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Firefly Books: NightWatch - A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe
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Aug 22, 2009
Nightwatch - A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe
Pros:Contains a great deal of interesting useful information, Very well written
Cons:This is not the "bible", but not far from.
Comments:This classic book is a great source of information for the entire span of things you need to know starting up as a backyard astronomer. It's written with a good mix of pure information, interesting stories, direct recommendations (how-to/how-not-to) and not the least it's filled with great images to get inspired by.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
I would recommend this book to anyone even with the tiniest interest in astronomy, but of course to all of you who have a thirst for knowledge sitting there every evening dazing towards the stars.Feb 23, 2008A great first book for the new astronomer
Pros:Well written. Great information, charts and advice for the newbie astronomer.
Cons:Not the only book you will ever need, but that is not the purpose anyway.
Comments:I bought this book after seeing it mentioned on many websites as a great book for the new astronomer. At the time I was just starting out cold in the hobby, having been bitten by the bug while watching a lunar eclipse with my daughter. Now a year later, I wholeheartedly agree with those opinions. Dickenson does a fantastic job of explaining the basics without the technobabble that can turn off a newbie like me. The star charts are great and I am still using them a year later without a new chart book (which I know I do need now that I am more serious). They are great for just laying down outside with binocs, and for exploring the more readily seen objects with a new scope. I must have read the section on telescopes a hundred times before plunking down my money for a 10" Intelliscope Dob. I am very, very happy with it. I feel like I knew the tradeoffs when making that decision - thanks to this book. Dickenson does a nice job of guiding you through the decision making process and actually provides some suggestions in the end (unlike some other very frustrating reviewers who never actually give you a suggestion of what to buy). This book will explain the basics of the universe and stargazing, and leaves you thirsting to learn more. I have learned a ton from this book and will buy the next step up (Backyard Astronomer's Guide) as soon as the newer edition comes out this year. If you are starting out, buy this book as your first resource. You will not regret it.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesFeb 4, 2008Nightwatch, February 2003 Edition
Pros:Easy to use charts and excellent use of sketches to portray telescope views.
Cons:Telescope and accessory sections are not as detailed as I would have liked.
Comments:My copy is from the sixth printing of this book and I consider it some of the best money I've spent in astronomy. The included star charts are simple and easy to use for finding some of the brighter deep space objects. And the book is rugged enough to use in the field under most normal situations.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
However, the best part of this book (to me) is the excellent use of sketches to portray views through various scope apertures. This is a nice change from many other astronomy books, which often use only long exposure photos that don't really depict what most people will see at the eyepiece. In comparison, this book gave me a good idea of what I could expect to see when viewing a galaxy or globular cluster using an 8 or 12 inch scope.
My only complaint with this book is that the equipment section is a bit shorter than I would have liked. I would have preferred a more detailed listing of telescopes and accessories. However, since that section is probably the quickest to become outdated, I'm willing to live with what the author has decided to include.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book to other astronomers.Oct 13, 2007Learning the way with Dickinson
Pros:Informative, excellent companion to other books
Cons:writing style is not for everyone
Comments:I consider myself pretty low on the foodchain of amateur astronomers although I am very booksmart on the subject of the universe. My Dad just happens to be pretty high up on the foodchain and he's been trying to teach me how to be a better astronomer. He gave me Dickinson's book because it encompasses a lot of the basic knowledge I need to know to follow what he's doing when he's showing me more complicated things. It's also very helpful because Dickinson includes at least a little bit of everything and doesn't go off the deep end on just a couple of topics like so many other astronomy books do. It's not the one I would pick for a budding amateur astronomer, but it's definitely a companion guide to people like me who don't have as much time but are still trying to learn and grow.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesOct 12, 2007NightWatch
Pros:Well written; Spiral bound; Good advice for beginners; Nice star charts and photos.
Cons:Some earlier printings may have dated info.
Comments:This is one of the better books for anyone who has decided that they indeed are hooked on this wonderful hobby and wants to learn more about the night sky and the tools available to help in this quest. Terence Dickinson takes the beginning astronomer through a tour of the known universe and beyond. There are fantastic color photos, diagrams, star charts, deep space targets, names of the constellations, along with their phonetic pronunciations and much more.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
If you are not sure about what equipment to buy first, or what to look for when purchasing your first telescope, the author will help guide you through the maze of equipment available to the amateur astronomer today, and will assist you in making an intelligent choice. This section is well worth the price of the book!
If you're looking for an above average beginner's book too spur your interest and further increase your knowledge of astronomy, by all means please add this one to your short list.Jul 5, 2007NightWatch by Terence Dickinson
Pros:Excellent information that will last for years. Not to pricey.
Cons:Will need to be updated maybe before the 2010 year.
Comments:The is the finest book that a beginner can buy and save. It covers every aspect of astronomy that a newbie needs. I have read it many times and use it as a reference often. It includes many useful photos and tips for the newbie. I usually take it with me when viewing. I bought this book in 2004 and it's the third edition, revised and expanded for use through 2010. The cost is around $30.00, but it's a quality investment. This material never goes out of style and the information is top quality. Terence Dickinson has written many excellent astronomy books, but this should be in everyones' library. Everything is explained in detail from different scopes, binoculars, eyepieces and how to use the night sky.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesSort by