The Night Sky Observers Guide

by George Robert Kepple and Glen W. Sanner

Amateur astronomers today are exceptionally fortunate to be living in an era when high quality, and very large, optics are so affordable. In the first half of the 20th century the telescope deluxe for... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0943396581
• ISBN13: 9780943396583
• Release Date: January 1998
• Publisher: Willmann-Bell
• Length: 3 Pages
• Weight: 3.56 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 8.9" x 11.3"

Customer Reviews

Both volumes - information among the finest we've ever seen.

If it wasn't for the fact that this work is such an exhaustive expression of observational material, and partially devoted to users of larger telescopes, it would most certainly be placed on the Belmont Society's "Required Reading List". As it is, these two wonderful volumes of information are both extraordinarily useful and educationally priceless for intermediate beginners and the advanced amateur. It is mostly "tilted" at users of larger scopes, but those of us who have an interest in small and medium-sized instruments will greatly appreciate its enormous cache of useful information - i.e.: just double stars alone, to cite an example. By itself, the data is worth the price of admission. But the foundational text is a bottomless well from which to draw buckets of valuable knowledge about all the known types of deep space objects. This information is compiled in an ideal arrangement, and is laid out in logical and sensible format. Explanations and informative text are among the finest we've ever seen. The sheer quantity of information, along with an exemplary written style gives the impression that this work was composed by scores of eminent astrophysicists and astronomers, all contributing within the realms of their individual specialties, and then edited by a single omnipotent director. And sure enough, there is a lengthy acknowledgment to the contributors, the roster of which is very extensive, and the complexion of which is almost exclusively amateur. The work is divided into two volumes or seasonal groups - Volume #1 is dedicated to Fall and Winter constellations, and #2 consists of Spring and Summer. Each volume is divided into segments, which present its constellations in alphabetical order. Each constellation begins with an impressively detailed list of double stars. Then there are the deep sky objects - dark nebulae, emission nebulae, globulars, galaxies, etc. Each individual object is given a description and a graphic rating (5 stars for the very best, and so on) with notes that justify its rank. Additionally, objects are listed in chart form by type as well. Sad to say, objects below a minimal southern latitude are not included. For the most part, object descriptions are presented as seen with apertures between 8 and 12 inches (and larger). Roughly 30 percent of the observations are described as seen with smaller apertures, and some binocular objects are listed as well. As mentioned, the double star listings are superbly done. There are over 2,100 worthy examples of these. This list is among the most detailed we've ever seen. These are a pair of really big books! There's an interesting but typical reaction displayed upon seeing one close-up for the first time. They dwarf the average encyclopedia edition (remember those?). They are even bigger than the law books you see behind the District Attorney's desk on a TV serial. And we appreciate the hard glossy cover with no separate jacket to rip or lose. They aren't cheap books either. It w

Simply a must buy for large-scope owners

This is the first volume of an incredible deep sky reference work for amateurs. First of all, the introduction written by Craig Crossen (noted astronomer and author) is the finest overview of basic layman's astronomy theory and observing conventions that I have run across.The rest of the book consists of sketches or photographs and descriptions of hundreds of deep sky objects in all constellations visible from mid-northern latitudes during the Fall and Winter seasons. The second book covers Spring and Summer. Objects are described as to how they appear with telescopes of different apertures. The majority of objects are for large scope owners, e.g. 12"+, but the brighter objects like Messier are even described for 4" scopes.The maps and finder charts are adequate but you'll need a good star chart to complement them and confirm that you've got your target. Each constellation chapter begins with a table of interesting double and multiple stars, an excellent and thoughtful inclusion for medium-size scope owners who may not be able to see many of the DSOs or for those in cities where DSOs are wiped out by light pollution.I haven't seen a guide to compare to NSOG in depth of coverage. The two large volumes are enough to keep large scope owners busy for many years. There are nice guides out there with better descriptions of far fewer objects (e.g. The Universe From Your Backyard by Eicher), but for sheer quantity NSOG leaves them all in the dust.

A top-shelf set of books in my astronomical library.

Finally a set of books that has the amateur with large apeture telescope in mind. The majority of the observations were made with 12-1/2" to 25" telescopes under varied conditions and locations. The drawings are more useful than the usual photographs as drawings with accompanying descriptions and photos accurately reflect what an observer can expect to see at the eyepiece. The multitude of star field charts are useful and the arrangement of objects by constellation is handy as well. Overall, a very good presentation and a work that will prove useful at the telescope in the field.

What an Accomplishment!!

I just received my hefty copy of this wonderful and encyclopedic work in today's mail. I can't remember the last time I was so completely satisfied and thrilled with a book purchase! If you are at all serious about amateur astronomy, this book is truly a "MUST OWN" item. When people told me it was "even better than Burnham's" classic work I thought they must be exaggerating. They weren't. It is better than Burnham's in all matters of practical significance to the amateur observer. It covers many more celestial objects and contains much detailed and useful information about each one. The layout and design of the pages are much superior to Burnham's as well, as are the ubiquitous maps, drawings and illustrations. Burnham's still has more "star lore" material, -- so you'll want to keep your old copies -- but all in all this is a much more usable and complete observer's guide. Truly this is a solid five star product! Congratulations to the authors on their incredible accomplishment!

A Who's Who of Deep Sky Objects for moderate sized scopes

I've seen a pre-publication edition of this book. It divides the northern sky down to -40 degrees declination by devoting a chapter to each individual constellation. While the book focuses on deep sky objects you don't want to miss, worthwhile double-stars are also cited. Drawings and photos are included along with finder charts. I can't wait to get my own copy! Will it replace Burnham's? There are thousands of listings in its 2 volumes (approximately 900 pages).