88 replies to this topic

[Fiske]

Okay, here's the challenge, what are your top 10 astronomy books? What do you use the most? No atlases, please. Anyone here with an opinion on THAT subject has probably already expressed it. :-)

Here's my list of 10 (not necessarily in order).

1. Sky Atlas 2000 Companion by Robert Strong -- a must have if you use the Sky Atlas 2000.

2. Nature Company Skywatching -- best constellation guide.

3. Night Sky Observers Guide -- observing plans for the rest of you life.

4. Binocular Astronomy, Crossen/Tirion. Bino must-have.

5. Leslie Peltier's Starlight Nights -- what amateur astronomy is all about.

6. Stephen O'Meara's Messier Companions -- what visual observation is all about.

7. Star-Hopping for Backyard Astronomers by Alan MacRoberts -- the difinitive starhopping guide.

8. Burnham's Celestial Handbook -- still essential.

9. The Modern Moon: A Personal View by Charles A. Wood. -- a tome to test the convictions of the most ardent deepsky observer. Fascinating.

10. Cambridge Illustrated History of Astronomy -- Out of print, unfortunately, and hard to come by on the used market, but hands-down the best thing available on the topic. Sound boring? Check it out from your local library...

[Tom L]

I have #6 and #8...please send me the rest!

I'm very interested in learning about #1, 2 and 3...

[Fiske]

Tom:

The Sky Atlas 2000 Companion (which costs about $24.95 in softcover format) provides info about every DSO included in the atlas. All the objects are listed alphabetically so you can look up any particular object in a heartbeat. Each item generally includes a short paragraph about it, along with basic statistics like RA/Dec, magnitude, size object type, etc. It also cross-references objects by their popular names. So if you're using Sky Commander, or something, and can't think of the NGC number for the Little Gem nebula, this book has the answer.

Robert Strong is an interesting fellow. He started the project as a way to answer people's questions at public star parties. A few years ago Al Nagler hired him (I think as an operations manager or something) to work at Tele Vue.

The book was originally self-published, but became so popular that Sky Publishing picked it up. It's hard to go wrong with this one.

You can get the Nature Company Skywatching Guide from Sam's Club, half-price books, Barnes & Noble, or Borders in the bargin book section for less than 10 bucks. It's got the best constellation identification maps I've seen -- really helpful in identifying constellations. Each one also includes highlight objects with a bit of info about each. The guide also includes all sorts of basic information about astronomy.

The Night Sky Observer's Guide is a two volume set compiled from several years of a famous hobby newsletter that was published in the 1980's (I think). All kinds of amateurs contributed astrophotos, drawings, and observations. These were compiled by constellation. It is sort of intended as the ultimate deepsky guide for large aperture scopes, but there is plenty for smaller scopes too.

Constellations are broken into smaller segments (sort of windows in space), any one of which makes a full-night's observing plan. Will-Bell has some info on them at this page: http://www.willbell....OOK/nitesky.htm, here's an observing plan site based on the NSOG: http://www.ilangainc...nner/NSOG.html. Just do a google search on the title -- it's amazing what comes up.

[jmoore]

I don't have 10 books yet, but I've been thoroughly enjoying:

1. Night Sky Observer's Guide (two volume set)

2. Binocular astronomy (great, whether you use binos or not...lots of general info about constellations, stars, and DSOs...and objects discussed make even better small-scope targets than they do binocular targets)

3. Backyard Astronomer's guide...a must have for everyone

4. Atlas of the Universe (Cambridge publication, I think, by Sir Patrick Moore...nice reference for general astronomy info...history of space program, solar system info, star birth/death, etc etc...almost encyclopedia-like...well, it's an "atlas" afterall...with amazing photos).

Thanks for the list, Fiske. Stuff to put on my xmas list for next year.

[dc2861]

1. Backyard Astonomers Guide

2. Peterson Field Guides - Stars and Planets

3. Turn Left at Orion

4. Deep Sky Companions - Messier Objects

5. Deep Sky Companions - Caldwell Objects

6. Astronomy Today

7. Norton's Sky Atlas and Reference Book

8. Sky Atlas 2000.0

9. The Cambridge Star Atlas

10. Anything by Micheal Covington
(Astrophotography for the Ametuer)
(How to use a Computerized Telescope)
(Celestial Objects for Modern Telescopes) ...just to name a few.

