The Backyard Astronomer's Guide (4th Edition)

The Backyard Astronomer's Guide  (4th Edition)
Alan Dyer, Sara Seager, Terence Dickinson
RRP:
NZ$ 101.99
Our Price:
NZ$ 84.14
Hardback
h279 x 229mm - 416pg
28 Sep 2021 CAN
International import eta 7-19 days
9780228103271
Out Of Stock
Currently no stock in-store, stock is sourced to your order
The touchstone for contemporary stargazers. This classic, groundbreaking guide has been the go-to field guide for both beginning and experienced amateur astronomers for nearly 30 years. The fourth edition brings Terence Dickinson and Alan Dyer' s invaluable manual completely up-to-date. Setting a new standard for astronomy guides, it will serve as the touchstone for the next generation of stargazers as well as longtime devotees. Technology and astronomical understanding are evolving at a breathtaking clip, and to reflect the latest information about observing techniques and equipment, this massively revised and expanded edition has been completely rebuilt (an additional 48 pages brings the page count to 416). Illustrated throughout with all-new photographs and star charts, this edition boasts a refreshed design and features five brand-new chapters, including three essential essays on binocular, telescope and Moon tours by renowned astronomy writer Ken Hewitt-White. With new content on naked-eye sky sights, LED lighting technology, WiFi-enabled telescopes and the latest advances in binoculars, telescopes and other astronomical gear, the fourth edition of The Backyard Astronomer' s Guide is sure to become an indispensable reference for all levels of stargazers. New techniques for observing the Sun, the Moon and solar and lunar eclipses are an especially timely addition, given the upcoming solar eclipses in 2023 and 2024. Rounding out these impressive offerings are new sections on dark sky reserves, astro-tourism, modern astrophotography and cellphone astrophotography, making this book an enduring must-have guide for anyone looking to improve his or her astronomical viewing experience. The Backyard Astronomer' s Guide also features a foreword by Dr. Sara Seager, a Canadian-American astrophysicist and planetary scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an internationally recognised expert in the search for exoplanets. AUTHORS: Terence Dickinson is one of the most respected and popular astronomy writers in North America. He is the author of the best-selling guidebook NightWatch and a long list of other astronomy books, among them Hubble' s Universe: Greatest Discoveries and Latest Images, The Universe and Beyond, Splendors of the Universe and Exploring the Night Sky. Alan Dyer is widely regarded as one of the world' s foremost astrophotographers. His images have appeared in Spaceweather. com, Astronomy Picture of the Day, Universe Today, National Geographic, TIME, NBCNews and CBSNews. He is a regular contributor to Sky and Telescope and SkyNews magazines. colour photographs, star charts
[Review of earlier edition: ] Besides its practical benefits, this book is a real treat for the eyes. It' s loaded with colorful photographs, graphics and information boxes. -- (02/01/2003) [Review of earlier edition: ] Big colorful user-friendly book . . . I recommend this book for anyone who is contemplating buying a telescope, has one but does not quite know how to use it, or wants to learn more about accessories and fun activities to supplement his or her stargazing. If you teach observational astronomy, run a public observatory, or conduct community stargazing classes, put this magazine down and order it right now . . . This book is your passport to the stars. -- (08/01/2003) [Review of earlier edition: ] Crammed with practical information that should help you become a better observer, and have fun doing it. --Craig Tupper"Astronomy" (05/01/2003) [Review of earlier edition: ] Dickinson and Dyer provide considerable information that amateur astronomers will appreciate. . . Complementing the informative text are hundreds of colour photographs and illustrations as well as a 20-page, full-colour atlas of the Milky Way that includes 10 charts. This revised and expanded third edition will be of interest to serious amateur astronomers. -- (10/02/2010) [Review of earlier edition: ] Few books capture the spirit of the hobby so well -- the pleasures and the pitfalls of the equipment you might need, and the simple joy of watching the universe go by. -- (01/01/2003) [Review of earlier edition: ] I fondly remember haunting my favorite bookstore as a college student in the early 1990s, ogling the big, full-color astronomy texts, when I happened upon The Backyard Astronomer' s Guide. It wasn' t as flashy as the other books, but I was quickly taken by its practical information, covering all the subjects I was interested in as a fledgling amateur. Now in its third edition, Terence Dickinson and Alan Dyer have completely rewritten large sections to keep in lockstep with the evolving trends. Like an old friend who has grown wiser over time, this compendium has become better with age. It' s good-looking too--though chock-full of useful information, none of the full-color layouts appear cramped or confused. Immediately from the first chapter the authors' fluid writing style draws you in, casually introducing you to the pursuit of the night sky. As in previous editions, the flow comfortably builds with each page, easing you into progressively challenging subjects without missing a step. The text builds though each successive chapter, describing today' s plethora of binoculars, telescopes, mounts, eyepieces, and other accessories. We then move on to delve deeply into everything of interest in the sky, from the planets to deep-sky objects. The detailed yet accessible explanation of celestial mechanics should be required reading for everyone. The third part introduces digital astrophotography. Yes, digital--it starts out by stating that film is dead. This new section covers everything you need to get started taking pictures, including some useful parts of Adobe Photoshop. The Backyard Astronomer' s Guide closes with a set of beautifully rendered charts of the Milky Way by Glenn LeDrew. Opposing pages display a color version and a labeled, black-on-white version plotted to magnitude 9. Dickinson and Dyer have brought their excellent guide further into the 21st century. I can' t recommend it highly enough. -- (04/01/2009) [Review of earlier edition: ] I highly recommend this volume for most amateur astronomers and all libraries. I wish I had read it before I purchased my first telescope. -- (10/15/2003) [Review of earlier edition: ] Its nontechnical language makes astronomy an avocation accessible to everyone. --Library Journal (05/01/2003) [Review of earlier edition: ] Lively, accessible style; is comprehensive; and is lavishly illustrated with hundreds of photographs, diagrams, and charts. . . highly recommended for any library. -- (01/01/2004) [Review of earlier edition: ] More than any other guide to backyard observing, this excellent book focuses on equipment. --Astronomy (11/01/2004) [Review of earlier edition: ] Recommended for all libraries and for experienced or inexperienced amateur astronomers. --A. R. Upgren"Choice" (04/01/2003) [Review of earlier edition: ] The Backyard Astronomer' s Guide continues to impress, offering a little something for everyone. If you have never seen this book before, now is the time to add it to your collection. It is one book you will never tire of opening, always finding something of interest in the world of astronomy. -- (04/01/2011) [Review of earlier edition: ] This all-encompassing reference provides practical advice. --Science News (01/04/2003) [Review of earlier edition: ] This book is an indispensable tool for any serious naturalist who wants to understand and experience the full expanse of the world and universe around us. --Pierre R. Gauthier"Canadian Camera" (06/01/2003) [Review of earlier edition: ] With over 500 color photographs and illustrations, this book is a valuable, beautiful and user-friendly astronomy reference. --Lunar and Planetary Information Bulletin (12/01/2008)
Terence Dickinson is one of the most respected and popular astronomy writers in North America. He is the author of the best-selling guidebook NightWatch and a long list of other astronomy books, among them Hubble' s Universe: Greatest Discoveries and Latest Images, The Universe and Beyond, Splendors of the Universe and Exploring the Night Sky. Alan Dyer is widely regarded as one of the world' s foremost astrophotographers. His images have appeared in Spaceweather. com, Astronomy Picture of the Day, Universe Today, National Geographic, TIME, NBCNews and CBSNews. He is a regular contributor to Sky and Telescope and SkyNews magazines.

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