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Reflector Book Review:
Sky Phenomena - A Guide
to
Naked-eye Observation of the Stars
Category: Observing
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Sky Phenomena - A Guide to Naked-eye Observation
of the Stars.
Norman Davidson
Lindisfarne Press
RR4, Box 94 A1
Hudson, NY 12534-9420
ISBN 0-940262-56-8
208 pgs., softback, $19.95.
As amateur astronomers, we appreciate
an opportunity to share our love of the night sky with
family and friends. A recent book has appeared that
is designed to help novice observers gain a better understanding
of what there is to see. Fortunately, as this
book point out, with a little bit of study, enjoyment
and understanding of the sky can be enhanced.
Norman Davidson's book, Sky Phenomena
- A Guide to Naked-eye Observation of the Stars,
is geared more to the adult beginner. It is an unusual
and practical guide to the sky as we see it: with the
naked eye. The author, an experienced teacher, leads
the student/reader from the appearance of the stars
from Earth, through observation of the Sun, Moon, and
planets, to a deeper understanding of the Copernican
revolution, comets, and meteors. The text includes
mythological and historical aspects of the subject,
as well as numerous exercises for the student, and an
account of the sky in the Southern Hemisphere. A major
feature of the text is a unique collection of poetry
about the stars in the last chapter, with literary selections
from ancient India to modern times. There are also appendices
dealing with future astronomical events, technical data,
materials, and publications, and a comprehensive glossary
of astronomical terms. "The purpose of this book," Norman
Davidson writes, "is to help people take up conscious
study of what is our greater environment - the turning
sky". "Conscious" because only when one has grasped
the laws and principles behind the movements of the
stars can there grow the enthusiasm and desire to observe
more, and to observe more deeply.
This softbound book is not lavish.
Instead, there are many line drawings to illustrate
the astronomical principles described in the text, along
with some simple exercises. Norman Davidson's book approaches
the subject as a scientific one. But I was especially
intrigued by the chapter "Astronomy in Poetry". Most
of us have seen Walt Whitmans's poem, "When I Heard
the Learned Astronomer". But the wealth of astronomical
selections from literature is astounding, and culled
from sources of which most of us are unaware, such as
the line "... the grey Dawn and the Pleiades before
him danc'd Shedding sweet influence..." from Milton's
Paradise Lost. This chapter alone makes Davidson's
book of interest to those of literary bent, even the
experienced observer.
Both of these books can be recommended
to those developing an interest in astronomy. Which
book you chose depends on the age and thoughtfulness
of the persons involved.
Ed Flaspoehler
former Reflector Editor
Reviewed in the May 1996 issue.
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