Skylog: Looking Up!

So Much To Read!

There are many excellent books and magazines; more than I could possibly list here.  So instead I am going to offer just a few suggestions, focusing on those that are also good to take out with you while observing.  These are not coffee table books - consider them working tools to help you with your observing. 

Burnham's Celestial Handbook: An Observer's Guide to the Universe Beyond the Solar System
This 3-volume set covers thousands of celestial objects outside our solar system.  Names, coordinates, classification, description, and many photos and charts are included; and it is all organized by constellation. So if a constellation is high in the sky, you can easily read about what treasures can be spotted.  I am on my second paperback copy, as my first copy was so well-used it fell apart.

Next you'll need a good Sky Atlas.  Get one you are comfortable using.  I have the laminated spiral-bound version of Sky Atlas 2000; it's great, the pages are large and fully dew resistant... but it's heavy to carry around (and flip pages the pages) and expensive.  More often I use Sky & Telescope's Pocket Sky Atlas; it is also spiral bound on heavy paper.  Mine has scribbled notes on what I've seen or not seen, stickies on pages that I reference often, and at under $14... a price that means I can buy new copies when I feel my current one is too worn.  A side note, I also invested in a 16x24 piece of non-glare plexiglas, which works as a water-resistant protector for my book and other looks references I bring in the field.

Last post I talked about the sky charts at SkyCharts.com. I also print and look at the object list on the back before going out to observe, and often take the current chart with me (sometimes I take several copies to share).  When someone asks me what they can see in a smaller or different scope from mine (especially people more novice than me), it's a quick reference.

Subscribe to a good astronomy magazine:  Astronomy,Sky & Telescope, and BBC Sky at Night Magazine are all good choices and one or more are available just about anywhere in the world. They are all a little different, so I really recommend you look through copies at the local library, your astronomy club or bookstore before subscribing.  All have a center-section sky chart.  If you're not familiar with using a sky chart, click here to watch a nice demonstration video at YouTube presented by Astronomy magazine.

If you are very new to observing, there are two general introduction books I can highly recommend:  NightWatch by Terence Dickinson, and Phil Harrington's Star Watch.  Phil also has great books for introducing kids to astronomy (Astronomy for All Ages) and for understanding and selecting a telescope (Star Ware). 

Speaking of buying books and subscribing to a magazine... do you belong to an astronomy club?  Seriously consider joining one as it's a great way to share and learn more about astronomy.  Also, most clubs receive discounted pricing on many of the magazines and some books!  (We'll talk more about astronomy clubs another time.)

These are just a few of the many books and print charts that can help you learn more about what you are observing, as well as plan your observing sessions.  Feel free to post your suggested additions in the Astronomy 101 section of the forum, too!