The Backyard Astronomer's Guide

by Terence Dickinson & Alan Dyer


Did you know that you can see the Moon almost every day of the month and that stars can be found in the daytime? That magnification is a meaningless specification? That this book gives our own Astroscan a great review on page 44?


Robert Burnham, former Editor in Chief of Astronomy magazine called this book "...by far the best book I know of for helping anyone become a knowledgeable stargazer...there's no better place to begin than here."


Written specifically for the backyard or novice astronomer or for those just beginning to acquire an interest in the science, the book is divided into three parts. In part one you'll learn how to observe the night sky using binoculars, how to select the telescope that is best for you, what accessories you absolutely must have, and how to use your new telescope. In part two you'll discover how to observe the night sky with the naked-eye, how light pollution is eroding the night sky experience, how to observe the moon, sun and planets, how to find what you're looking for, and how to explore the wonders of the deep sky. Part three covers shooting the night sky with a stand-alone camera, shooting through a telescope, and the advantages of CCD cameras.


Includes spectacular celestial images, informative comparison charts, technical tips and much more. For anyone looking to get "into" astronomy in a serious way or for those who have started but feel they need a better knowledge base, this book comes highly recommended. Glossary, further reading list. 336 pp., hardcover.