Rating: 

I received the Illustrated Guide to Astronomical Wonders for Christmas, part of my wishlist. First impression : great presentation and a very nice layout. I couldn't wait to explore this new acquisition for my librairy.

This book is a definitive must for the serious beginner. If you're just getting into the hobby, and are serious about it, you have to get this book. It will rapidly become your main assistant under the stars.

The first chapters of the book on deep sky objects observing and equipment needed to do so are well written and offer a wealth of information for the beginning and even for the intermediate observer.

Then, the star party begins... The information about each constellation (there are 50 of them for the North Hemispher observer) is complete, clearly presented, and the sky charts are made with one of the best planetarium software on the market.

Robert and Barbara, the authors of this book, made some choices about the catalogs selected for their night sky explorations. They were well inspired. Of course, the Messier catalog is explored – this is the catalog for those beginning into astronomy -, but the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) finest NGC list and the Astronomical League Society catalogs are well suited for introducing someone to the hobby.

The objects selected can be easily seen in a small telescope or binoculars. If you are using a large instrument, in the 8 or 10 inches telescope for example, you'll be rewarded with great views.

In each of the chapters covering the constellations, the descriptions of the objects are clear and instructive, all of them are illustrated with « realistic » photographs, representing quite the same view you would get at the eyepiece.

Of course all of the night sky is not covered in this book, but be sure that the Illustrated Guide to Astronomical Wondres will provide you with hours and even a few years of exploration of the night sky.

After you'll gone through this book, you will have gain enough understanding of the night sky to be considered an experienced amateur astronomer.

André Cajolais
Québec, Canada