16 replies to this topic

[asaint]

Deep Sky Companions

[miniventures]

Well written, Tom. This was a good read. I know that Steve O'Meara would smile if he reads the last part of your last sentence.

if you imagine this book as a long conversation with an observing buddy, it's impossible not to see him grinning as he speaks.

I have a hunch that is EXACTLY what he is looking for in this series. Oh, and if you EVER get the chance to obseerve with O'Meara, do. I've done it and he's an amazing teacher!

[RAKing]

This is a very well done review.

I have all three of the books in this series and have enjoyed them a lot. Stephen O'Meara writes in a very pleasant colloquial style and I can easily imagine him sitting next to me, explaining the objects to me as we survey the sky together.

Thanks,

Ron

[mcoren]

Good review. Thanks.

[SkyscraperJim]

Nice review. I have all three volumes of Deep Sky Companions and enjoy them quite a bit. The writing style is really well done.

I do agree also that these are definitely not field guides, but rather a field prep guide. I'll usually read about the objects in the area I want to observe first, then make my list to take out to the field.

And given that many of the objects are very low in the summer sky, and given how few clear nights we get to see that part of the sky, I can say that I'll be enjoying Hidden Treasures for years to come.

[ArizonaScott]

Excellent review, Tom! I'll add this one to my wish list. As with the previous two, it'll give me reading pleasure on cloudy nights.

[WadeVC]

Tom,

Very nice review indeed. Although I do not have any of the books in this series, your review has prompted me to add 3 more books to my bookshelf.

[desertstars]

Thanks for the comments, folks.

Larry, you are to be envied. I'll bet that was a memorable experience, indeed!

[o1d_dude]

I purchased Hidden Treasures some time ago when Amazon was running it at ridiculously low sale price.

It's well worth the list price and being able to obtain it at a fire sale price only made it sweeter.

[desertstars]

That's how I came to own mine. I was going to put it on a "wish list" when someone came to Stellar Media and posted that Amazon had it on sale.

Now that I've read it, I can't see how anyone would be displeased with what they got for the full price.

[goober]

Nice review. I've read the book a couple of times and though the pirate thing was a bit overdone All three books are excellent, though. I enjoy thumbing through them after an observing session, and comparing notes against the master!

[deepsky]

Tom-great review!

I've had the book for awhile now and what I like is that O'Meara field tested his observations with a 4"- so the list can be used by a small to mid aperture scope- say a 6"-8" scope by us mortals. Contrast that with the Caldwell List which in some cases realistically requires a larger aperture.

What I could have done without was the large space he devoted for his Field star charts. I'll bet most folks
buying this book already have a decent star atlas for tracking down fuzzy quarry.

A minor quibble though- I really like the book!

[desertstars]

What I could have done without was the large space he devoted for his Field star charts. I'll bet most folks
buying this book already have a decent star atlas for tracking down fuzzy quarry.

That's one of the few features of the book that prompted a lukewarm reaction for me. And as I pointed out in the review, the only way I use the charts in the book is to orient myself on the relevent atlas page when the NGC designation doesn't leap out at me. And if you've ever seen a Herald-Bobroff Astroatlas, you'd understand why this sometimes happens.

Glad you enjoyed the review.

[bwilson]

Tom, Appreciated your comments about the biography of Caroline Herschel in Hidden Treasures.
And yes, there is much more, requiring an entire book.

Within the limited space I had, my intent was that indeed her story would interest people to learn more about this first professional woman astronomer.

[desertstars]

Dare we hope you are working on such a book?

[kfred]

Thank you for the excellent review.

Fred

[desertstars]

Glad you liked it!