NightWatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe

( 10 )
Pick Up In Store

Pick Up in Store

Reserve and pick up in 60 minutes at your local store

(Fourth Edition, revised and expanded thr)
$35
BN.com price
Marketplace (New and Used)
from
$15.41
$35.00 List Price (Save 56%)
Usually ships within 1-2 business days
All (9)  
Used (5)  
New (4)  
Close
Sort by
Page 1 of 1
Showing All
$15.41
(Save 56%)
BetterWorld - Textbooks
Seller since 2006

Feedback rating:

(4831)

Condition:

New — never opened or used in original packaging.

Like New — packaging may have been opened. A "Like New" item is suitable to give as a gift.

Very Good — may have minor signs of wear on packaging but item works perfectly and has no damage.

Good — item is in good condition but packaging may have signs of shelf wear/aging or torn packaging. All specific defects should be noted in the Comments section associated with each item.

Acceptable — item is in working order but may show signs of wear such as scratches or torn packaging. All specific defects should be noted in the Comments section associated with each item.

Used — An item that has been opened and may show signs of wear. All specific defects should be noted in the Comments section associated with each item.

Refurbished — A used item that has been renewed or updated and verified to be in proper working condition. Not necessarily completed by the original manufacturer.

Acceptable
Shipped by Better World Books. Binding is slightly damaged and/or book has some loose pages. No missing pages. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Shipped to over one million happy ... customers. Read more Show Less

Ships from: Mishawaka, IN

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
  • •Express, 48 States
  • •Express (AK, HI)
$17.94
(Save 49%)
usedbooks4sale10
Seller since 2009

Feedback rating:

(60)

Condition: Good
2006 Spiral-bound Good

Ships from: Ann Arbor, MI

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Canadian
  • •International
  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
  • •Express, 48 States
  • •Express (AK, HI)
$17.94
(Save 49%)
Bevo's Bookstore #202
Seller since 2009

Feedback rating:

(77)

Condition: Good
2006 Spiral-bound Good

Ships from: Austin, TX

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Canadian
  • •International
  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
  • •Express, 48 States
  • •Express (AK, HI)
$20.15
(Save 42%)
Once & Again Books ECobb GA
Seller since 2008

Feedback rating:

(479)

Condition: Very Good
2006 Hardcover VG; nice clean copy; minimal wear; NO DJ

Ships from: Marietta, GA

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Canadian
  • •International
  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
  • •Express, 48 States
  • •Express (AK, HI)
$26.87
(Save 23%)
SuperBookDeals-
Seller since 2008

Feedback rating:

(12864)

Condition: New
Brand New, Perfect Condition, Please allow 4-14 business days for delivery. 100% Money Back Guarantee, Over 1,000,000 customers served.

Ships from: South Bend, IN

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Canadian
  • •International
  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
$26.88
(Save 23%)
Prepbooks
Seller since 2012

Feedback rating:

(0)

Condition: New
In Stock. Brand New. Orders placed by 12 PM EST Monday through Friday will ship on the same business day.

Ships from: Atlanta, GA

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Canadian
  • •International
  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
  • •Express, 48 States
$30.97
(Save 12%)
SuperBookDeals-
Seller since 2008

Feedback rating:

(12864)

Condition: Like New
Brand New, Perfect Condition, Please allow 4-14 business days for delivery. 100% Money Back Guarantee, Over 1,000,000 customers served.

Ships from: South Bend, IN

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Canadian
  • •International
  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
$33.50
(Save 4%)
CourteneyCraig
Seller since 2009

Feedback rating:

(276)

Condition: New
Brand New-Fast Shipping

Ships from: Deerfield Beach, FL

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Canadian
  • •International
  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
$42.60
Extremely_Reliable
Seller since 2007

Feedback rating:

(2323)

Condition: New
Buy with confidence. Excellent Customer Service & Return policy.

Ships from: Richmond, TX

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Canadian
  • •International
  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
Page 1 of 1
Showing All
Close
Sort by

Overview

Thoroughly revised, updated and expanded.

