The Observer's Sky Atlas: With 50 Star Charts Covering the Entire Sky
by E. Karkoschka
Book Summary Information
Author: E. KarkoschkaEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2007-09-05
ISBN: 0387485376
Number of pages: 165
Publisher: Springer
Product features:
- ISBN13: 9780387485379
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
- Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices
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Book Reviews of The Observer's Sky Atlas: With 50 Star Charts Covering the Entire Sky
Book Review: A jewel for small telescope owners
Summary: 5 Stars
I've been an active observer for years. My telescopes have been large instruments requiring some planning and setup. For this reason, I typically do little observing during nights when there is a partial moon out. I've decided to do some observing with a small 80mm telescope. It's easy to move outside and set up within a minute and it's no big deal if I only have a few minutes to observe.
It turns out that what I had in the way of a star atlas was not terribly suited for my new endeavor. My atlases are all geared for deep space observing with big reflectors. They are well worn and tattered and I know from experience that although I have loved them to death, I will learn to hate them if I attempt an observing program with an 80mm telescope.
So..... during the past few weeks, I've been looking for the perfect reference material. A friend of mine turned me on to "The Observer's Sky Atlas" by E. Karkoschka. I briefly looked through his and decided immediately that I "needed" one. I've used many of the other atlases geared towards small telescpes but I've decided that this one will be my new companion over the next few months.
My grab and go observing will be just that... grab and go. I wanted a volume that fits that bill. The atlas is a small paperback about 6 x 8 inches. Within it's pages you'll find 250 deep space wonders along with 250 double stars complete with pictures and easy to use reference charts.
Each set of pages includes a table of interesting objects to see on the left side and a chart on the right. The table lists the objects of interest, along with pertinent data. There's your mix of deep space objects, open clusters, binary stars, and standard stars. Refractors are very nice for just looking at your standard stars you know. You got your big ones, your blue ones, your red ones.... There are two additional pieces of data that this volume provides lacking in so many other references. The first is the estimated distance in light years. I love this! The other is a guide to help you determine the difficulty in seeing the object shown by a die (as in dice). A six is super easy, a one will be more challenging.
Near the back of the book are black and white photos of all 250 deep space objects in the guide. This is really nice for your daytime aspects of your observing program or to tease out what you think you see as you compare it to the photograph.
At the back of the book is a full sky chart showing all of the constellations and a key to help you zoom in on the individual charts in the book.
I am sure that all objects in the book are observable in an 80mm scope and that is why I so heartily recommend this book. This is also a volume that I can highly recommend for budding astronomers. I see little mention of it in observing circles but it is a true little jewel. Get it!
Michelle
Summary of The Observer's Sky Atlas: With 50 Star Charts Covering the Entire Sky
The Observer's Sky Atlas contains star charts and information for all those who observe the night sky with unaided eyes, with binoculars, or with small telescopes, and also for those who just wish to look at constellations and interesting objects. Equally useful for the beginning observer and the old hand, the atlas presents:
- A short introduction into observing the sky and a thorough description of the star charts and tables
- Clearly arranged charts of all the stars (up to 6th magnitude) visible with the unaided eye
- Enlarged chart sections (including all stars to magnitude 9) for binocular observation, highlighting 250 interesting nebulae, galaxies, and stellar clusters;
This new third edition features:
- 32 additional pages with images of all the 250 nebulae covered in the atlas
- An updated calendar for the next 20 years
- Double star ephemerides from 2005-2020, including updated tables accompanying star charts
- Updated minima/maxima of variable stars according to recent observations
- Updated data where new measurements have proven more reliable than previous ones.
The Observer's Sky Atlas is an indispensable and handy companion for every observer and has already appeared in four languages.
Some praise for previous editions:
". The most informative little sky guide in the business." -Astronomy
"The more experienced observer will find this slim volume useful at the telescope and . packed with interesting observing projects." -Sky & Telescope
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