A View of the Moon & the Stars

Astronomy is at once the most ancient and the most modern of sciences. For thousands of years, humans have been gob-smacked by the wondrous spectacle of the heavens, and today's technology allows us to explore what was, not so long ago, beyond the reaches of the imagination. The average amateur scientist cannot study sea vents or glacial strata firsthand, but almost everyone can find a patch of night sky that's dark enough to observe, with the unaided eye, the moon, a few planets, hundreds of stars, and occasional delights such as meteor showers and comets.

Best of all, it's free: it costs absolutely nothing for the stargazer to get started (although, once hooked, dedicated amateurs can invest thousands of dollars in equipment and home observatories). Billions of dollars are spent annually on space research, but amateurs can, and do, make significant contributions to the field. Dwelling in possibility, that's the thrill.

Astronomy—the study of objects in the heavens—is such a broad field that all of its subdisciplines cannot be covered adequately within the scope of this article. Instead, the resources reviewed here will support what science writer Timothy Ferris (Seeing in the Dark) calls "a revolution"—the increasing popularity of amateur astronomy as a serious hobby. The primary focus is on materials for beginning and advanced skywatchers and stargazers. A couple of resources aimed at students but useful for general readers are also included. In addition, a few titles focus on subdisciplines such as astrophysics (the study of astronomical phenomena in terms of the laws and principles of physics) and cosmology (the study of the universe as a whole).

In building a popular astronomy collection, it is easy to be dazzled by gorgeous maps, charts, and color-enhanced composite photographs. What patrons look for will depend on age, interest, the level of sophistication with respect to astronomical knowledge, and, to a lesser extent, the ability to access (or afford) binoculars, telescopes, photographic equipment, and computers and software. Even the smallest public library should have age-appropriate guides for skywatchers and materials that provide a general introduction to the science.

The nature and scope of the collection will be driven by budget and by the demands of the population served. Does the library support academic programs? Many colleges offer introductory astronomy classes for nonscience or general science majors. Models of astronomical objects are still staples for elementary and middle school science projects. Is there a local planetarium or amateur astronomers' club? If so, there will likely be heightened interest in a popular astronomy collection.

Well-meaning patrons may want to donate outdated star charts, textbooks, and other castoffs, but new discoveries, updated equipment, and the shifting nature of the sky itself make currency imperative. Professional astronomers revise sky charts periodically; even though apparent changes in the positions of the stars are small and gradual, they add up over time. To account for the changes, astronomers note the date (called the epoch) for which locations are precise. Charts prepared for the epoch 2000 will be accurate enough for most amateur astronomers for at least a decade; similarly, atlases published in the mid- to late 1990s are still useful to amateurs for a few more years if the budget does not allow immediate replacement. Textbooks, both for academic and general readership, should include nothing older than penultimate editions.

The following list features titles by some of the most knowledgeable writers in the field: Terence Dickinson, Timothy Ferris, David Levy, and Patrick Moore, all of whom have a passion for the subject and a gift for explaining concepts clearly. The list also represents some of the major publishers specializing in popular astronomy titles: Firefly, Prometheus, and Copernicus. Cambridge University Press and Facts On File are key sources for reference materials. Unless otherwise noted, books with star atlases are for the Northern Hemisphere. Starred [*] items belong in most public libraries.

*Cambridge Illustrated History of Astronomy. Cambridge Univ. 1997. 392p. ed. by Michael Hoskin. illus. maps. index. ISBN 0-521-41158-0. $40.
This rich and authoritative reference offers an overview of astronomy that both scholars and nonspecialists can appreciate. The mostly black-and-white photos and illustrations are large, clear, and beautifully presented. Included are time lines and a list of books for further reading. (LJ 5/1/97)

*Dictionary of Astronomy. 2d ed. McGraw-Hill. 2003. 180p. ISBN 0-07-141047-3. pap. $19.95.
Derived from the sixth edition of the McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, this handy dictionary includes approximately 2800 entries defining key concepts in astronomy, astrophysics, and aerospace engineering, along with synonyms, acronyms, abbreviations, cross references, and a pronunciation guide.

