National Geographic Backyard Guide to the Night Sky, 2nd Edition

by Andrew Fazekas

Overview

Revel in the skies above with this handy stargazing guide, complete with constellation charts and expert tips for observing—and understanding—the wonders of the universe.

Detailed visuals help you find the top 58 constellations of the Northern Hemisphere.

In these inviting pages, author Andrew Fazekas—The Night Sky Guy—shares knowledge and offers advice that will delight amateur astronomers of all levels. Maps, photographs, and infographics at every turn of the page make this an entertaining and fact-packed read about planets and stars, astronomical phenomena and our universe.

Essential information, organized logically, highlights features of the night sky visible from your own backyard. Start with the easiest constellations and then "star-hop" across the night sky to find others.

Fazekas offers hands-on techniques for observing with the naked eye, with binoculars, or through a small telescope, revealing the wonders of planets and astronomical events such as eclipses and meteor showers.

A total of 66 authoritative maps show constellations, season by season, accompanied by interesting facts about the myths they represent and noteworthy stars they contain. Photographs and graphics go beyond what's visible to explain phenomena such as black holes, solar flares, and supernovas.

For all who look up with wonder at the starry sky, this indispensable guide illuminates the greatest nighttime show on Earth!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781426220159
Publisher:	Disney Publishing Group
Publication date:	03/19/2019
Series:	National Geographic Backyard Guides
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	5.42(w) x 7.98(h) x 0.68(d)

About the Author

ANDREW FAZEKAS, also known as The Night Sky Guy, is a science writer, speaker, and broadcaster who shares his passion for the wonders of the universe through all media. He is the author of Star Trek: The Official Guide to our Universe and the primary author of National Geographic Stargazer's Atlas. A syndicated correspondent for television and radio networks, communications manager for Astronomers Without Borders, and a member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Fazekas produces a regular YouTube show, "The Night Sky This Week." He has never met a clear night sky he didn't like.

Table of Contents

About This Book 6

1 Discovering Starry Skies 8

2 The Atmosphere 30

3 The Sun 46

4 The Moon 66

5 The Planets 84

6 Comets & Meteors 120

7 Beyond The Solar System 140

8 Beyond The Milky Way 160

9 Navigating The Night Sky 174

10 Sky Charts 186

Viewing The Naked-Eye Planets 276

Further Resource 278

About The Author 279

Index 280

Illustrations Credits 286

Editorial Reviews

“This guide is beautifully illustrated. It’s a nice size to throw in a purse or bag for taking to your local observatory or up into the treehouse…There’s even a section on stargazing with your children.” –Just a Secular Homeschooler
 
“Chock full of photographs, graphics, tips, and information - this book is THE book to read if you want to learn about watching the night sky and what's in it. You can find out about what telescope to use and the various star patterns that make up the constellations. Its so interesting, you can't help but get lost in the pages of this book - learning so much about the beautiful night sky that mesmerizes us.  I found myself completely engaged in this book - it was so much fun to read. I loved it!” –A Bookish Way of Life
 
“I have to get this book, star gazing is one of my favorite summertime activities.” –Instagram: createexploreread
“If you have any interest at all in ordering the stars when you look up this book will be a perfect start.” –Broken Teepee
 
“It is a great educational tool, beautifully illustrated, and jam packed with information on anything you could see up in the night sky…The book itself is the perfect size to throw in a bag, or even keep in the car if you are going on a road trip or somewhere to stare up at the sky.” –Diary of a Stay at Home Mom
 
“The book is an easy read, and very interesting. It’s not just about star constellations, but about many heavenly bodies (like asteroids). After reading the book, it’s easier to know what to look for in the night sky – even for an amateur.” –Man of La Book
 
“If you are even just casually thinking about stargazing this summer, this guide is a MUST HAVE. We (my husband and I) know just enough to seem like experts to our children – though it could now be argued that my older son knows more astronomy facts than I do. But now I have this book.” –Sarah Reads Too Much

From the Publisher