The Universe Next Door: A Complete Guide to Exploring the Skies and Understanding What You See

The Universe Next Door offers a unique mix of practical observing and astronomical theory that is clear, concise, and authoritative. Holt has been successful in using ordinary, non-technical language to good effect. The books stands head and shoulders above other observing guidebooks, and I recommend it to ever beginning astronomer. --Richard Berry, Astronomy Magazine. The Universe Next Door covers: 1) Finding the constellations 2) The telescope - best functions, types, maintenance and use 3) Eyepieces, mountings, and accessories 4) Observing the planets, moon, and sun, including occultations and eclipses 5) Special tips on viewing Halley's Comet 6) Viewing the Milky Way and beyond 7) Building a basic telescope and mount 8) Four seasonal star-charts for year-round viewing 9) The Messier Catalogue and the finest NGC celestial objects 10) Suppliers guide 11) Over 150 photos, line drawings and charts.

Clearly destined for the absolute beginner, this manual offers a comprehensive introduction to telescopes and related equipment, viewing techniques, simple sky charts, and descriptions of objects of astronomical interest, ranging from the sun to the galaxies. The author's strongest asset is his friendly, informal style of exposition, backed by a wealth of obviously hard-won knowledge of the technicalities, pitfalls, and rewards of amateur observing. The few errors of fact are not so numerous or serious as to damage the book's usefulness for its intended audience. Recommended especially for public libraries. Jack W. Weigel, Univ. of Michigan Lib., Ann Arbor
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.