I have a few more. Those just happen to be on the nightstand at the momment.

[Tim2723]

1. Geology of the Moon, T.A. Mutch
2. A Portfolio of Lunar Drawings, Hill
3. Observing the Moon, Peter Wlasuk (NOT Gerald North!)
4. The Modern Moon - A Personal View, C.A. Wood
5. The Once and Future Moon, P. Spudis
6. Mapping and Naming the Moon, Whiticker
7. Epic Moon, Sheehan & Dobbins
8. The Moon Observer's Handbook, Price
9. The Moon and the Western Imagination, Montgomery
10.The Big Splat or How Our Moon Came to Be, Dana Mackenzie

I dunno, maybe I need to expand my interests? Nah!!

:rollgrin:

[Fiske]

Darren:

I think someone missed the caveat about not including atlases!

Still, a fine list. I thought about including both O'Meara's books, but felt that was a bit idolatrous. And Turn Left as Orion is really outstanding. One of the first astronomy books I got. It helped me find objects when I was getting started out, and also helped me appreciate what I was seeing. I frequently recommend it to newcomers seeking good books.

[Fiske]

Tim:

An interesting list. Do you ever do any lunar observing?

The Hill Portfolio and the Big Splat are both high on my to-buy lists. I stumbled across the Mutch Geology for about 10 bucks in a used bookstore in Denver (a banner bookhunting day). Picked up Whitaker's Mapping and Naming at Half-Price for a song, and got Wood's Modern Moon and the Sheehan/Dobbins Epic Moon as Christmas gifts from my wife.

What's your issue with Gerald N? Is it a TLP thing?

[Fiske]

Jeff:

I'm not familiar with Burnham's personal story. What's the deal?

[Tim2723]

Yea, I know my list is a little one-sided, but the moon has always been and probably will always be my first love in astronomy. I actually do read other topics though.

I also got most of my library from discount and used dealers (often, there’s no better choice). When a newcomer asks whether the 12” Dobsonian or the 8” goto SCT is his best first choice, I often tell him that paper and ink should be the beginner’s first investment.

I’m not a big fan of Gerald North’s work for two reasons. He has an annoying habit of whining about how much more he could say if his publisher had only given him more space. At 397 pages, Observing the Moon is the most ponderous tome on the list, yet he begins his lament over space in the preface! If he simply said what he wanted to, he could have gained twenty pages for real information! He also evades direct answers to questions on some critical topics by referring the reader to his other books. If I shell out $40 for an authoritative reference, I expect information, even if it‘s redundant. Don’t tell me I’ve bought the wrong book and have to spend even more!

North offers a section on transient lunar phenomena, as do most of the guidebooks, and his is no better or worse. I won’t start a TLP argument on this forum (or any other for that matter). Although I’m not a TLP observer, I feel that anything that gets someone interested and looking through a telescope is a good thing.

Tim

[dc2861]

Darren:

I think someone missed the caveat about not including atlases!

Still, a fine list. I thought about including both O'Meara's books, but felt that was a bit idolatrous. And Turn Left as Orion is really outstanding. One of the first astronomy books I got. It helped me find objects when I was getting started out, and also helped me appreciate what I was seeing. I frequently recommend it to newcomers seeking good books.

I should have read the fine print.

Yeah Turn Left at Orion is probably my favorite.

[Fiske]

Tim:

I started out reviling the moon -- the whole DSO thing. But somewhere along the line I started reading about it and doing a little looking and reading some more and looking some more. I do lunar observing any chance I get now.

I've never worried too much about the TLP thing. Maybe there's something to it, maybe not. I think people that get into watching for transient phenomena have a good time. That's the important thing.

I have North's book. Two of them actually -- I also have his Advanced Amateur Astronomy. The thing I like most about his book are the detailed lunar drawings and some of the analysis he provides. He is a bit of a whiner. That's the nice thing about books, though, you can just skip the irritating parts.

