Skywatching (Nature Company Guides)
Levy, a noted comet hunter and amateur astronomer, provides the text for this volume in a new guidebook series. Profusely illustrated, Skywatching has been well designed to advise and encourage the potential "backyard" astronomer. Brief background explanations speed the reader through relevant topics such as the history of astronomy, types of stars and other celestial objects of interest to skywatchers, and techniques and equipment for the amateur. The core of the book features a series of seasonal sky charts to be used in conjunction with a generous alphabetical arrangement of constellation maps. Viewpoints for both northern and southern hemispheres are represented, with the sky's offerings accessible through binoculars, small telescope, and the naked eye clearly set out for any approximate latitude and time of year. Although the ever-varying motions of the planets are necessarily omitted, the creators of this guidebook have supplied more than enough inspiration to send readers out in search of a sufficiently dark, unobstructed view of the night sky. For general readers. [Another volume in the "Nature Company Guide" series, Birding, is reviewed on p. 84.-Ed.]-Patrick Dunn, East Tennessee State Univ. Lib., Johnson Cit.--Patrick Dunn, East Tennessee State Univ. Lib., Johnson CityCopyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.