Discusses how to select and use binoculars and telescopes, how to observe planets, meteors, comets, and other celestial bodies, and how to use star charts.

One of the wonders of the universe we live in is the Milky Way. It spans the entire sky and can be seen every night of the year from anywhere on Earth. This is the first book that deals specifically with what can be seen within the Milky Way from a practical observer's point of view. Astronomy of the Milky Way covers every constellation that the Milky Way passes through, and describes in detail the many objects that can be found therein, including stars, double and multiple stars, emission nebulae, planetary nebulae, dark nebulae and supernovae remnants, open and galactic clusters, and galaxies. It also describes the one thing that is often left out of observing guides - the amazing star clouds of the Milky Way itself. It is one of a two-volume set that deal with the entire Milky Way - this second volume looks at what can be seen predominantly from the Southern skies In addition to the descriptive text there are many star charts and maps, as well as the latest up-to-date images made by observatories around the world and in space, as well as images taken by amateur astronomers. Equipped with this book, an amateur astronomer can go out on any clear night of the year and observe the galaxy we live in - The Milky Way.

It was on ce said that 'the night sky always looks much the same'. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. There are 365 days in each year (366 in a Leap Year!), and from an astronomical point of view no two are alike. What I aim to do, in this book, is to go through a complete year and point out some special items of interest for each night. It may be a double star, a vari able star or a nebula; it may be a planet, or even the Moon in some particular aspect - there is plenty of variety. (Anyone unfamiliar with astronomical terms should consult the Glossary at the end ofthis book. ) Let it be said at once that you do not need a large and expensive telescope. A surprising amount can be seen with the naked eye, and binoculars give increased range; indeed, it is probably fair to say that good binoc ulars are ideal for the beginner, and are far better than very small telescopes. Telescopes are of two types: refractors, and reflectors. A refractor collects its light by means of a glass lens known as an object-glass (OG); the light passes down the telescope tube and is brought to focus, where an image is formed and is then magnified by a second lens, termed an eyepiece.

- Includes a short introduction to observing, a thorough description of the star charts and tables, a glossary and much more - Perfect for both the beginner and seasoned observer - Fully revised edition of a best-selling and highly-praised sky atlas

The Observer's Sky Atlas contains star charts and information for all those who observe the night sky with unaided eyes, with binoculars, or with small telescopes, and also for those who just wish to look at constellations and interesting objects. Equally useful for the beginning observer and the old hand, the atlas presents: -a short introduction into observing the sky and a thorough description of the star charts and tables - clearly arranged charts of all the stars visible with the unaided eye (up to 6th magnitude) - enlarged chart sections for binocular observation, highlighting 250 interesting nebulae, galaxies, and stellar clusters (to magnitude 9) - a catalog of more than 1000 objects that takes into account the far-reaching measurements of Hipparcos Satellite published in 1997 - tables of predicted separations of binary stars until the year 2015 The Observer's Sky Atlas is an indispensable and handy companion for every observer. It has appeared in four languages. From reviews of the first edition: , .." the most informative little sky guide in the business" "Astronomy "