NightWatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe

For Newbies and Experienced Alike!!!

I hold Mr. Terence Dickinson's 'Nightwatch' close to my heart and close by my side when I go out yonder to wander the wonders of my night sky. The star charts are the best I have seen, and Mr. Dickinson's style of writing is inspiring and encouraging - full of awe of the universe we happen to live in - as it should be! This is one book you will want in your collection, but beware - it will be well-worn!!! Robin

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

If you can only buy one book. . .

I am often asked by those who are just starting out in observing the night sky 'What books do I need as a beginning astronomer?'. I tell them that if you can only afford to buy one book, buy Nightwatch! It is the most help a beginning astronomer can have.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Best $30.00 I've ever spent!

As an up-and-coming amateur astronomer I purchased several books that seemed to convey the necessary material for this field I soon hope to enjoy. I have spent the past two months trying to find out what scope to buy and what accessories to get with it. I spent much time posting to newsgroups and websites but seemed to get more and more confused as to what was necessary for proper viewing. And what about the info you need to know to find the stellar objects you seek? What will I see and what advertising is misleading? All of these questions are answered in easily readable detail in Dickinson's NightWatch. This outstanding book outlines exactly what to expect and what is hype...many things I was unaware of were brought out into the open and examined. The author has an extraodinary gift in explaining things (akin to Math Giant Stephen Hawkings). Dickinson proves he is one of us, the teacher who connects and inspires. I could go on and on. If you are new to astronomy or have interests in what lies beyond get yourself this book! I purchased many higher priced books and software products before embracing this tome after which the confusion cleared and I went on to buy our very first Family telescope (I went with a Meade LX-200 f/10 10' SCT - and if this product identification is foreign pick up the book! You can speak 'Astronomy' in a day!) I am grateful to have read it before the purchase. 5 STARS, period.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Great beginner book

This book is an excellent beginner's guide to observing with a telescope or binoculars. Plenty of introductory material on telescopes, accessories, observing in general, and astronomical objects.Very nice, simplified star maps of the more interesting areas of the sky with good notes on what to look for.

A must read for any beginner

I would recommend this book to anyone starting out in astronomy or just wanting to enjoy the night sky's better.

a thorough guid to stargazing

the book was very approach oriented and was also full of very fine photos to accompany the very meaningful descriptions.

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