Product Description
With 250,000 copies in print since its initial publication in 1983, NightWatch has become a standard reference guide for stargazers throughout North America.
The new Third Edition expands on that success with a completely revised and updated text, more than 100 new color photos and diagrams and 16 additional pages that cover such! new astronomical pursuits as computerized telescopes, reviews of new telescope designs and accessories, and astronomy on the Internet.
All charts, tables and diagrams have been updated and, in some cases, redesigned for easier use. Improved spacecraft measurements of the distances to the stars (recently released by the European Space Agency) are included in the charts, along with additional observing tips for stargazers using binoculars and telescopes. An expanded chapter on Astrophotography lists the best modern films and cameras for skyshooting.
The new NightWatch is faithful to the “ultra-simplified, no jargon” philosophy of the original, and at the same time, offers substantially more practical information for the novice and intermediate-level amateur astronomer. The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada called the first edition “the best of its kind”- the new Third Edition is better still. It is still an abundantly illustrated, wide-sized volume designed for easy reference during many starlit nights.
Amazon.com Review
The third edition of Nightwatch continues its tradition of being the best handbook for the beginning astronomer. Terence Dickinson covers all the problems beginners face, starting with the fact that the night sky does not look the way a modern city-dweller expects. He discusses light pollution, how to choose binoculars and telescopes, how to pronounce the names of stars and constellations, telescope mounts, averted vision, and why the harvest moon looks especially bright. Most of the lovely photographs in the book were taken by amateurs, which gives the section on astrophotography a particularly inspirational gleam.
Dickinson’s star charts are very handy, each covering a reasonable field of view and mapping the most interesting amateur objects. He gives good advice for planet watching, which he notes “is one of the few astronomical activities that can be conducted almost as well from the city as from dark rural locations.”
Altogether, the watchword for Nightwatch is indeed “practical”–this is a book to be used, not just read. Spiral-bound to lie flat or to fold back undamaged, it’s a field guide that pulls its own weight in the field. Author Timothy Ferris says, “Like a good night sky, Nightwatch is clear and wind-free. Try it and see for yourself.” –Mary Ellen Curtin
Nightwatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
When the book arrived, I could tell that it had seen rough travel. The spine of the book is made of a spiral wire which had been flattened. Therefore, the pages do not turn easily and tear at the point where the wire fits through the page. Now, the front of the book is ripped away from the pages. I believe that the book has been stacked with too much weight on top of it and the wire spiral spine was crushed, or flattened, to the point that my book was damaged. I had this book years ago and it was water-damaged, so I was replacing it. Now, I feel that I must replace it again.
The item arrived in condition as described and it got to me fast
I gave this book to two NERDY boys. One [11] wants to be a race car designer, and one [16] wants to be an engineer . . . along with two telescopes.
These boys [and their parents] were really happy.
The book is so rich in illlustrations and a great gift for kids that love SPACE stories like Star Wars and Star Trek.
This is another one of Terence Dickinsons “backyard astronomy” books that is somewhat better than others of this particular “genre”, but suffers by a somewhat superficial treatment of the practical aspects of the subject. The primary reason I purchased the book was for the 20 very good star charts contained. It was not until I started using these charts that I realized that many important Messier objects were not included!
Although the pictures are wonderful , and very attractive , I buy books of this type for information–not to “sell me” on being an amateur astronomer. I don’t need “cheerleading”. There are other books available that offer somewhat more information than this one–so 4 stars (more like 3.5 stars).
An absolutely wonderful book; however, the numerous printing imperfections encountered (odd smudges, smears, and stains) have significantly detracted from the reading experience.
The book states that it was printed in China and it shows–really bad for a new book.
Perhaps whoever printed the book thought that one would be reading it mainly in the dark and would not notice the blemishes.
A five-star rating for content and 0-stars for print quality equals 3 stars total (more of less).
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