NightWatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe

This book strikes the perfect balance between being too technical and being too abstract. The author, Terence Dickinson, breaks down amazingly complex information so that non-scientist stargazers, like myself, can glean all the enjoyment and wonder out of the heavens without getting a major headache. NIGHTWATCH is not for experienced stargazers or anyone schooled in the physical sciences, but that becomes obvious immediately. However, if you ARE one of those people, and you know someone who's interested in astronomy but will never enroll in a physics course, you can recommend this book in good conscience. There's a substantial section about telescopes and how to buy them; if you already have a decent telescope, it seems like too much print is wasted on consumer education. But one of the biggest pitfalls to beginning this hobby is that people get sucked into buying what they think is a "starter" telescope but which is actually useless. Then they get frustrated and quit stargazing completely. The author is very careful to point the reader toward a 'scope that meets his or her needs and that will provide years of enjoyment. The spiral-bound edition of this book makes it portable enough to take into the field, and although the star maps are very simple, they're adequate for beginners. Once you learn to navigate with those, you're ready for a "real" star atlas. Also, there are dates given for different phenomena, which only goes to 2009 or 2010. I'm guessing a newer edition will be more up-to-date with that, but those revisions could probably be found on astronomy sites. Dickinson is an engaging writer, and the illustrations are well-done and well-chosen. When you get comfortable with your little corner of the galaxy, you can move on to more "advanced" books. But this book is the best introduction out there. It'll get you looking up, and thinking about those Larger Questions, like, "If I could go beyond the edge of the universe, would I disappear because I went past the beginning of time?" and "Who really made the crop circles?"

Having recently purchased a telescope, I've been reading lots of astronomy books. Even though this one is very basic, overall I've found it the most useful. No math, no equations, but tons of helpful advice that will have you up and finding stars right away. I like the fact that he emphasizes how much you can see with binocs too. The star charts are very helpful and are printed so that they can be read by a red light while you're out observing. Lots of great information on how to buy a telescope too. The bound version is perfect for carrying with you to find objects in the sky. Well written, easy to follow and informative -- if you only buy one book, this should be it (although I'd have to add my all time favorite, The Stars by H.A. Ray, the only book that draws the constellations so that they actually look like pictures).

Backyard astronomers know that Nightwatch is a classic observing guide. If you’re on the fence about this book I would suggest adding it to your library. It’s full of helpful information and advice, written in an accessible, engaging manner. Highly recommended.

I read this book after about four months or so of actively observing with a telescope and found it very well-written but also quite basic. It's great if you're a rank beginner but you will likely outgrow it quickly. Once you get a firm handle on the basic concepts of amateur astronomy, I don't see why you would need this book except for lending it to others to familiarize them with what you're doing! Intermediate or experienced amateurs looking to learn more need not apply.

I can't say "thank you" enough to Terence Dickinson for this book. His writing is so engaging, and he makes things very easy to understand. The star maps are fantastic and the photos are stunning. Perhaps the most important thing to me, though, was the section on buying a telescope. As I was in the market for a new scope, and hadn't even looked through a scope in nearly 6 years, I really needed some advice. I'd never even heard of a Dobson telescope until I read this book. I was especially intrigued by Mr. Dickinson's comment on his not understanding why more people don't own Dobsons, as they provide large aperture for relatively low cost. I started doing more research after reading this, and today I am the proud owner of a 10" Dobson scope, an Orion Intelliscope XT10. That part aside, though, I've had many hours of enjoyment from "Nightwatch" and know it will be one of my constant companions for many years.

This book is greatly build up and covers every major aspect of Astronomy . In an understandable way and very plastic with supportive pictures you get to understand cohesions and basics about our solar system, the galaxies and the whole universe. It puts emphasize on the star constellations and features great maps to navigate the sky. The ringbinding helps a lot to work with it in the field. And the paper is high quality and will take a lot of use. This makes a great gift for anyone who is intersted in nature or wants to explore the night sky. This is the absolute BEST BUY to start with!!! Nothing else.

more in depth than I expected for a 10 year old to use. good book for me

I purchased this book on the recommendation of someone I read on an Astronomy blog. It is EXCELLENT. Very well written. I wish I'd purchased it before I bought my telescope, though I don't think it would have changed my selection. Excellent section on telescopes and accessories with recommendations on what to buy and what not to buy. Easy to follow star charts and how to explanations on star hopping. Very interesting "facts" sections that provide details on what you'll be looking at which makes observing all the more fun. A "must have" for the beginning astronomer.

Have just got into astronomy and was advised to buy this book. It is perfect for looking at the night sky, and recognising what I see - it explains the view at different times of the year and from different locations. A great book well worth buying.

Great gift for the astronomy lover

very good

Good beginner book, lots of useful tips.

good value.