*Greeley, Ronald & Raymond Batson. The Compact NASA Atlas of the Solar System. Cambridge Univ. 2001. 407p. ISBN 0-521-80633-X. $65.
Planets, moons, and small bodies investigated in NASA missions are discussed and mapped in this compact version of the NASA Atlas of the Solar System. With beautiful maps (geological, reference, and shaded relief) and full-color illustrations, the volume offers the same content of the 1997 original but in a denser format.

*Ridpath, Ian & Wil Tirion. Stars and Planets. Princeton Univ. (Field Guides). 2001. 400p. illus. index. ISBN 0-691-08912-4. $49.50; pap. ISBN 0-691-08913-2. $19.95.
This guide is a rich resource for advanced amateurs, but novices will also like the star charts (both Northern and Southern hemispheres) and abundant explanatory text detailing each of the 88 constellations and the stars within them, as well as the sun, moon, planets, and Milky Way.

Space and Astronomy on File. Facts On File. 2001. 290p. illus. maps. index. ISBN 0-8160-4545-3. ring binder. $166.50.
Wonderfully useful for teachers and students, this binder of up-to-date information is a great resource for public library patrons as well. Clear text and abundant illustrations are organized into eight sections, including astronomy and cosmology basics and extensive coverage of space exploration.

UranoMetria 2000.0. 2d ed. 3 vols. Willman-Bell. 2001. ed. by Wil Tirion. illus. index. Vol. 1: The Northern Hemisphere to –6. 150p. ISBN 0-943396-71-9. $49.95; Vol. 2: The Southern Hemisphere to +6. 150p. ISBN 0-943396-72-7. $49.95; Vol. 3: Deep Sky Field Guide. 250p. ISBN 0-943396-73-5. $59.95; set $159.85.
This reference (the volumes can be purchased as a set or separately) is aimed at serious astronomers—professionals, upper-division students, and advanced amateurs. It includes detailed star maps and comprehensive tables of celestial objects and their coordinates.

*Dickinson, Terence. Nightwatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe. 3d ed. Firefly. 1998. 176p. illus. maps. index. ISBN 1-55209-300-X. $45; pap. ISBN 1-55209-302-6. $29.95.
Absolutely the best book for beginners, this essential guide covers the basics of astronomy and shows how to put theory to practice via naked eye and telescope observation. There are star maps, tables of astronomical events through 2010, and an excellent discussion on equipment. The color illustrations are ample; the writing inspiring. (LJ 2/1/99)

*Ferris, Timothy. Seeing in the Dark: How Backyard Stargazers Are Probing Deep Space and Guarding Earth from Interplanetary Peril. S. & S. 2002. 384p. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-684-86579-3. $26.
More than a skywatcher's guide, this book by science popularizer Ferris provides endless inspiration by chronicling the many amazing contributions of amateur astronomers. It includes observing tips and a useful glossary of terms. Essential for collections of popular astronomy. (LJ 7/02)

Kaler, James B. The Hundred Greatest Stars. Copernicus. 2002. 213p. illus. ISBN 0-387-95436-8. $32.50.
"With expert critics extolling their 100 favorite movies, songs, and radish recipes, I thought why not stars?," writes astronomer Kaler. Why not, indeed. This is a beautiful little book about stars, replete with wonderful color photographs and concise language. Those just getting started won't get lost, and those with a stronger background will find plenty to enjoy.

Moore, Patrick. Venus. Cassell. 2003. 192p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-304-36281-6. $24.95.
Venus is sometimes called the "morning star," and it's the Earth's nearest planetary neighbor. In characteristic fashion, science popularizer Moore weaves observational notes, research findings, history, and futuristic speculation into a fact-filled book that is as readable as a novel.

*Naylor, John. Out of the Blue: A 24-Hour Skywatcher's Guide. Cambridge Univ. 2002. 372p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-521-80925-8. $35.
Most skywatchers' guides cover only the night sky. Naylor, a physics teacher and lifelong stargazer, also explains phenomena such as rainbows and mirages and answers the age-old "Why is the sky blue?" Written for a general readership, the book encourages observation of all heavenly phenomena, no matter what the weather or time of day.