The first three editions of NightWatch sold more than 600,000 copies, making it the top-selling stargazing guide in the world for the last 20 years. The key feature of this classic title is the section of star charts that are cherished by backyard astronomers everywhere. Each new edition has outsold the previous one because of thorough revisions and additional new material.

NightWatch has been acclaimed as the best general interest introduction to astronomy. The fourth edition has improvements over the 3rd ...

See more details below
Sending request ...

More About This Book

Overview

Thoroughly revised, updated and expanded.

The first three editions of NightWatch sold more than 600,000 copies, making it the top-selling stargazing guide in the world for the last 20 years. The key feature of this classic title is the section of star charts that are cherished by backyard astronomers everywhere. Each new edition has outsold the previous one because of thorough revisions and additional new material.

NightWatch has been acclaimed as the best general interest introduction to astronomy. The fourth edition has improvements over the 3rd edition in every chapter, including:


  • The famous charts, ideal for stargazers using a small telescope or binoculars

  • A complete update of the equipment section, including computerized telescopes

  • An enlarged photography section, including how-to instructions for using the new generation of digital cameras for astronomical photography, both with and without a telescope

  • The tables of future solar and lunar eclipses, planetary conjunctions and planet locations, updated through 2018.

This edition includes for the first time star charts for use in the southern hemisphere. There are also dozens of new photographs throughout the book that show the latest thrilling discoveries made by current space observatories and probes.

Editorial Reviews

From Barnes & Noble
NightWatch is a large-format, colorfully illustrated guide to the night sky. Ranging from picking the right equipment for stargazing to complex charts of the major constellations, it tells you what things are up there and where to find them, which, given the fact that the earth keeps moving, is no easy trick. Terence Dickinson has built a career as a successful science reporter, explaining the night sky to a generation of amateur astronomers. His strength is his gift to explain clearly and with an infectious passion.
American Profile
Newly updated, lavishly illustrated...packed with facts...and a cosmic closet-full of other astronomical delights. Nightwatch puts the heavens at your fingertips.
— Neil Pond
More Reviews (1) Fewer Reviews
From The Critics
[Review-of-previous-edition:] This is a book you can confidently recommend to anyone who is just starting out in astronomy.

Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9781554071470
  • Publisher: Firefly Books, Limited
  • Publication date: 9/12/2006
  • Edition description: Fourth Edition, revised and expanded thr
  • Edition number: 4
  • Pages: 192
  • Sales rank: 133,444
  • Product dimensions: 11.00 (w) x 10.75 (h) x 0.87 (d)

Meet the Author

Terence Dickinson is the best-selling author of 13 other astronomy books, including Backyard Astronomer's Guide and The Universe and Beyond. He has received many national and international science awards, including the New York Academy of Science Book of the Year Award.

Read an Excerpt


Sky Measures
(from page 30)


Just as road maps have distance indicators between cities, our celestial guide maps denote distances between key stars and star groups -- not the distance from Earth to the stars but, rather, the apparent distance from one star to another. This measure is calibrated in degrees (360 degrees in a circle). Using this calibration on the sky is beautifully simple: just hold up your hand. At arm's length the width of the end of the little finger is almost exactly 1 degree -- wide enough to cover the Sun or the Moon, both about half a degree across. The two pointer stars in the bowl of the Big Dipper used to find Polaris are 5 degrees apart, the width of three fingers held boy-scout fashion at arm's length.

For larger sky angles, one fist width is 10 degrees, while 15 degrees is the span between the first and little fingers spread out. An entire hand span, from thumb to little finger, is about 25 degrees, the length of the Big Dipper. Larger dimensions can be measured as multiples of these. For general reference, the distance from the horizon to overhead is 90 degrees. Remember, these hand-reference measurements work only at arm's length.

The system is reasonably accurate for men, women and children, since people with smaller hands tend to have shorter arms. Only the hand-span measure seems to vary from person to person, because some people can extend their thumb and little finger more widely than others can. A quick check against the Big Dipper will indicate whether you have a span closer to 20 degrees than 25. Anyone can become proficient at gauging the distances in degrees from one star or star group to anotherin just minutes.

