A guide to viewing stars, the moon, planets, meteors, comets, and aurora through binoculars. Features a foreword by renowned astronomer and writer David Levy. Includes a complete guide to current binocular brands and models and explains what to look for in each season.

Describes the structure and special features of a variety of binoculars and telescopes and discusses the use of these instruments for studying birds, stars, architecture and in other activities.

Quantum physics is the most fundamental -- but also the most baffling -- branch of science. Allowing for dead-and-alive cats, teleportation, antimatter, and parallel universes, as well as underpinning all of our digital technology, it's as important as it is mind-bending. This clear and compact book demystifies the strange and beautiful quantum world, and hence the nature of reality itself. Contents include: Schrodinger's cat, inside the atom, the particle zoo, the Higgs boson, Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, God playing dice, relativity, the Big Bang, dark energy and matter, black holes, the fate of the Universe, the Theory of Everything, quantum gravity, string theory, the multiverse, instant communication, quantum computing and cryptography, superconductivity, quantum biology, quantum consciousness, and much more. Written as a series of mini essays with 200 simple diagrams to help understanding, there can be no easier guide to this notoriously confusing subject. At last it's possible for non-specialists to understand quantum theory and its central role in the birth of the universe and the very existence of life.

Binocular Highlights is a tour of 96 different celestial sights ? from softly glowing clouds of gas and dust to unusual stars, clumps of stars, and vast star cities (galaxies) ? all visible in binoculars. Each object is plotted on a detailed, easy-to-use star map, and most of these sights can be found even in a light-polluted sky. Also included are four seasonal all-sky charts that help locate each highlight. You don't need fancy or expensive equipment to enjoy the wonders of the night sky. In fact, as even experienced star gazers know, to go beyond the naked-eye sky and delve deep into the universe, all you need are binoculars ? even the ones hanging unused in your closet. If you don't own any, Binocular Highlights explains what to look for when choosing binoculars for star gazing and provides observing tips for users of these portable and versatile mini-telescopes. Sprial-bound with readable paper spine, full color throughout.

Binocular Highlights is a tour of 109 different celestial sights--from softly glowing clouds of gas and dust to unusual stars, clumps of stars, and vast star cities (galaxies)--all visible in binoculars. Each object is plotted on a detailed, easy-to-use star map, and most of these sights can be found even in a light-polluted sky. Also included are four seasonal all-sky charts that help locate each highlight. You don't need fancy or expensive equipment to enjoy the wonders of the night sky. In fact, as even experienced stargazers know, to go beyond the naked-eye sky and delve deep into the universe, all you need is a pair of binoculars--even the ones hanging unused in your closet. If you don't own any, Binocular Highlights explains what to look for when choosing binoculars for stargazing and provides observing tips for uses of these portable and versatile mini-telescopes.

Patrick Moore's painstakingly researched, beautifully illustrated guide to astronomical observation for casual and serious observers.

Amateur astronomers of all skill levels are always contemplating their next telescope, and this book points the way to the most suitable instruments. Similarly, those who are buying their first telescopes – and these days not necessarily a low-cost one – will be able to compare and contrast different types and manufacturers. This exciting and revised new guide provides an extensive overview of binoculars and telescopes. It includes detailed up-to-date information on sources, selection and use of virtually every major type, brand, and model on today’s market, a truly invaluable treasure-trove of information and helpful advice for all amateur astronomers. Originally written in 2006, much of the first edition is inevitably now out of date, as equipment advances and manufacturers come and go. This second edition not only updates all the existing sections of “A Buyer’s and User’s Guide to Astronomical Telescopes and Binoculars” but adds two new ones: Astro-imaging and Professional-Amateur collaboration. Thanks to the rapid and amazing developments that have been made in digital cameras – not those specialist cool-chip astronomical cameras, not even DSLRs, but regular general-purpose vacation cameras – it is easily possible to image all sorts of astronomical objects and fields. Technical developments, including the Internet, have also made it possible for amateur astronomers to make a real contribution to science by working with professionals. Selecting the right device for a variety of purposes can be an overwhelming task in a market crowded with observing options, but this comprehensive guide clarifies the process. Anyone planning to purchase binoculars or telescopes for astronomy – whether as a first instrument or as an upgrade to the next level – will find this book a treasure-trove of information and advice. It also supplies the reader with many useful hints and tips on using astronomical telescopes or binoculars to get the best possible results from your purchase.