With the down-to-earth style and far-ranging knowledge that have made him America's favorite stargazing instructor, Mike Lynch guides amateur and expert alike through the wonders of the night sky over North and South Carolina. Whether watching the sky from a backyard lawn chair or manning a high-powered telescope, stargazers of all levels will learn how and when to identify the major constellations at the Carolinas' latitude. With chapters on the origins and movements of stars, the mythology of constellations, the phases of the moon, the planets, and even buying a telescope, this book also serves as an accessible and in-depth beginner's guide to the night sky. It includes 12 monthly star maps for Carolina skies, 21 constellation diagrams, a local resources guide, a list of the brightest stars in the region, and more than 80 beautiful color photographs of the heavens.

A new series of travel guides designed for a growing market of adventurers. This innovative series boasts a unique approach to travel planning that combines stunning imagery and practical information (including history, culture, tips, and techniques) with profiles of the best, most exciting, interest-specific destinations.

Your Passport to the Universe The night sky is alive with many wonders--distant planets, vast star clusters, glowing nebulae, and expansive galaxies, all waiting to be explored. Let respected astronomy writer Philip Harrington introduce you to the universe in Star Watch, a complete beginner's guide to locating, observing, and understanding these celestial objects. You'll start by identifying the surface features of the Moon, the banded cloud tops of Jupiter, the stunning rings of Saturn, and other members of our solar system. Then you'll venture out beyond our solar system, where you'll learn tips and tricks for finding outstanding deep-sky objects from stars to galaxies, including the entire Messier catalog--a primary goal of every serious beginner. Star Watch features a detailed physical description of each target, including size, distance, and structure, as well as concise directions for locating the objects, handy finder charts, hints on the best times to view each object, and descriptions of what you'll really see through a small telescope or binoculars and with the naked eye. Star Watch will transport you to the farthest depths of space--and return you as a well-traveled, experienced stargazer.