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Recent Reviews

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Observing Books Archives

Observing Handbook and Catalogue of Deep-Sky Objects

Apr 02 2010 10:01 AM | Feidb in Observing Books

I'm a hard-core observer and love nothing better than a good reference book with information that is relevant to my goals. Since my friend Roger and I started an Observer's Challenge with the

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Author name: Fred Rayworth

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Atlas of the Messier Objects: Highlights of the Deep Sky

Mar 19 2010 06:10 AM | desertstars in Observing Books

My first thought when I picked the book up was that this was going to be some heavy reading. Literally. The book weighs over five pounds and measures 12 inches by 10 inches, weight and proportions combining to make the book somewhat awkward to holding while reading. This is not a book to

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Author name: Thomas Watson

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Cambridge Double Star Atlas

Jan 06 2010 07:08 AM | Feidb in Observing Books

The book is well organized, has listings for over 2000 double stars, and includes all the Struve numbers. Every double star listed is highlighted in green on the specialized

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Author name: Fred Rayworth

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Two Guides to Observing Deep Space Objects - Book Reviews

Jan 06 2010 06:52 AM | dwright in Observing Books

I've been using the two books in this review (along with other references) to track down open clusters and other prey suitable for binoculars and small refractor while figuring out what to get for a

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Author name: David Wright

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The Backyard Astronomer’s Guide - Book Review

Dec 28 2009 08:56 AM | Guest in Observing Books

I have had several false starts with the hobby, mostly due to a lack of knowledge on my part of what is proper gear and what are realistic expectations

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Author name: Alan Hawkins

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The Next Step, The Messier Objects, Atlas of the Messier Objects - Book Reviews

Dec 23 2009 09:08 AM | PhilDurt in Observing Books

I know that in the Northern Hemisphere, Messier objects are wonderful sights to observe with the naked eye, binoculars, and telescopes. What is the ultimate book to help me get the most out of observing Messier objects?

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Author name: Wayne Hardenberg

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Turn Left at Orion: A hundred night sky objects to see in a small telescope–and how to find them...

Dec 22 2009 11:01 AM | havira in Observing Books

The authors introduce beginners to the night sky; celestial motion, constellations, and the various objects one can expect to see with a modest telescope

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Author name: Robert Havira

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Sky and Telescope’s Pocket Sky Atlas - Book Review

Dec 22 2009 10:57 AM | havira in Observing Books

It shows stars to magnitude 7.6 which includes all stars visible in a modest finderscope. There are 80 charts on facing pages each pair covering

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Author name: Robert Havira

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Backyard Astronomer's Guide, Third Edition - Book Review

Dec 22 2009 09:29 AM | Guest in Observing Books

As many a new astronomer might aspire, astrophotograhy is one of the reasons for jumping into the field of astronomy. The sheer magnitude

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Author name: Jordan McCullough

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Herschel 400 Observing Guide - Book Review

Dec 18 2009 12:15 PM | Scott Holland in Observing Books

For many of the goals (lists) that you set, a good observing guide can be a great help. Observing guides for amateur astronomers have been popular since

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Author name: Scott Holland

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Complete Guide to Stargazing - Brook Review

Dec 16 2009 09:47 AM | zachattic in Observing Books

Hello, I am pretty new to astronomy, my brother recently showed me this website, which is priceless for anyone just getting started or someone who just can't decide on their next purchase

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Author name: Zachary Gowen

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Herschel 400 Observing Guide - Book Review

Dec 16 2009 08:39 AM | JayinUT in Observing Books

Stephen O’Meara describes his observing site and the telescope he used to make all of his observations. One of the most helpful sections for someone who is new to the hobby or who has gone through the Messier list of objects is

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Author name: Jay Eads

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The Backyard Astronomers Guide - Book Review

Dec 15 2009 10:17 AM | johnww in Observing Books

The book is a very useful in-depth guide to astronomy for beginners and enthusiasts. The book is in full colour with a hardback cover and 370 pages. The contents are divided into three main parts

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Author name: John Wilkinson

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Objects in the Heavens - Book Review

Dec 11 2009 07:07 AM | Ragaisis in Observing Books

Clouds move around, you sweep the sky, and suddenly you’re looking at a different area of the sky than you originally intended. But what do you look at? You just need that gentle nudge in the right direction without a lot of fuss

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Author name: Chris Ivanovich

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