With 250,000 copies in print since its initial publication in 1983, NightWatch has become a standard reference guide for stargazers throughout North America. The new Third Edition expands on that success with a completely revised and updated text, more than 100 new color photos and diagrams and 16 additional pages that cover such! new astronomical pursuits as computerized telescopes, reviews of new telescope designs and accessories, and astronomy on the Internet. All charts, tables and diagrams have been updated and, in some cases, redesigned for easier use. Improved spacecraft measurements of the distances to the stars (recently released by the European Space Agency) are included in the charts, along with additional observing tips for stargazers using binoculars and telescopes. An expanded chapter on Astrophotography lists the best modern films and cameras for skyshooting. The new NightWatch is faithful to the "ultra-simplified, no jargon" philosophy of the original, and at the same time, offers substantially more practical information for the novice and intermediate-level amateur astronomer. The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada called the first edition "the best of its kind"- the new Third Edition is better still. It is still an abundantly illustrated, wide-sized volume designed for easy reference during many starlit nights.

A practical introduction to our "corner" of the universe. Aimed at users of binoculars and small to medium telescopes, Solar System Observer's Guide describes how to observe not only the planets but also the moon, sun, comets, meteors, asteroids, and all other celestial objects found within our Solar System. Each chapter is devoted to a different object and explains how and when to find the object, how to observe it, what to expect to see, and how to record observations. Photographs, sketches, and digital images by both amateur and professional astronomers illustrate the book's pages. The easy-to-use guide also features: * Best observation dates over the next 10 years * Special events, such as eclipses and transits * Up-to-date equipment and techniques * Tips on dealing with difficult viewing conditions * When to use special equipment * More than 100 photographs, maps, and artworks * Appendices, including notable phenomena to 2015 * Glossary and resources. Suitable for use in the northern and southern hemispheres, Solar System Observer's Guide is a practical and colorful introduction to observing our universe. About The Author: Peter Grego is the editor of Popular Astronomy magazine and Director of the Lunar Section of the Society for Popular Astronomy. He also writes and illustrates a regular column in Astronomy Now and is the author of several books. He is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society.

A convenient package that includes a copy of the Deep Sky Observer's Guide as well as deep sky charts and calendar. 'Deep Sky' refers to the universe beyond our own solar system. Using binoculars or telescopes, any sky-gazer can become a deep sky observer. Deep Sky Observer's Pack looks beyond individual stars to target: * Star clusters * Double Stars * Nebulae * Galaxies. The Deep Sky Observer's Guide introduces the basics of observing and explains what equipment is required. A chapter is devoted to each type of deep sky target. There are more than 200 such objects featured, with 126 color illustrations and star-finder charts. The Deep Sky Star Chart features three large-scale sky maps: the northern and southern hemispheres and the equatorial region, that show more than 200 stars and objects. The Deep Sky Calendar is a glossy poster featuring fifty-two deep sky targets, one for each week of the year. The object's name, catalogue designation and co-ordinates are provided along with equipment recommendations.

Astronomy buffs often wish they could photograph what they see through their telescopes. Camera buffs often wish they knew the techniques for capturing majestic yet elusive heavenly bodies. Astrophotography brings these two hobbies together in one complete resource. This big, fully-illustrated book offers: * Practical guidance and authoritative advice * Equipment resources and contacts * Brand-new star charts and illustrations * Techniques for conventional and digital photography Step-by-step instructions are given for choosing and using the right camera, shooting with a telescope, getting the best out of black and white and color film, and developing pictures at home or while traveling. Specific instructions are given for photographing: * The Sun, the Moon and the planets * Meteors and comets * Stars and satellites * Rainbows, halos, and other phenomena in the night sky This new edition also includes the latest information for shooting digital and dedicated astro CCDs (charge-coupled device) for capturing faint nebulae and distant galaxies. Generously illustrated with 100 color and black and white photographs, Astrophotography is an attractive and easy-to-use reference.

A valuable tool for novice and advanced stargazers. The ten inch Firefly Planisphere is an affordable, practical tool for accurately locating night sky phenomena in the Northern Hemisphere at any time of the year. Charted by the month, day, hour and minute, it gives quick help on locating celestial wonders such as: * Planets * Stars * Constellations * Globular clusters * Nebulae * Galaxies A simple key on the back of the Firefly Planisphere describes star magnitudes for finding stars from magnitude 0-1 (large) to 4 (small). Planetary Tables provide at-a-glance coordinates for locating the brightest planets in the sky from 2004 until 2011: Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. The Firefly Planisphere even shows the time of sunrise and sunset for each day. An easy-to-read instructional booklet is included that describes how to use the planisphere. The booklet and planisphere are packaged in a protective plastic envelope.

