast," but doesn't overdo enough to annoy the parents reading aloud. The illustrations are lively, bright and imaginative. And though I'm sure in my adult brain that technologically the story's solution would never work, it makes perfect sense to the intended audience who ask for Mickey Moonbeam again and again.

This story has a nice read aloud quality with no clunky sentences and plenty of room for dramatic reading. Kids are also happy just to page through the book to see the illustrations and make up their own version of the story. For my three to six-year-old crowd and their read-aloud mama, we give it eight thumbs up.

Armchair Interviews says: Mike's other recent picture books include THE BIG WHITE BOOK, I'VE GOT NITS!, LITTLE ROBOT RABBIT, and BOUNCING BABIES.

I found The Moon Book to be fun and informative. The pictures were vibrant and themes interesting. I enjoyed Ms. Seymour's use of scientific, social, and mythological themes to demonstrate the important impact the Moon has had on humanity. I recommend this book to any parent, and espcially to those who have a child interested in space or who wish their child be interested in space.

I read this book to my 4 year old daughter over Chirstmas and she loved it. It was both interactive (many things for the child to feel and do while you go from page to page) and informative. I thought it was too much for a 4 year old, but she liked it much and had many questions to ask. We read this again and again and now, I have to show her the real moon in the night. It shows the movement of the earth and the moon, information on the planetary system and fun facts on the moon expedition. I believe it would be very educational to somewhat older children and it will definitely create good first interest in the science and astronomy where they will learn more at school. Great book. Well written, having the inquisitive child in mind. Fun book for adults as well (my husband is a physicist and he enjoyed it very much)and parents can enjoy this book with their kids at the same time.

This is such a cool book and it makes a wonderful gift for anyone who loves the moon but is particularly nice for grade school and middle school kids that are interested in Astronomy. As a pagan I find it useful when I teach about the waxing and waning of the moon, eclipses, etc.
It uses clever pop-up pictures and gadgets to explain the relationship of the Earth, Sun and Moon, the Moon's directional movement, the eight basic phases of the moon as seen from the Northern Hemisphere, eclipses, the Goddess Diana in Her moon chariot, the Earth as seen from the Moon, and a futuristic tourist moon station. The art is clear and beautiful and the entire book encourages interactive learning. It is not only interesting but entertaining. Have this handy before the next full moon, share it with someone, then go outside and experience the glorious lunar beauty, enriched by knowledge. I enjoyed it and I think you will, too.

Donna Henes, New York City's Urban Shaman, has made an important contribution to the literature of the night skies with her "Moon Watcher's Companion." This beautifully-designed gem of a book is a visual delight that will be enjoyed by children of all ages as well as curious adults. In it, Henes effortlessly weaves scientific, mythological, and poetic information in an easy-to-read format that is chock-a-block with fascinating facts and stories. Buy this book and share it with your friends and family!

Who knew that we have had such a long and wonderful relationship with the Moon? This delightful and beautifully produced book is full of information about the Moon in science, myth, and legend -- from cultures all around the world. I got the book as a gift and it's a great idea for a birthday, a ritual, or a celebration of "lunacy". You will never think of the Moon in the same way again.

Ever gaze up at that luminous body in the night sky and feel enthralled? Donna Henes's latest book brings the moon vividly to life. In simple beautifully written prose she deftly weaves magic, myth, personal anecdotes, and cool scientific facts. A celestial expert, Henes presents an encyclopedic array of information in this volume. Yet, the wonderful design lends itself to a quick, satisfying read. And, the illustrations make this a must see item for kids too.

It is a technical term "non-expert audience." The editorial description of this book says that such is its target audience. A non-expert audience means that the intended reader does not have much -- perhaps next-to-no knowledge of the subject matter; HOWEVER, that same intended reader is used to going into depth and has similar or at least somewhat close level of expertise in some totally different area to what the author possesses about his/her subject. In short, one could say a "non-expert audience" reader is one who is very well educated, not afraid of depth and details, can concentrate well, but just so happens to know nothing of the subject matter he/she is about to read. Scientific American articles of the 70's and 80's are superb examples of writing to the "non-expert audience".

That being said, are you one who likes or hates concentrated reading? That can have a bearing on whether you should get this book.

However, if you are searching for a big compendium of facts -- in tables in many cases, this book would serve that one purpose admirably.

Do you want to know details of how Voyager accomplished what it did? Be careful what you wish for: this book has much on that topic. (But so does Burgess' book on Neptune.)

The book has much about Voyager's experiences and results at Jupiter. A very nice bonus. Jupiter is not at all covered skimpily. In fact, the book's title is nearly inaccurate as perhaps 40% of the book is about Jupiter and it's moons.

