RASC Beginning Observer's Hanbook
We are now accepting ADVANCE ORDERS for the RASC Beginning Observer's Handbook.
Orders will not be shipped until late December! After December, we will continue to have this item in stock.
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