Field Guide to the Night Sky

Book received in a timely manner and is a nice reference book to have. The field guides are great to have on hand.

These are very informative books great product perfect condition

I bought this book used at a substantial discount, so I knew beforehand that some of the information would be out-of-date. Nevertheless, I think it is a nice and compact general reference. Also, I recommend that you use this book in conjunction with other references that are perhaps larger in physical size (e.g., contain larger star charts). If you supplement the material in this Audubon Guide with other sources, then this particular field guide can help you zero-in on objects you want to study in further detail when you venture out into the night sky. I think the detailed diagrams of the constellations are valuable because they identify potential objects for viewing in each constellation, such as Messier Objects or Double Stars. Additionally, the astronomical photos are first-rate - but just remember that celestial objects generally do not look that good in real-time observations due to the limitations of telescope aperture, atmospheric conditions, ambient light-interference, etc. Conclusion: This is a helpful resource in a relatively small and convenient package, but use it along with other astronomy references to get the most out of this fun hobby.

These books are gorgeous. They are full of useful information including detailed pictures. We have an entire set including the moths/butterfly book, birds etc. This would be a great gift for an astronomy lover.

As many have already said, this is the gold standard general astronomical reference. The book comes with many plates showing the night sky throughout the seasons, plates for all 88 constellations, a good map of the Moon, and some older astrophotos. To me, the real value in the book is the collection of writeups covering both the solar system and the individual constellations. The constellation entries are a treasure trove of information containing the history of how the constellations' outlines were formed, as well as technical information on the stars, nebulae, clusters and galaxies within. The book magnificently breaks up the sky into manageable chunks for study. ***However, there is a big problem with this field guide, namely that it has gone too long without a major re-edit.*** Much of the information in the appendix covers planetary longitudes, eclipses, etc., and this changes from year to year. The edition being sold today covers 2008-2015. It's mid-2013 and I'm rather miffed that in 2 1/2 years the book will not be useful for these purposes. Yes, the information is on the internet, but try loading the internet from a dark sky location in the middle of nowhere. Other changeable information is out of date. In the book, Jupiter has 17 moons. I just checked the internet, and the current count is 49. That's about 20 years out of date. Also, most of the photo plates were taken 25 years ago with film, which is fine, but there are dazzling Hubble photos with free licenses that would make great replacements. Use them! So, once Knopf gets off their rear and edits this book, it will again be the premiere astronomical field reference.

Overview: "Field Guide to the Night Sky" by the National Audubon Society is an exemplary resource for both novice and seasoned stargazers. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information about the constellations, planets, stars, and other celestial phenomena that can be observed in the night sky. The book is thoughtfully organized and beautifully illustrated, making it an essential companion for any night sky enthusiast. Content and Features: 1. User-Friendly Layout: The guide is divided into clear, easy-to-navigate sections, covering different aspects of the night sky. Each section is filled with rich illustrations and photographs that enhance the learning experience. 2. Detailed Star Maps: One of the standout features of this guide is its collection of detailed star maps for each season. These maps are invaluable for locating constellations and other celestial objects. 3. Informative Text: The text is informative without being overly technical, making it accessible to readers of all levels. It includes interesting facts about the history and mythology of the constellations. 4. Portable Size: The compact size of the book makes it convenient to carry on nighttime excursions, fitting easily into a backpack or pocket. Strengths: - The book's illustrations and photographs are stunning and highly detailed, which helps readers visualize the celestial objects they are learning about. - The seasonal star maps are particularly useful for planning observations throughout the year. - The inclusion of mythological and historical context adds a layer of depth and interest to the guide. Areas for Improvement: - While the book is comprehensive, some readers may find that it lacks depth in certain advanced topics. Those looking for more in-depth scientific explanations might need to supplement their reading with additional resources. - The book and print size of some sections could be larger for easier reading in low-light conditions. Conclusion: "Field Guide to the Night Sky" is a beautifully crafted and practical guide that will enhance anyone's experience of observing the night sky. Its user-friendly layout, stunning visuals, and insightful text make it a valuable addition to any stargazer's collection. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced astronomer seeking a handy reference, this book has something to offer.

The pictures and Sky maps of constellations are priceless. Better then most of my Sky-watching books.

Audubon consistently produces great field references, and this one is no exception. Great photos. Laid out to make it very user friendly. If you're taking it out to the field or on a trip, recommend the plastic cover.

There is nothing I dislike about it, love it all tons of information.

very small and I thought it was a beautiful cocktail table book - looking at the photo on amazon - boy was I wrong. However, the info inside is okay yet a bit mixed up as far as being easy to find anything one may wish to investigate.

Great book for use outside. All you need to lnow with a monthly guide to the night sky.

Christmas gift

as it is so simple ,clear and , concise as all Sir Patricks books always are . The diagrams are very easy to understand and use to find the constellations.