It doesn't matter in which season you begin; the Big Dipper diagram on page 34 can be used to locate several prominent stars almost instantly once you have a sense of the dimensions involved. This is the crucial first step toward becoming a backyard astronomer. Orion's seven brightest stars -- three in the belt and four in a surrounding quadrilateral -- are equally efficient as celestial guideposts. Orion's only drawback, compared with the Big Dipper, is that it is prominent in the evening sky only from late November to early April.

Backyard astronomy does not have to be a maze of formulas, calculators, grid lines, nomenclature, mythology and jargon. It can be easy and fun to find your way around the night sky. Most people want to be able to start finding celestial objects from their first night out. That's my goal here in layout out the most straightforward way to do it. In the next chapter, more detailed charts build on the same principles of using distinctive stellar guideposts to lead the observer around the sky. This is a gradual, painless way to come to know the starry sky.

Table of Contents

About the author / Foreword / Preface

Chapter 1: DISCOVERING THE COSMOS
      Naturalists of the Night; The Starry Realm

Chapter 2: THE UNIVERSE IN ELEVEN STEPS
      The Milky Way Galaxy; Hubble Deep Field

Chapter 3: BACKYARD ASTRONOMY
      Sky Motions; Sky Measures; Big Dipper Signpost; Star Brightness; Constellations & Star Names; Star & Constellation Pronunciation Guide

Chapter 4: STARS FOR ALL SEASONS
      The All-Sky Charts; The Spring Sky; The Summer Sky; Urban Myths of Stargazing; The Light-Pollution Factor; The Autumn Sky; The Winter Sky; The Ecliptic & the Zodiac

Chapter 5: STARGAZING EQUIPMENT
      Selecting Binoculars; Telescopes; Frequently Asked Questions About Telescopes; Finderscopes; Telescope Types; Size Versus Seeing; Telescope Accessories; Eyepieces; Focal Ratio; Computer-Age Scopes; Telescope Comparisons; Factors to Consider When Selecting a First Telescope

Chapter 6: PROBING THE DEPTHS
      Double Stars; Using Your Night Eyes; Variable Stars; Star Clusters; Distances to stars & Galaxies; Nebulas; Averted Vision; Globular Clusters; Galaxies; Telescope Experience; Designation of Sky Objects; Keeping Records; Using the Deep-Sky Charts; Atlas of 20 Star Charts

Chapter 7: THE PLANETS
      Astronomy From the City; Mercury; Venus; Mars; The Asteroid Belt; Jupiter; Saturn; The Outer Planets; Visibility of the Planets

Chapter 8: MOON AND SUN
      Moon Maps; Observing the Sun; The Moon Illusion

Chapter 9: SOLAR AND LUNAR ECLIPSES
      Observing Eclipses; The Eclipse Cult; Eclipse Tables

Chapter 10: COMETS, METEORS AND AURORAS
      Famous & Infamous Comets; Meteors; Auroras

Chapter 11: PHOTOGRAPHING THE NIGHT SKY
      Films & Techniques; The Barn-Door Tracker; CCD Cameras: Astro-Imaging Revolution

Chapter 12: RESOURCES

Index

Preface


Preface

In the decades since the first edition of NightWatch appeared in 1983, more than a half a million copies have found their way into the hands of astronomy enthusiasts. For me, the most gratifying aspect of this successful publishing story is the feed-back I've received from so many backyard astronomers who say that the book was their primary guide during the crucial initial stages of their celestial explorations.

As in the previous revised editions, the overriding goal in this new expanded version has been to provide a complete first book of amateur astronomy. I wanted to retain the features that readers say they like, so I have not tampered with the basic structure and presentation. But extensive fine-tuning and up-dating have touched many pages. The most visible of the changes is the addition of a new chapter on the southern-hemisphere skies with a new set of charts styled after the northern-hemisphere ones in Chapter 4. This addition to the book is the direct result of requests from readers of previous editions.

As always with revised editions of my books, I have replaced many photos with either more relevant or simply superior images. Other changes include a major rewrite of the section describing astrophotography, because of the digital-imaging revolution, and a thorough update of amateur-telescope equipment and accessories to reflect many new goodies that have become available since the previous edition in 1998. Where necessary, lists and tables are updated throughout. As before, prices throughout the book are in U.S. dollars.

