Philip's Night Sky Atlas


Book Description

Fully revised and now in its third edition, Philip's Night Sky Atlas is a highly practical star atlas that can be used anywhere in the world and at any time of the year. With a sturdy, damp-proof binding, it is the ideal choice for the backyard astronomer using binoculars or a small telescope. It contains all the maps you need to learn your way around the night sky, whether you want to find remote galaxies, sketch lunar craters or make estimates of variable stars. Author Robin Scagell explains what you can see, what equipment (if any) you will need and how to make the most of your time under the stars. The star maps are by Wil Tirion, the world-renowned celestial cartographer. The eight sky maps together show the whole of the night sky. Stars down to magnitude 5.5 are marked, together with the brighter deep-sky objects. They are drawn on a white background so that you can add your own pencil notes or observations to the maps. Opposite each of the sky maps is a photo-realistic version of the same map. In addition, constellation maps show numerous deep-sky targets, with interesting objects described in detail. A Moon map, split into quadrants, is accompanied by suggestions of what to look for, with images of the most interesting features. The author also describes how to observe and record the planets, the Sun, meteors, eclipses, comets and deep-sky objects.




Cosmic Challenge


Book Description

Listing more than 500 sky targets, both near and far, in 187 challenges, this observing guide will test novice astronomers and advanced veterans alike. Its unique mix of Solar System and deep-sky targets will have observers hunting for the Apollo lunar landing sites, searching for satellites orbiting the outermost planets, and exploring hundreds of star clusters, nebulae, distant galaxies, and quasars. Each target object is accompanied by a rating indicating how difficult the object is to find, an in-depth visual description, an illustration showing how the object realistically looks, and a detailed finder chart to help you find each challenge quickly and effectively. The guide introduces objects often overlooked in other observing guides and features targets visible in a variety of conditions, from the inner city to the dark countryside. Challenges are provided for the naked eye, through binoculars and the largest backyard telescopes.




Philip's Planisphere (Latitude 51. 5 North)


Book Description

Invaluable for both beginners and advanced observers, Philip's Planisphere (Latitude 51.5 North) is a practical hour-by-hour tracker of the stars and constellations, designed for use anywhere in Britain and Ireland, Northern Europe, Northern USA and Canada. Turn the oval panel to the required date and time to reveal the whole sky visible from your location.The map, by the well-known celestial cartographer Wil Tirion, shows stars down to magnitude 5, plus several deep-sky objects, such as the Pleiades, the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) and the Orion Nebula (M42). Because the planets move round the Sun, their positions in the sky are constantly changing and they cannot be marked permanently on the map; however, the back of the planisphere has tables giving the positions of Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn for every month until 2020.The planisphere is supplied in a full-colour wallet that contains illustrated step-by-step instructions for how to use the planisphere, how to locate planets, and how to work out the time of sunrise or sunset for any day of the year. It explains all the details that can be seen on the map - the magnitudes of stars, the ecliptic and the celestial coordinates. In addition, the section 'Exploring the skies, season by season' introduces the novice astronomer to the principal celestial objects visible at different times of the year. Major constellations are used as signposts to navigate the night sky, locating hard-to-find stars and some fascinating deep-sky objects. The movement of the stars is also explained.




Touring the Universe through Binoculars


Book Description

This comprehensive work takes you on a personal tour of the universe using nothing more than a pair of binoculars. More comprehensive than any book currently available, it starts with Earth's nearest neighbor, the moon, and then goes on to explore each planet in the solar system, asteroids, meteors, comets and the sun. Following this, the reader is whisked away into deep space to explore celestial bodies including stars that are known and many sights less familiar. The final chapter includes a detailed atlas of deep-sky objects visible through binoculars. The appendices include guidance on how to buy, care for and maintain astronomical binoculars, tips and hints on using them, and detailed information on several home-made binocular mounts.




Philip's Atlas of the Universe


Book Description

This edition contains many new features, from explanations of dark matter and neutrinos to techniques of digital observing and photography. As well as giving an informative portrait of each element of the cosmos, the book provides superb star maps and sound advice on practical observing, making it an ideal choice for newcomers to astronomy.Sir Patrick's narrative is supremely clear, absorbing and entertaining, as he recounts the history of space exploration, describes the Solar System, stars and galaxies, and explains the latest theories on the origins of the Universe. The book is illustrated with hundreds of maps and diagrams, plus Sir Patrick's own selection of the best photographs from ground-based telescopes and the Hubble Space Telescope, along with spectacular images from nearly four decades of robotic exploration of the planets.Highlights of this new edition include an explanation of the extraordinary concepts that have shaken our picture of the Universe - dark matter and dark energy, as well as new strands of science that have emerged in recent years such as astrobiology and neutrino astronomy.An expanded practical section reflects the new era in amateur astronomy - affordable high-quality cameras and telescopes, computer control and image-processing have made astronomy accessible to millions of new enthusiasts.