[EdZ]

Two of my lists are published over on the CN Book Reviews articles, one culled down for beginner's books.

Interestingly, Sky Atlas 2000 Companion, is one of my leave it on the shelf recommendations for it's disorganized presentation, and Turn Left at Orion is another one of my you can do better than this books, due to it's lack of orientation charts. It does have nice sketches.

My Picks

Just Starting – The Monthly Sky Guide, Ian Ridpath. Excellent organization, presentation monthly allows time to work on a few objects and digest what you've learned. A Good Start!

For beginner's/novices I like DK Stars and Planets, by Ian Ridpath. This is one of the books I give as a handout at school presentations. Another is Constellation Guidebook, Anton Rukl. Good Choices!

For Visual Impact science – The Reader’s Digest Children’s Atlas of the Universe by Robert Burnham (Magazine Editor, not Burnhams' Celestial Handbook author). This coffee table sized book is impressize for young to middle age children and even adults. Outstanding!

Another Visual Impact top choice is The Great Atlas of The Stars, Serge Brunier / Akira Fujii. The page turnable acetate overlays with constellation lines and star names really help people to see the constellations. Stunning!

DSO References
Observing Handbook and Catalogue of Deep-Sky Objects, by Skiff and Luginbuhl. Has Deep Sky Objects only, listed by NGC# within constellation. Has a good selection of objects but many more are not listed. Pretty Good!
and
Sky Catalogue 2000.0 Volume II DSO's, Variables and Doubles, by Alan Hirshfield & Roger Sinnott. This is a real yellow pages to the universe. Lists data for all types of objects, including detailed sections on double stars and visual binaries. Not a text description type book, just reams of data. You can find anything in this book. Indispensible!

General Info
The Backyard Astronomer’s Guide, Terrence Dickinson & Alan Dyer. This is not a constellation guidebook. It is a guidebook to all the things you could learn about astronomy that will make your experience a little easier and a little better. Observing advice given in this book should be considered necessary reading. Grow with it. Definitely a plus!

Others on my recommended list

Easier reading
Binocular Astronomy, by Crossen and Tirion
Deep Sky Companions, O’Meara/Levy,
Burnham’s Celestial Handbook Volumes 1,2,3, Burnham,
Find the Constellations, by H.A. Rey
Cambridge Guide to The Stars And Planets, Patrick Moore / Wil Tirion
Skywatching, David Levy
Nightwatch A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe, Terrance Dickinson

Technical reading
Telescope Optics : Complete Manual for Amateur Astronomers by Routen and Van Rooj
Amateur Astronomer’s Handbook, by Sidgwick
Star Testing Astronomical Telescopes by Suiter
Telescopes and Techniques by Kitchin (easier)
The Cambridge Atlas of Astronomy
Visual Astronomy of the Deep Sky by Roger Clark (don't own this one, been trying)

Sorry couldn't narrow it down to 10. To many, maybe 10 kids books, 10 technical books, 10 DSO books etc. I've left out a whole bunch (like NSOG and Covington's books).

edz

[Fiske]

Ed:

I'm not quite sure how to evaluate your input on my BPI -- Book Performance Index.

And it figures we would have diametrically opposing views on at least a couple of books. I'm starting to see a pattern here...

[Tom L]

Does anyone have the book "Math for Astronomer's" (or something like that) and do you find it useful? I saw one at Powell's Used Books the other day and wish I had picked it up.

[Tim2723]

I know of two: "Mathematical Astronomy Morsels" and "More Mathematical Morsels", both by Jean Meeus (of "Astronomical Tables for the Sun, Moon and Planets" fame). Are these what you are thinking of?

[EdZ]

Funny isn't it.

You should go check out my 2003 book reviews. These differences existed long before you asked the question.

edz

[Fiske]

Ed:

I will check out your 2003 book reviews. I wasn't trying to suggest that you were being argumentative. I really do think we tend to have contrary points of view. It has become amusing to me.

