Javascript Disabled Detected

You currently have javascript disabled. Several functions may not work. Please re-enable javascript to access full functionality.

CNers have asked about a donation box for Cloudy Nights over the years, so here you go. Donation is not required by any means, so please enjoy your stay.

A Couple of Awesome Books I Came Across

Started by UrbanAstronomer , Jul 01 2024 05:04 AM

Next

Please log in to reply

38 replies to this topic

#1 UrbanAstronomer

Lift Off

topic starter

Posts: 1
Joined: 23 Oct 2023

Posted 01 July 2024 - 05:04 AM

I like this book so much, I bought a spiral bound printed copy as well as the electronic version. After all, the electronic version is only $6.50 and you can print out whichever page covering whichever constellation that you’ll be focusing on for the evening's observing session.

Click here to view the article

Dave Mitsky, therealdmt and Goldengirl52 like this

Back to top

#2 HorseBadorties

Explorer 1

Posts: 56
Joined: 02 Oct 2023
Loc: Philadelphia Burbs

Posted 01 July 2024 - 06:19 AM

Nice write-up, but your hyperlinks point to Gmail. I don't think that's what you intended.

Urban Observer, therealdmt, area51x and 2 others like this

Back to top

#3 therealdmt

Skylab

Posts: 4,057
Joined: 05 Mar 2015
Loc: 33° N

Posted 01 July 2024 - 07:11 AM

Yep, re-check your hyperlinks.

Anyways, glad you found an observing guide and especially a sketch book that suits you. The sketch book does look good…

Urban Observer likes this

Back to top

#4 HorseBadorties

Explorer 1

Posts: 56
Joined: 02 Oct 2023
Loc: Philadelphia Burbs

Posted 01 July 2024 - 04:50 PM

Follow-up: Here are the correct URLs.

The books: https://www.birrende....com/astro.html
Al's blog: https://urbanastronomy.blogspot.com/

-Bob

Urban Observer, Knasal and therealdmt like this

Back to top

#5 careysub

Soyuz

Posts: 3,539
Joined: 18 Feb 2011
Loc: Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Posted 01 July 2024 - 09:09 PM

I agree. The Objects in the Heavens is the most useful guide book for actually observing that I have found and I have dozens and dozens of guides.

Birren and fdboucher like this

Back to top

#6 SamCC

Sputnik

Posts: 40
Joined: 24 Aug 2020

Posted 02 July 2024 - 08:00 PM

This is my go-to book, I find it indispensable when I go out viewing. I contacted Peter directly for both my versions. He even autographed them.

[proxima] and Birren like this

Back to top

#7 mountain monk

Skylab

Posts: 4,236
Joined: 06 Nov 2009
Loc: Jackson, Wyoming

Posted 03 July 2024 - 01:57 PM

Yes, a great little book. Small, with a ton of useful information. With my G&G setup I find it along with the Jumbo Edition of the Pocket Sky Atlas to be all I need for a night of observing.

Dark skies.

Jack

Birren and Knasal like this

Back to top

#8 Knasal

Gemini

Posts: 3,291
Joined: 15 Sep 2014
Loc: Wisconsin, USA

Posted 03 July 2024 - 08:52 PM

Purchased both for the bundle price. Thank you!

Kevin

Birren likes this

Back to top

#9 Astrolog

Explorer 1

Posts: 52
Joined: 10 Mar 2019
Loc: Missouri USA

Posted 04 July 2024 - 01:54 PM

I was so glad to read this review of Objects in the Heavens here and I concur with many of the points made.
It is a gem of a resource for the observer and I keep it at close at hand during my observing sessions.

Birren likes this

Back to top

#10 Dave Mitsky

ISS

Posts: 122,823
Joined: 08 Apr 2002
Loc: PA, USA, North America, Planet Earth

Posted 04 July 2024 - 05:07 PM

I keep a copy of Objects in the Heavens in a briefcase with a number of my other smaller atlases, guidebooks, and other reference materials.

The Observer's Sky Atlas: With 50 Star Charts Covering the Entire Sky by Erich Karkoschka is a similar book.

Birren, careysub and Knasal like this

Back to top

#11 srpirolt

Sputnik

Posts: 27
Joined: 28 Apr 2020
Loc: Denver, CO

Posted 05 July 2024 - 12:13 PM

Thank you for the review. I also ordered the bundle from Peter.