O'Meara, Stephen James. Deep-Sky Companions: The Caldwell Objects. Cambridge Univ. 2003. 500p. illus. maps. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-521-82796-5. $40.
The to-do list of many amateur astronomers includes the goal to identify the 109 star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies cataloged some 200 years ago and known as Messier objects. A new list of 109 deep-sky objects—the Caldwell Objects—was compiled in the 1990s, and this follow-up to Deep-Sky Companions: The Messier Objects offers amateur astronomers a new challenge. Laden with descriptions and sketches.

Steel, Duncan. Eclipse: The Celestial Phenomenon That Changed the Course of History. Joseph Henry. 2001. 474p. illus. index. ISBN 0-309-07438-X. $24.95.
Just about everything curious readers want to know about eclipses can be found here—history, folklore, and science. Color photos would have been a nice addition as some of the black-and-white illustrations are too small to enhance the text adequately. Still, the sheer breadth of this book makes it an excellent choice for public libraries seeking coverage of this popular topic. (LJ 11/1/01)

*Stott, Carole. New Astronomer: The Practical Guide to the Skills and Techniques of Skywatching. DK. 1999. 144p. illus. index. ISBN 0-7894-4175-6. $25.
Richly illustrated and chock-full of information for beginners, this book by an astronomer–turned–science writer includes detailed star charts, a section on photography and digital imaging, and a separate cardboard planisphere, with instructions for its use. Highly recommended for public and school libraries. (LJ 6/15/99)

Vanin, Gabriele. A Photographic Tour of the Universe. rev. ed. Firefly. 1999. 144p. illus. index. ISBN 1-55209-345-X. pap. $24.95.
This visually enticing book, replete with 250 gorgeous images, is not a how-to but rather a rudimentary introduction to the topic. The photo captions give details on how they were taken. Well written and concise, this is a nice, inexpensive addition to large popular astronomy collections in public libraries.

Bone, Neil. Mars: Observer's Guide. Firefly. May 2003. 155p. illus. maps. bibliog. index. ISBN 1-55297-002-8. pap. $14.95.
Mars will be the focus of heightened media attention this summer as it passes as close as possible to Earth—a mere 34 million miles away. Except for the moon, the red planet will be the brightest object in the night sky in August 2003, November 2005, and December 2007. For those who want to view and photograph Mars, this practical, timely guide offers a good outline of equipment needs, a discussion of planet features to look for, and observable features charted by date.

*Hartmann, William K. A Traveler's Guide to Mars. Workman. Jun. 2003. 448p. illus. ISBN 0-7611-2606-6. pap. $18.95.
Some scientists believe that human flights to Mars will be a reality in the 21st century. This traveler's guide has a clever spin, presenting history, rich geographical details, and an in-depth look at the weather, just as if armchair astronauts were truly planning the ultimate trip. Plenty of color photos and maps make it a visual treat.

Sheehan, William & Stephen James O'Meara. Mars: The Lure of the Red Planet. Prometheus. 2001. 406p. illus. index. ISBN 1-57392-900-X. $27.
Two contributing editors to Sky and Telescope magazine look at humankind's fascination with Mars from ancient times through today's explorations. There is an interesting commentary on speculation and fantasy, including a section on Orson Welles's famous mock radio broadcast.

Arnold, H.J.P. Astro-Photography: An Introduction to Film and Digital Imaging. Firefly. 2003. 256p. illus. maps. index. ISBN 1-55297-801-X. pap. $19.95.
Written both for astronomers who know little about photography and photographers with little knowledge of astronomy, this comprehensive and up-to-the-minute book on a fast-growing hobby offers a good discussion of the latest in CCDs (charge-coupled devices) and digital cameras, plenty of practical advice, suggested projects, and instructions for processing film at home.

*Dickinson, Terence & Alan Dyer. The Backyard Astronomer's Guide. rev. ed. Firefly. 2003. 336p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 1-55209-507-X. $49.95.
As a companion to a book with star maps (such as Dickinson's Nightwatch), this heavily illustrated volume takes amateurs to the next level, with detailed discussion of the latest equipment, including binoculars, telescopes, cameras, and software. Its nontechnical language makes astronomy an avocation accessible to everyone.