Actually, I'm not a big fan of the Cambridge atlas. I had a copy for years and finally traded it off at a used bookstore. I didn't like it because although it includes plenty of DSOs, it only goes down to 6 mag or so, and doesn't include enough stars to reliably starhop. In addition, adjoining maps are not indicated at the map edges, which seems to me a pretty foolish oversight.

I traded off my copy of NightWatch at the same time. I think it has some nice overviews, but found that I rarely used it. I didn't care for the maps in it at all.

What's your opinion on the latest edition of the Uranometria, BTW?

[EdZ]

Your right we do have a different view point.

Although I couldn't keep it to 10, I did however stick to not mentioning charts.

The Cambridge Atlas of Astronomy is a 500 page glossy paged oversized coffee table book. No star charts. But does have solar system orbits, cut-aways and near galaxy maps. Chock full of info on every planet and detailed info on every moon known at the time and all other solar system bodies. Several pages just explaining Saturn's Rings. Incredible photos. Albiedo listed for every solar system object. Explanations and detailed info on the make-up of stars and galaxies. Herzprung Russel diagrams explained in detail in the Star evolution chapter. Really it's like a library encyclopedia reference book. I probaly will not be able to read every page in this book in my lifetime. Print size provides the equivalent of 3-4 pages of info, plus pictures, on every page.

OK now I'll talk charts
I do own the Cambridge Star Atlas. Mag 6, nice list of info on adjacent page, good atlas for a beginner, not for the seasoned observer.

I have the previous edition of Uranometria. Incredible amount of detail on the charts, but extremely difficult to use because scale is so large. I use it for finding detail in small spots. I understand they corrected the left right placement on pages in the latest edition and ?added color. That would make it much easier to use. I prefer SA2k Dlx for regular use and NSOG for some finders. But remember, my big scope is 6".

edz

[Tom L]

I know of two: "Mathematical Astronomy Morsels" and "More Mathematical Morsels", both by Jean Meeus (of "Astronomical Tables for the Sun, Moon and Planets" fame). Are these what you are thinking of?

Thanks, I'll check them out...those aren't the ones I'm thinking of though...

[wilash]

Here are a few of my favorites that have not been mentioned. The first two have more to do with our place in the universe and cosmology, but very interesting.

The Soul of the Night - Chet Raymo
The Life of the Cosmos - Smolin
The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the Sun - Lang
National Audubon Field Guide to the Night Sky - Chartrand

Unfortunately there are no really good books on the subject of astrophotography, but the two following titles do more good than harm:

Wide-Field Astrophotography - Robert Reeves
Astrophotography for the Amateur - Covington

For someone starting out:

Star Ware - Harrington
365 Starry Nights - Raymo (This is like a compact Burnham's Celestial Handbook.)
Universe - Roger Freeman, William Kaufman (It is a textbook. It does treat its audiance as stupid from time to time, but covers just about everything. It includes observing exercises as well as a copy of Starry Night planetarium software.)

For those in the north:

The Aurora Watcher's Handbook (Covers most of what you want to know about the Northern Lights, although it can be a little dry.)

[Fiske]

I enjoy Chet Raymo's books a lot. 365 Starry Nights definitely deserves consideration on top 10 lists. I purchased Raymo's Soul of the Night last year and have enjoyed that as well.

I have both the Reeves and Covington Astrophotography guides. I like the Reeves guide very much, but have been less impressed with the Covington guide. His book seems quite long on formulas and film statistics and a bit short on practical how-to.

Oh, I will say that Ron Wodaski's New CCD Astronomy is outstanding.

I'm not sure if I have the Smolin title or not. It *sounds* familiar. I have a tendency to pick up interesting astronomy books when I find them at Half-price or other used book stores at a good price. Needless to say, I have a considerable backlog of to-read titles. The Smolin might be in there. I'll have to check.

Right now I'm reading Rocky Kolb's Blind Watchers of the Skies (because he's coming to KC to speak later this month). I read part of it while doing some research on the history of astronomy earlier this year. It is fabulous -- cogent and interesting presentations of many complicated subjects combined with all sorts of human interest stories (including some pretty salacious bits!) about great figures in the history of astronomy. I'm really looking forward to Kolb's lecture. I hear he's outstanding.