For the scientific methodology / teamwork interested person there is plenty of that. What I found intriguing was how they discovered that a cause of blur in Neptune pictures was the starting and stopping of the digital tape recorder reels (needed due to low bit-rate required of the faint [how faint: seeing a penlight flashlight on Earth while standing on the moon!] signal from as far away as Neptune). The tape recorder reel starting and braking would torque the Voyager spacecraft! (A command was sent to fire thruster a few milliseconds every time recorder would start or stop.)

If all you want is pictures, there are good ones, but better you get Burgess' book -- or Seymour Simon's children series -- or Asimov's series if all you want are pictures.

For this book, you have to enjoy either lots of details -- content details and/or methodology details -- or having tabulations of facts (such as for all the Jupiter and Neptune moons). If neither of these appeals to you but you want more than a childrens book, get the Burgess book "Far Encounter".

Neptune, the 8th planet in our Solar System. I won't say there are little books write on a single planet, however, books which write simply on Neptune, you can count. Apart from the technical masterpiece "Neptune and Triton" published by Arizona University Press, this Praxis publication is the best book on Neptune ever had.

I remembered when this book was first published, I bought it immediately. Firstly, it is because this is one in the excellent Springer-Praxis book series, I always love the books published by Praxis. Secondly, "Neptune" is a special book, in early years; Miner also published a very good book "Uranus" for Praxis. Therefore, I didn't think buy bought a copy of "Neptune".

When I not yet started my reading, and found that only the second half of book talk about Neptunian atmosphere, interior, ring etc, but used the first half to talk about the Voyagers and the pre-Neptune discoveries, I thought that that it was traveling out of scope.

However, when I started my reading, it is not the case.

Miner was one of scientists in-charging the Voyager mission to Neptune, his personally experience cannot be replaced by others. His writings are to point, no dummy words, everything he wrote are related to the Neptune findings. Even for those he mentioned for the Voyager findings on Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus, are all concise and it's important for the story of Neptune discoveries. It is totally different from my first impression.

More, Miner described the history of Neptune, the telescopic understanding of Neptune before Voyager; the story of Voyager, its beginning, preparation for the Neptune encounter, the detail sequence of events during the encounter as well as the in-depth Neptune sciences. From his firsthand experience, you can see how NASA's daily operation, and the details of Voyager mission, these are already worthwhile for the book.

The only weakness of this book is the coverage of Triton is too little. Since Triton is a very important moon in the solar system, persaonlly I think there should be a whole chapter dedicated for Triton.

This book is a great reading for those who love space exploration and the Solar System. This book is not too difficult nor too easy, so I suggest this book to those who have basic knowledge of the Solar System and planetary exploration.

I highly recommend this book!

Neptune is the eighth planet in the solar system, the last gas giant and the last planet of any real size. Due to its great distance from the sun, everything that we knew about this planet, until Voyager 2 visited it in 1989, was determined by telescopic observation. In this book, the authors, who both worked on the Voyager science team at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, summarize the discoveries made by the spacecraft, the spacecraft's design and the discoveries made by telescopic observations. As with all the books published in the Springer-Praxis, Astronomy and Space Sciences series, there are numerous high quality photographs, line drawings and graphs in this book. Other than a few children's books, I believe that this is the only text, which covers Neptune in any detail.

The first quarter of the books examines the pre-Voyager findings from Galileo's possible sighting, to its modern discovery that was determined by mathematical methods and its possible origins. The next portion of the book, which is also approximately one quarter of the book, covers the development of the Voyager probes and their subsequent discoveries at Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus (Voyager 2 only). The remainder of the book focuses on the Voyager 2 encounter with Neptune in 1989 from the long-range pre-encounter observations to the post encounters studies. In this large section of the book there are discussions on everything from, rings and satellite discoveries, radio science, the moons, the moon Triton and its atmosphere, cloud structure and much more.

A few final thoughts. First, if you don't have a great summary the Voyager mission, this book definitely provides it. Secondly, even though I have a technical background, I found some sections, especially the chapter of the magnetic fields a bit too technical. With that said, this book is definitive text about the planet Neptune.

This was a great book for me to start my quest of the stars and planets with my new telescope. It is easy to read, has loads of pictures, and gave me more than enough information to have fun and learn about our physical universe. I don't remember who recommended it as a starting point for me but the recommendation was right on. It's now part of my library and I refer to it on a regular basis when I am "star-gazing".

This beginners book for amateurs has information in it you simply won't find in most other astronomy books (ie: a complete list of all the constellations). A great reference volume and a fine addition to most libraries. Don't miss.