Dickinson, Terence & Jack Newton. Splendors of the Universe: A Practical Guide to Photographing the Night Sky. Firefly. 1998. 144p. illus. index. ISBN 1-55209-141-4. $40.
This how-to for astronomer shutterbugs focuses less on the technology (although equipment is thoroughly discussed) and more on creative composition. Gorgeous photographs give amateurs, quite literally, something to shoot for. (LJ 4/15/98)

Tyson, Neil de Grasse. Merlin's Tour of the Universe: A Skywatcher's Guide to Everything from Mars and Quasars to Comets, Planets, Blue Moons, and Werewolves. Main Street: Doubleday. 1997. 299p. illus. index. ISBN 0-385-48835-1. pap. $14.95.
With degrees in physics and astrophysics, the director of New York City's Hayden Planetarium is a serious scientist who takes a lighter approach for general audiences. His Q&A format uses much material previously published for Star Date, an astronomy magazine for lay readers. A good addition to middle school libraries and a terrific resource for teachers of grades 7–12; also appropriate for adults.

*Tyson, Neil de Grasse & others. One Universe: At Home in the Cosmos. Joseph Henry. 2000. 218p. illus. index. ISBN 0-309-06488-0. $40.
For amateur astronomers wanting to learn, in lay terms, about the physics of the universe, this is the book to read. Gorgeous photographs and amazing full-color graphics highlight information-packed text that's accessible but not oversimplified. Breezy and fun to read, this is essential for libraries supporting science and teacher education programs. (LJ 5/1/00)

Consolmagno, Guy. Brother Astronomer: Adventures of a Vatican Scientist. McGraw-Hill. 2000. 229p. illus. ISBN 0-07-135428-X. $24.95; pap. ISBN 0-07-137231-8. $14.95.
Consolmagno, a Jesuit priest who spends part of the year at the Vatican Observatory, discusses in this fascinating and highly readable memoir the balance of faith and science in both historical and modern times. A great addition to any library, especially those serving Catholic high school and college students. (LJ 3/1/00)

Dickinson, Terence. The Universe and Beyond. 3d ed. Firefly. 1999. 168p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 1-55209-361-1. pap. $29.95.
As always, Dickinson's clear style brings cosmology and astrophysics within the grasp of lay readers, now with even more information and 50 percent more photographs than in previous editions. Although not a textbook, the book provides enough detail to build a foundation for further study. Topics discussed include cosmology, extraterrestrial life, UFOs, dark matter, and more. (LJ 12/99)

Gallant, Roy A. Meteorite Hunter: The Search for Siberian Meteorite Craters. McGraw-Hill. 2002. 231p. photogs. bibliog. ISBN 0-07-137224-5. $24.95.
In this real-life thriller, Gallant, who has been called the "Indiana Jones of astronomy," takes readers on the adventure of a lifetime, tracking the impact site in forbidding Siberia where, in 1908, a mysterious cosmic missile exploded with 2000 times the force of the bombing of Hiroshima, covering an area several times the size of New York City. A great read for public library patrons.

Levy, David H. with Wendee Wallach-Levy. Cosmic Discoveries: The Wonders of Astronomy. Prometheus. 2001. 232p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 1-57392-931-X. $28.
Perhaps the world's foremost amateur astronomer (he was profiled in Ferris's Seeing in the Dark), Levy discusses astronomy's notables, from 16th-century Danish nobleman Tycho Brahe to modern-day sf writer Arthur C. Clarke. Personal anecdotes keep the writing lively, and Levy's passion for the subject makes the book a joy to read.

Margolis, Howard. It Started with Copernicus: How Turning the World Inside Out Led to the Scientific Revolution. McGraw-Hill. 2002. 224p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-07-138507-X. $24.95.
Scholar Margolis brilliantly surveys the history of astronomy, continually putting ideas, theories, and discoveries in the context of what we know today. The black-and-white illustrations are unimpressive, but the text is so well written—with ample notes, references, and a good index—that this flaw is relatively minor.