Although more people are now dabbling in recreational astronomy and the range and quality of equipment to pursue the hobby have never been better, a persistent foe of amateur astronomers is light pollution -- the glare spilled from street lamps, outdoor-sign illumination, parking-lot lights, building security lights and outdoor fixtures around private residences and public buildings. Any one of these sources can ruin your backyard view of the night sky. Even if your observing site is protected from direct interference, outdoor lighting in general produces giant glowing domes over our cities and towns that have beaten back the stars.

Because the glow is visibly growing every year, those who seek the natural beauty of a dark night sky must flee ever farther into the country. For many aficionados, an evening of stargazing has become an expedition. But all is not gloom and doom. The dark cloud cast by light pollution has turned out to have an intriguing silver lining. Far from diminishing interest in astronomy, urban sky glow seems to have fueled it. When our grandparents were young, a view of the night sky strewn with stars and wrapped in the silky ribbon of the Milky Way could be seen from the front porch. Today, for most people, it is a relatively rare and exotic sight, something to be talked about and cherished as a memory.

Many family vacations now include plans for dark-site star-gazing. Each year, thousands of astronomy enthusiasts gather at conventions and summer "star parties" far from city lights to share their interest. In previous editions of NightWatch, I predicted that as urban glow inexorably marches deeper into the countryside, the 21st century will see the emergence of dark-skypreserves -- areas intentionally set aside in state, provincial and national parks where there are no obtrusive lights and never will be. Well, it's already happening. At least half a dozen of these shrines to the glory of the starry night have been established (see "Astronomy Conventions and Star Parties" in Chapter 13), and many more will surely follow in the decades ahead.

Terence Dickinson

Yarker, Ontario

May 2006

Introduction

Preface

In the decades since the first edition of NightWatch appeared in 1983, more than a half a million copies have found their way into the hands of astronomy enthusiasts. For me, the most gratifying aspect of this successful publishing story is the feed-back I've received from so many backyard astronomers who say that the book was their primary guide during the crucial initial stages of their celestial explorations.

As in the previous revised editions, the overriding goal in this new expanded version has been to provide a complete first book of amateur astronomy. I wanted to retain the features that readers say they like, so I have not tampered with the basic structure and presentation. But extensive fine-tuning and up-dating have touched many pages. The most visible of the changes is the addition of a new chapter on the southern-hemisphere skies with a new set of charts styled after the northern-hemisphere ones in Chapter 4. This addition to the book is the direct result of requests from readers of previous editions.

As always with revised editions of my books, I have replaced many photos with either more relevant or simply superior images. Other changes include a major rewrite of the section describing astrophotography, because of the digital-imaging revolution, and a thorough update of amateur-telescope equipment and accessories to reflect many new goodies that have become available since the previous edition in 1998. Where necessary, lists and tables are updated throughout. As before, prices throughout the book are in U.S. dollars.

Although more people are now dabbling in recreational astronomy and the range and quality of equipment topursue the hobby have never been better, a persistent foe of amateur astronomers is light pollution -- the glare spilled from street lamps, outdoor-sign illumination, parking-lot lights, building security lights and outdoor fixtures around private residences and public buildings. Any one of these sources can ruin your backyard view of the night sky. Even if your observing site is protected from direct interference, outdoor lighting in general produces giant glowing domes over our cities and towns that have beaten back the stars.

Because the glow is visibly growing every year, those who seek the natural beauty of a dark night sky must flee ever farther into the country. For many aficionados, an evening of stargazing has become an expedition. But all is not gloom and doom. The dark cloud cast by light pollution has turned out to have an intriguing silver lining. Far from diminishing interest in astronomy, urban sky glow seems to have fueled it. When our grandparents were young, a view of the night sky strewn with stars and wrapped in the silky ribbon of the Milky Way could be seen from the front porch. Today, for most people, it is a relatively rare and exotic sight, something to be talked about and cherished as a memory.