This book is fantastic for those who either just bought their first telescope or just want to learn more about the stars by looking through binoculars. I am 37 years old and it did not seem too elementary for me. This book will gently guide you through the heavens in a way that doesn't insult your intelligence. It shows you in a simple way how to find planets and teaches you how to read star charts, all while giving you a basic education in astronomy. Great book!

Carole Stott's 'New Astronomer: The Practical Guide to the Skills and Techniques of Skywatching' is a wonderful and useful guide for actually getting into the experience of astronomy. Astronomy is one of the most egalitarian of sciences; true, the mathematical constructs of theoretical cosmology and particle physics etc. are beyond the ability of most to perform (who has the education, or the cyclotrons, to do such?). But each of us can walk into the back yard (or, if in a city, drive out to the countryside) and stand in awe and wonder at the sky above, and then begin our own searches, for comets, meteors, and other phenomena.

Astronomy remains one of the few sciences left where the average person with average ability can still make a wondrous contribution. Astronomy in fact depends upon the amateur ranks scouring the skies, for there aren't enough professionals and hours of darkness for it to be held in professional exclusivity.

This book can help get you started. It is a good, basic primer of what to do as a backyard astronomer and develop some respectable skills at it. But this book isn't only for beginners-I use this book as a reference for techniques and equipment, and as a guide for observation.

The first part of the book covers basic ideas about the sky, and how and what to observe, introducing the idea of star movement and sky maps, so that coordinates make sense.

Then it gets into the nitty-gritty (just 20 picture-filled pages into the book) of what you need to begin. From compass and planisphere (included with the book) to dressing appropriately for comfort and making a make-shift, star-viewing-friendly torch (flashlight), this book covers the bases. It introduces how the observational distances are discussed (finger width, hand width, angles, etc.), and gives the merits and proper of use of binoculars, telescopes, photographic equipment, and digital/computerised equipment.

Then, you're off!

Finding and viewing the planets are the first task. Scale and distance are discussed, as are motion and location. There is a handy chart for each planet that shows position relative to a starry backdrop for dates through to the year 2010. Relatively closer planets, such as Mercury, can be difficult to discern due to the sun's overpowering brilliance (the discussion of transit of Mercury and Venus is interesting). Discussion of phases (for Venus especially), satellites and moons, rings and colours all adds to the observational experience.

Next up-the Moon. Our closest neighbour in space, it is fascinating to experience anew by close observation with even low-powered binoculars. Here you will find out why the full moon is not the best time to view (contrary to what one might thing), and become acquainted with the various features of the moon, and which features are best observed during which phase of the moon. Lunar eclipses are explained. Of course, we never see from the earth more than one side of the moon, but because of the moon's wobble, we do in fact see periodically about 60% of the moon's surface.

The Sun is then discussed, with careful guidance on how one might safely observe phenomena on the sun. Galileo went blind by looking at the sun through a telescope. Don't make the same mistake! The sun is powerful enough to defeat many filters (sunglasses are insufficient), and it only takes a brief time for permanent damage to be done to the eyes. Don't cut short a promising astronomical interest! Projection techniques are shown, and these are by far the safest ways to observe the sun. You will often see sunspot activity from projections.

Aurorae are also interesting displays. These occur in the most northern and southern latitudes of earth. Charged particles from the sun interact with earth's magnetic field and atmosphere to create dazzling displays. Meteors, comets, and asteroids are also discussed among the solar system phenomena.

The final section deals with the stars, which, even with the most high-powered telescopes, rarely show up as anything other than points of light. However, some `stars' are in fact galaxies, nebulae, and other items of interest, but for the typical home-astronomer, these are too distant to resolve interesting detail. But, the patterns and movements of the stars, the subtle colourations and brightness/size differences make for interesting study. Figuring out the pattern and composition of the Milky Way is fascinating. The final third of the book consists primarily of star maps and charts, for seasons and constellations, as well as what other points of interest have come into view.

Beautiful photography, durable pages (made for outdoor use), easy-to-follow guidelines will all serve to make your observational experiences very rich indeed. Stott was a professional astronomer at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich (from which our time zone basis derives-Greenwich Mean Time is centred on the observatory); she is now a full-time science writer.

I look forward to her continuing work.

I enjoyed both of these books acts of God being the other. Having been a single mother I could relate, well written.

This account of a woman struggling to find love and livlihood while in the throes of single motherhood is one of the most honest and moving portraits I've ever read. Mary Morris' talent in evoking both the absence of mother in the character, Ivy, as well as newly found rewards and challenges in her own new motherhood provides a story of both loss and redemption.

Mary Morris provides an insight on motherhood and how it changes a woman's life. Not only emotionally or financially, but in society's change in perception of a woman who becomes a mother. I read the book when my daughter was about 3 and I could really relate to the main character. I would recommend this book to everyone, but especially to the career woman who has recently become a mother.