Grice, Noreen. Touch the Universe: A NASA Braille Book of Astronomy. Joseph Henry. 2002. 59p. illus. ISBN 0-309-08332-X. spiralbound. $35.
This slim but well-designed volume for the visually impaired features large print and color photographs from the Hubble Space Telescope. In addition to Braille text, the images, representing such astronomical objects as stars and gas clouds, have also been embossed. A truly groundbreaking way to help the blind see the universe.

Freedman, Roger A. & William J. Kaufmann III. Universe. 6th ed. Freeman. 2001. 703p. illus. maps. index. ISBN 0-7167-4647-6. pap. $80.
The latest edition of this fantastic introductory text, suitable for both academia and general use, features an accompanying CD-ROM (which has a limited version of the planetarium software Starry Night) and a companion web site.

Palen, Stacey. Schaum's Outlines: Astronomy. McGraw-Hill. 2002. 234p. index. ISBN 0-07-136436-6. pap. $16.95.
The best feature of this rudimentary guide is the emphasis on problem-solving methods. It provides detailed answers to 380 problems, supplemented with graphs and charts. Recommended for high school and small college libraries that support introductory physics and astronomy courses.

Astronomy. m. $39.95. Kalmbach Pub., 21027 Crossroads Circle, PO Box 1612, Waukesha, WI 53187-9950; 888-350-2413; customerservice@kalmbach.com. ISSN 0091-6358.
This monthly provides news, articles, product reviews, and observation tips for astronomers of all levels. It also lists monthly sky events and features maps. Its web site (www.astronomy.com) includes a photo gallery, astronomical events list, discussion forum, and more. Most content is accessible only with (free) registration. Especially useful for academic libraries.

Sky and Telescope. m. $39.95. Sky Pub., 49 Bay State Rd., Cambridge, MA 02138-1200; 800-253-0245; orders@SkyandTelescope.com. ISSN 0037-6604.
This publication provides news, articles, and product reviews, but with a slight emphasis on observing and photography for amateurs with some experience. The accompanying site (www.skyandtelescope.com) also offers news, along with how-to's, a customizable sky chart, and loads of links for research, equipment building, and missions.

Deep Space Explorer. Space.com Canada, 284 Richmond St. E., Toronto, Ont. M5A 1P4; 800-252-5417; www.starrynight.com. 2001. $49.95.
With a database that includes 30,000 galaxies, this program enables users to simulate 3-D models of the universe. Available only for Mac Classic and Windows 95/98/Me/XP.

Starry Night. Space.com Canada, 284 Richmond St. E., Toronto, Ont. M5A 1P4; 800-252-5417; www.starrynight.com. $49 for digital download.
This easy-to-use planetarium software enables users to visualize the night sky by simulating movements of stars, planets, and other celestial objects. Available in three versions: Beginner (2001. $29.95), Backyard (2001. $79.95), and Pro (2002. $179.95). The new version 4.x runs on Mac OS X and Windows 98/Me/2000/ XP. Each set includes two discs and a user's guide.

The Astronomers. 6 vols. color. 6 hrs. MPI Media Group, 16101 S. 108th Ave., Orland Park, IL 60467. 1991. $79.98; DVD. ISBN 0-7886-0388-4. $59.98.
This six-part series explores fascinating phenomena such as black holes, dark matter, the Big Bang, and the life cycles of stars through the lives of the modern astronomers who are asking the questions—and finding some answers. (LJ 11/1/91)

Heavens-Above
www.heavens-above.com
This site is geared toward those interested in observing satellites in space. Information is provided on the times of visibility, spectacular events, etc. The pages, including the animated graphics, are generated in real time and customized for various time zones.

Hubble News Center
hubblesite.org/newscenter
This uncomplicated, user-friendly site lists the latest news, along with a searchable archive from 1990, links for K–12 educators, and an image gallery.

NASA
www.nasa.gov
This state-of-the-art site has it all: news, events, multimedia, and mission info, with links to special sections for kids, students, and educators.

The Nine Planets: A Multimedia Tour of the Solar System
seds.lpl.arizona.edu/nineplanets/nineplanets/nineplanets.html
Ideal for beginners, this straightforward site offers a useful overview of the solar system. Links are provided to mirror sites in Chinese, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Portuguese, Slovenian, and Spanish. Sounds clips are available.