Many family vacations now include plans for dark-site star-gazing. Each year, thousands of astronomy enthusiasts gather at conventions and summer "star parties" far from city lights to share their interest. In previous editions of NightWatch, I predicted that as urban glow inexorably marches deeper into the countryside, the 21st century will see the emergence of dark-skypreserves -- areas intentionally set aside in state, provincial and national parks where there are no obtrusive lights and never will be. Well, it's already happening. At least half a dozen of these shrines to the glory of the starry night have been established (see "Astronomy Conventions and Star Parties" in Chapter 13), and many more will surely follow in the decades ahead.

Terence Dickinson
Yarker, Ontario
May 2006

Interviews & Essays

Exclusive Author Essay
I remember reading my first astronomy book in my school library at age eight. I had been fascinated by the stars ever since I had seen a bright meteor as a preschooler. But now I could read well enough to begin to discover the wonders of the universe for myself.

I recall eagerly turning the book's pages and coming upon a section that told me that stars are really suns, just like our sun, but at colossal distances. I found this fact so mind-blowing that I ran around the neighborhood telling everyone this amazing thing I had just learned. My enthusiasm was met with polite disinterest by adults and impolite ridicule by my school chums, who wondered why I was telling them something so boring. But for me it set alight a fire in the mind.

I pestered my parents for years until they bought me a small telescope for Christmas. I almost wore it out observing the heavens, summer and winter, from our suburban backyard. Later, I bought a better scope, then built an even bigger one. I was thoroughly hooked. There was no doubt in my mind that astronomy was my calling, and I was ready to answer the call!

The call came in 1966, 15 years after I read that first astronomy book in the school library. I was hired as staff astronomer and lecturer at Toronto's new state-of-the-art McLaughlin Planetarium. It was the perfect job for an astronomy addict. Every day under the planetarium's great projection star dome I extolled the wonder and beauty of the stars and constellations to audiences of up to 350 visitors. In the planetarium classroom I taught courses on astronomy and backyard stargazing to both adults and children. For me it was a dream come true.

But one thing puzzled me. When I looked around for a stargazing guidebook that I could recommend to beginners, everything I found was either too superficial or else overly technical. I wondered why the authors weren't using plain language and uncluttered illustrations to focus on what those people in my classes, and others like them, really wanted to know. Subjects such as the easiest way to find celestial objects, and how to select and use binoculars and small telescopes to observe them, seemed to be begging for improved treatment. This bothered me to the point that I decided to do something about it.

In the late 1970s, after working for more than a decade at two planetariums and as editor of Astronomy magazine, I decided to devote myself full time to astronomy writing -- including the development of the definitive beginner's stargazing guidebook. By a stroke of good timing, a publisher who had seen my work in a nature magazine approached me about writing such a book. Thus, NightWatch was born in 1983.

As I had hoped, NightWatch immediately filled a gap in the literature. It has become my flagship book, and one of the bestselling stargazing guides in the world. For the Third Edition, I updated every page and included more than 100 new photos and illustrations. My other major stargazer's "bible" is The Backyard Astronomer's Guide, a more in-depth treatment than NightWatch that I coauthored with Alan Dyer of the Calgary Planetarium. Another book I am particularly proud of is The Universe and Beyond, which is more an illustrated tour of the universe rather than a stargazing guide, making it a good companion to NightWatch.

Over the years I have been a professional astronomy communicator, interest in the subject has exploded. A once-obscure hobby interest two generations ago, astronomy today appeals to a broad cross section of the population. It has been an honor to be a part of that revolution. (Terence Dickinson)

Customer Reviews
Average Rating 4
( 10 )

Rating Distribution

  • ( 5 )
  • ( 4 )
  • ( 0 )
  • ( 0 )
  • ( 1 )
If you've bought this product, tell the world how you liked it.
Write a Review
Sort by: Showing all of 10 Customer Reviews

  • Anonymous

    Posted June 11, 2001

    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.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted July 30, 2000

    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.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted January 20, 2000

    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.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted December 6, 2011

    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.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted April 9, 2000

    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.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted December 24, 1999

    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.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted January 4, 2010

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted November 27, 2008

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted August 7, 2009

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted December 5, 2009

    No text was provided for this review.

Sort by: Showing all of 10 Customer Reviews
If you find inappropriate content, please report it to Barnes & Noble
Why is this product inappropriate?
Comments (optional)
500 character limit