Birren and Knasal like this

Back to top

#12 Latetothestarparty

Explorer 1

Posts: 66
Joined: 05 Dec 2022
Loc: Denham Springs, La

Posted 06 July 2024 - 08:19 PM

I just ordered one, thanks, K

Birren likes this

Back to top

#13 Birren

Lift Off

Posts: 17
Joined: 10 Nov 2008
Loc: SE Kentucky

Posted 07 July 2024 - 01:28 PM

Thanks, Al! So happy to read of your satisfaction with both books. I started the OITH project more than 20 years ago as a way of teaching myself about astronomy and it's taken on quite the life of its own. Thank you all for the kind comments.

Special Ed, KidOrion, mountain monk and 7 others like this

Back to top

#14 Jehujones

Gemini

Posts: 3,196
Joined: 07 Nov 2021
Loc: Simi Valley, CA.

Posted 07 July 2024 - 09:17 PM

Favorite eyepiece reference. Excellent.

Birren and Knasal like this

Back to top

#15 Meteorseeker

Sputnik

Posts: 34
Joined: 23 Oct 2017
Loc: N. Las Vegas, NV

Posted 08 July 2024 - 12:42 AM

Nice review. I ordered mine just now. Thank you.

Clear Skies, Jason.

Birren and Jehujones like this

Back to top

#16 Craig H

Viking 1

Posts: 596
Joined: 08 Apr 2009
Loc: Portland, OR

Posted 08 July 2024 - 08:52 PM

Al, thanks for pointing these books out. Peter, take my money!!!

Clear skies!

Craig.

Birren and Jehujones like this

Back to top

#17 Birren

Lift Off

Posts: 17
Joined: 10 Nov 2008
Loc: SE Kentucky

Posted 08 July 2024 - 09:41 PM

Back to top

#18 careysub

Soyuz

Posts: 3,539
Joined: 18 Feb 2011
Loc: Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Posted 12 July 2024 - 08:36 AM

Duh, some how I failed to notice the first post about the Gmail links.

Knasal likes this

Back to top

#19 Birren

Lift Off

Posts: 17
Joined: 10 Nov 2008
Loc: SE Kentucky

Posted 12 July 2024 - 09:22 AM

Hi, Carey. Please go to www.birrendesign.com/astro.html. I'll be glad to help.

Back to top

#20 Goldengirl52

Viking 1

Posts: 747
Joined: 05 Jul 2020
Loc: Crescent City, CA

Posted 12 July 2024 - 02:45 PM

I like this book so much, I bought a spiral bound printed copy as well as the electronic version. After all, the electronic version is only $6.50 and you can print out whichever page covering whichever constellation that you’ll be focusing on for the evening's observing session.

Click here to view the article

I think I'll look into my Kindle Store for a copy. I can't sketch worth a darn, but I could print out copies and see if I have any luck spotting a constellation thanks much for sharing your find

Back to top

#21 dawnpatrol

Viking 1

Posts: 690
Joined: 22 Apr 2009
Loc: SEPA

Posted 13 July 2024 - 08:36 AM

Thank you for doing the review. I love a good atlas/guidebook that's convenient to take into the field (ie spiral bound/lay flat) so I went ahead and ordered the bundle. Thanks Peter.

Birren likes this

Back to top

#22 Maggie V

Lift Off

Posts: 1
Joined: 20 Apr 2024
Loc: Rio Rancho, NM

Posted 14 July 2024 - 10:17 AM

I recently bought this book and love it. I'm a newbie with a small telescope and the book highlights those objects that are visible in my scope and more light polluted conditions. It makes it easy to plan a productive evening of observing.

Birren, Knasal and HorseBadorties like this

Back to top

#23 careysub

Soyuz

Posts: 3,539
Joined: 18 Feb 2011
Loc: Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Posted 14 July 2024 - 05:24 PM

The Observer's Sky Atlas: With 50 Star Charts Covering the Entire Sky by Erich Karkoschka is a similar book.

That is true, but the plastic comb binding used by OITH, which lies flat and open, is a significant factor in making it superior as a guide you use in the field.

Alvin Huey, Birren, Jehujones and 1 other like this

Back to top

#24 HorseBadorties

Explorer 1

Posts: 56
Joined: 02 Oct 2023
Loc: Philadelphia Burbs

Posted 15 July 2024 - 02:18 PM

That is true, but the plastic comb binding used by OITH, which lies flat and open, is a significant factor in making it superior as a guide you use in the field.

My copy has a spiral binding, which I think is better than a comb. With a spiral binding, you can neatly fold the book over to a single page, as well as a 2-page spread. You can compare these bindings here.