RASC Beginning Observer's Guide
An non-technical, introductory book to the Night Sky for the beginning astronomer.
The Beginner's Observing Guide introduces you to:
· The motion of the heavens
· The position of objects in the sky
· The brightness of heavenly objects
· Finding your direction from the stars
· The names of the brightest stars
· The naming systems for stars
· What to make of the constellations
· How to read star maps
· Observing the Moon and its phases
· Observing "unaided-eye" variable stars
· Observing meteors and meteor showers
· Observing comets,
Aurora, the Zodiacal Light
· Observing the Sun safely
· Recording observations quickly and easily
· Month-by-month star maps that are easy to read
· Numerous tips on becoming a better observer
· Practical exercises to develop observing skills
· Special information about binocular observing
· Information about when to buy a telescope
· Considerations to remember when buying a telescope
· Recommended sources of additional information
· A helpful glossary of amateur astronomical terms
· Answers to questions asked by beginning observers
An appendix that includes several lists:
· 88 constellations
· solar system data for both the sun & planets
· 30 brightest stars
· 10 variable stars to be observed with the "un-aided eye"
· 10 nearest "unaided-eye" stars
A user friendly format intended for use outdoors:
· star maps that fold out
· a binding that allows the book to lie flat
· space to record observing notes at the end