A professional-level tool for observing the night sky. The large 15 inch Firefly Planisphere Deluxe is a practical tool for accurately locating night sky phenomena at any time of the year. Constructed of sturdy plastic, simply turn the disks to line up the month and date, and the clear top panel reveals the actual positions of the stars. It is also useful for locating planets, stars, constellations, globular clusters, nebula and galaxies at any particular time. The planisphere is charted by the month, day, hour and minute, so it can be used to plan future viewings. The planisphere also calculates the time of sunrise and sunset for any specific day. An easy-to-read 24-page companion book describes how to adjust and use the planisphere. The book and planisphere are packaged in a convenient boxed set. The Firefly Planisphere Deluxe is an indispensable tool for astronomers of all ages.

Complete guide to astronomers and astronomical terms and theories. The Firefly Astronomy Dictionary is an invaluable reference for understanding the major terms and theories used in astronomy. There are 1,000 up-to-date entries that are extensively cross-referenced. This dictionary also provides concise coverage of the many new developments in space exploration. Two hundred color illustrations and 35 tables provide concise details about the planets and stars. Written in a style that is both interesting and accessible, its compact size is ideal for a handy reference and study guide. As well as defining scientific terms and explaining theories, the dictionary provides brief biographies of over 100 famous astronomers including Ptolemy, Galileo, Johann Kepler, Copernicus and Edwin Hubble. An appendix provides tables of symbols and mathematical units and calculations used in astronomy. From aberration to Zwicky, the Firefly Astronomy Dictionary is an invaluable reference for active observers, armchair enthusiasts and students.

An introductory illustrated and comprehensive guide to observing and understanding the night sky. This book provides a survey of science's growing understanding of space and includes details of the latest space probes. The most recent photographs from the world's finest observatories and space-based cameras capture the wonder and beauty of the universe. Astronomy covers a wide variety of heavenly phenomenon: * Distant stars * Planets of the Solar System * Comets and shooting stars * Eclipses * Black holes. Vivid cross-sections of the planets with a concise description and a chart of their relative distance from the sun provide at-a-glance information. A series of monthly sky charts point out constellations, star clusters, galaxies, nebula and more. The sky maps use easy-to-read symbols to identify open and globular star clusters, galaxies and planetary nebula. The constellations are labeled and diagramed. Spectacular images of space phenomenon are further explained with colorful digital graphics. Nebula, clusters, galaxies, etc. are profiled with color images and short descriptions. A pictograph tells whether binoculars or a telescope is required. Astronomy is a fascinating and easy-to-use illustrated reference for amateur astronomers of all levels.

A handy and comprehensive reference to the 300 most interesting celestial objects. This book provides a tour through the galaxy, from its solar core to its outer limits, with all the highlights and the very latest data about the universe. Convenient data sidebars with each entry provide facts and figures on every object- including mass, magnitude, density, radius, rotation period, and surface and core temperatures. An annotated cross-section of the object enhances this information, and a full-page photograph brings the object to life. Additional spreads bring together and explain related objects or phenomena. For example, the corresponding pages for the sun include solar power, sunspots and solar flares. Others examples include: * Mercury: Mercury's surface * The asteroid belt: Eros 433 * Jupiter's moons: 10, Europa, Callista * Uranus: Uranus' rings, Ariel and Titania * Outer belts and comets: Halley's comet; Deep Impact * Space telescopes: International Space Station. 300 Astronomical Objects is a handy reference for the amateur astronomer.

The ultimate guide for stargazing, anywhere in the world The scope of The New Atlas of the Stars is remarkably comprehensive. Astronomy buffs and skywatchers will find this abundantly illustrated reference book useful anywhere in the world. Star charts depict the night sky, and this atlas is arranged so that one section of the sky is shown and described on each double-page spread. The two polar regions have their own individual pages. There are 30 charts covering the whole sky, and each chart has a plastic overlay depicting the names of the important stars. The first section of the book is a general overview of astronomy and includes: * Stars and constellations * Historical star charts * The motion of the heavens * Star trails * The Milky Way The other three sections feature galaxies and constellations found in the Northern Hemisphere, Equatorial Region and Southern Hemisphere. The final section covers the basics of astrophotography and digital imaging as well as practical and useful viewing tips. The New Atlas of the Stars is the ultimate reference for the astronomer.