Philip's Guide to the Night Sky


Book Description

Find your way around the night sky with this handy guide to stargazing for the complete novice. In Philip's Guide to the Night Sky, Sir Patrick Moore explains how to find the most famous constellations and the brightest stars, and when to look for them. Clear star maps, showing stars visible to the naked eye, help you to navigate the skies. The maps are suitable for use in Britain, Ireland, northern Europe and Canada. Sir Patrick introduces the wonders of the night sky to absolute beginners in his characteristically entertaining and informative style. The Moon, the planets, the Sun and the stars are explained in non-technical language, while the constellations are described with the help of star maps and tables. The four main chapters in Philip's Guide to the Night Sky are devoted to what's on view in each season of the year. The information is appropriate for observers in Britain and Ireland, northern Europe and Canada; it will also be helpful a little outside these latitudes. Using prominent patterns, such as the Plough and Orion, Sir Patrick teaches the reader to 'star-hop' from constellation to constellation, thus learning to navigate the night sky. Star maps and photographs illustrate and clarify what will be on view. Philip's Guide to the Night Sky is an ideal introduction to stargazing, suitable for all ages and with no need for anything more technical than the naked eye.




Night Sky Atlas


Book Description

A practical guide to binocular and small telescope observing. Night Sky Atlas combines clear, accurate star maps with reliable and informative text. This is a highly practical atlas for beginning sky gazers using binoculars or a small telescope. Sturdy binding makes it suitable for outdoor use. Cover flaps can be used as page-markers. The sewn binding allows the atlas to be opened flat. The star maps are drawn with black stars on a white background, allowing observers to pencil in their own observations. The high quality paper can withstand repeated use of an eraser. The book begins by presenting the whole sky in a series of six maps, showing stars down to magnitude 5.5 -- all visible with binoculars or a small telescope. Opposite each map is a photo-realistic image that shows how the same portion of sky looks to the naked eye, allowing less-experienced observers to quickly find specific objects of interest. The maps can be used for planning observations, navigating from one part of the sky to another and for a quick reference guide. Other features include: Forty large scale constellation charts A full set of seasonal charts Maps of the Moon and the planets Deep sky maps identifying double stars, nebula and more. A comprehensive index provides the location of information for all the night sky objects and features covered in the atlas. The Night Sky Atlas is the ideal portable reference for backyard astronomers.




Philip's Star Chart


Book Description

Philip's Star Chart shows the stars and constellations of the night sky in three superb maps: the northern and southern hemispheres, and the equatorial region. All stars visible with the naked eye are shown, with the brightest stars shown in their true colours. Fainter star clusters and nebulae are marked for observers using binoculars or small telescopes. Constellations, double stars and variable stars are also listed, and an informative accompanying text explains how to use the charts throughout the year, at any latitude. In a convenient folded format, Philip's Star Chart is suitable for use in both northern and southern latitudes.




Philip's Stargazing 2025 Month-by-Month Guide to the Night Sky Britain & Ireland


Book Description

Philip's Stargazing is the perfect practical guide for both budding and experienced astronomers. "If you buy just one guide...you won't do better than this." - BBC Sky at Night Magazine "I will continue to enjoy 'Philip's Stargazing' as the months go by." - Helen Sharman, Astronaut "Very useful indeed." - Chris Lintott, Sky at Night presenter Philip's Stargazing is essential for all those who enjoy exploring the night sky, with up-to-date monthly star charts, moon calendars and viewing tips, as well as the best dark-sky sites to visit and astronomy festivals through the year. Compiled by experts and specially designed for easy use, Stargazing 2025 is a comprehensive companion for both seasoned and novice astronomers. * Fully updated colour star chart for each month of the year * Viewing recommendations and practical advice * Top constellation, target object, topic and picture for each month * Daily Moon Phase Calendar, highlighting special lunar events throughout the year * Planet Watch for ideal viewing days in 2025 * The best places to experience Dark Skies * The latest on Star Festival, Star Parties and astronomy-themed days out * Expert advice from internationally renowned astronomer professor Nigel Henbest * Special article by equipment expert Robin Scagell on small refracting telescopes * Complete calendar of major astronomical events * Top 20 Sky Sights of 2025 * Jargon Buster, explaining common or confusing terms * Clear explanation of the planets' movements, solar and lunar eclipses, meteors and comets




Philip's Stargazing 2022 Month-by-Month Guide to the Night Sky in Britain & Ireland


Book Description

"If you buy just one guide...you won't do better than this" - BBC Sky at Night Magazine "I will continue to enjoy 'Philip's Stargazing' as the months go by" - Helen Sharman, Astronaut "Very useful indeed" - Chris Lintott, Sky at Night presenter Discover the latest in stargazing with the new and definitive guide to the night sky. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or just starting out, Philip's Stargazing 2022 is the only book you'll need. Compiled by experts and specially designed for use in Britain and Ireland, Stargazing 2022 acts as a handily illustrated and comprehensive companion. - 12 Brand-New Maps for year-round astronomical discovery - Month-to-Month information. Daily Moon Phase Calendar, highlighting special lunar events throughout the year - Planet Watch for ideal viewing days in 2022 - Avoid light pollution with our detailed Dark Sky Map - Expert advice and insight throughout from internationally renowned Professor Nigel Henbest - A 'Behind the Scenes' look at astrophotography from expert Robin Scagell - Complete calendar of major astronomical events, including the Top 20 Sky Sights of 2022 - Jargon Buster, explaining common or confusing terms - The planets' movements explained from solar and lunar eclipses to meteor showers and comets