Well, the Thompsons did it again. I loved Astronomy Hacks which came out a few years ago and was chock-full of information on how to bring out the most of your astro equipment. This time Robert and his wife Barbara created a wonderful guide for those who wish to hunt down the best of the myriad of deep-sky objects. They did an excellent job.
The content of the book can be devided into two distinct parts:
1.) the first chapter introduces the reader into the bits and bytes of deep-sky observing, while the second chaper deals with telescopes, and accessories. The authors give detailed information on the various types of deep-space objects (multiple stars, open- and globular clusters, nebulae and galaxies). There are also some nice photos which depict each type of object. These are not the glorious full-color Hubble photos we see all over the net. The Thompsons decided to choose photos that represent quite close what an amateur astronomer will see through the eyepiece. A very wise decesion I may add. Besides just presenting clearly written info on deep-sky objects, the authors also introduce basic astronomical concepts, like the magnitude system, the celestial coordinate system or stellar designations). Even if you are familiar with all these terms and concepts and the world of deep-space object, you will definetly want to read the last part of the first chapter titled "How The Constellation Chapters are Organized". This is where they explain how to interpret the info in the summary tables found throughout the second part of the book. As for the second chapter, I am not going into details here. It's full of practical information on astro-gear: telescopes, eyepieces, filters, finders, barlows,planetarium software, you name it. Not as detailed as in Astronomy Hacks but still quite thorough.
2.) The second part of the book constitutes about 80% or more of all the content. This is where the real juice is. This part is a constellation-by-constellation guide to finding and observing numerous deep-sky objects. But just what objects exactly? The authors decided to turn to some of the observing lists compiled by the Astronomical League (AL) and the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC). Included are the AL Mesier Club list, the AL Binocular Messier Club list, the AL Urban Observing Club list, the AL Deep Sky Binocular Club list, the AL Double Star Club list, and the RASC Finest NGC list. Quite a few deep-sky objects. Enough to keep any observer happy for a long time. I don't know of any other observing guide that contains detailed information on such a large number of objects. For each constellation there is a short introduction to the particular constellation , then comes two separete tables: one listing basic info on the featured clusters, nebulae and galaxies, and an other doing the same for multiple stars. There's also an overview chart showing the whole constellation and the objects being discussed in the following pages. To me, the real gem of the book lies in the object descriptions. Yes, the authors will go into detail describing how to locate each object by star-hopping, and how those object will look to the observer through medium sized amateur telescopes. Just wonderful! Aiding the written descriptions are finder charts with 5 and 1-degree finder circles drawn in. The reader will also find many astrophotos similar to those in the first chapter. They are all black-and-white, have the same scale and represent fairly closely what one may see through a telescope.
Negatives? Very few and far between. The authors' intention was to make this book a field guide. However, I find it a little to heavy and bulky to use by the telescope. And besides, it's just to precious to me to take out into the cold and dewy nights. I will use the information in this book when I prepare for observing in my room. And after I am finished under the stars, I will take the book out again and compare my notes to those made by the Thompsons.
The Illustrated Guide to Astronomical Wonders is Well, the Thompsons did it again. I loved Astronomy Hacks which came out a few years ago and was chock-full of information on how to bring out the most of your astro equipment. This time Robert and his wife Barbara created a wonderful guide for those who wish to hunt down the best of the myriad of deep-sky objects. They did an excellent job.
The Illustrated Guide to Astronomical Wonders is highly recommended to any amateur astronomer with a telescope, regardless of their level of experience. Thanks to Robert and Barbara for this unique guide to astronomical wonders!
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