1,001 Celestial Wonders to See Before You Die

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xiii

   PDF

2. January

   • Michael E. Bakich

   Pages 1-45

3. February

   • Michael E. Bakich

   Pages 47-70

4. March

   • Michael E. Bakich

   Pages 71-129

5. April

   • Michael E. Bakich

   Pages 131-167

6. May

   • Michael E. Bakich

   Pages 169-197

7. June

   • Michael E. Bakich

   Pages 199-251

8. July

   • Michael E. Bakich

   Pages 253-288

9. August

   • Michael E. Bakich

   Pages 289-326

10. September

    • Michael E. Bakich

    Pages 327-347

11. October

    • Michael E. Bakich

    Pages 349-385

12. November

    • Michael E. Bakich

    Pages 387-422

13. December

    • Michael E. Bakich

    Pages 423-465

14. Back Matter

    Pages 467-479

    PDF

1,001 Celestial Wonders is a guide to the night sky's brightest and most fascinating objects. Each target is accessible to amateur astronomers using medium-sized telescopes from a dark site. In fact, many are so bright they remain visible under moderate light pollution, as from the outskirts of a city or the suburbs of a town. The book provides a chronological target list, making it easy to use. No matter what night you choose, this book will show you many of the most memorable objects to observe, whether you are using a small telescope or even binoculars, or an instrument of larger aperture. This is far more than just a list of interesting objects. It is structured so that objects of various observing difficulty are included, which will help readers become better observers, both encouraging beginners and challenging long-time amateur astronomers. This book is designed to be easy-to-use at the telescope, and observers will appreciate each object's standardized layout and the book's chronological organization. Finally, many amateur astronomers function best when presented with a list! Even the Meade Autostar® controller features a 'best tonight' list (although the list is far less comprehensive and detailed than the catalog provided in this book), a feature that has proved extremely popular. 1,001 Celestial Wonders offers a life-list of objects any observer would be proud to complete.

• Astronomy
• Best Celestial Objects
• Brightest Objects in the Sky
• Celestial Wonders
• Observing List
• Practical Observation
• Spectacular Objects in the Sky
• Visual Observing
• celestial bodies

From the reviews:

“Astronomy writer/journalist Bakich … presents a ‘bucket list’ for astronomers--celestial wonders to observe before one ‘kicks the bucket.’ … this book so interesting … . The book is ideal for amateur observers from beginning to experienced. … For professional astronomers, especially those who may not have looked through a telescope for most of their careers, actually observing some of these gems can remind them why they got interested in astronomy in the first place. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All public and undergraduate libraries.” (R. R. Erickson, Choice, Vol. 48 (6), February, 2011)

“One thousand and one celestial wonders is a lot of objects to cover while maintaining your interest … . The book is, rather conveniently, laid out in month order so navigating through the many objects on offer should be a breeze. … a beginner looking for inspiration or a more advanced observer looking for new challenges, you’ll no doubt enjoy this book.” (Steve Richards, BBC Sky at Night Magazine, June, 2011)

“This is a splendid gazetteer aimed at the keen amateur astronomer, written by an author with many years of experience. … the guide would be very appropriate in a university collection where an observing programme is in place … . a handbook that ought to be included as part of the reading list for undergraduates so that they can view the real universe as well as learning those essential theoretical aspects of the subject. … an excellent guide that no observatory should be without.” (Sean Lawrence, Reference Reviews, Vol. 25 (6), 2011)

• Milwaukee, USA

  Michael E. Bakich

Michael E. Bakich lives in Milwaukee, and is a Senior Editor at "Astronomy" magazine. He has previously published "The Cambridge Guide to the Constellations" (1995), "The Cambridge Planetary Handbook" (2000), and "The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Amateur Astronomy" (2003). In addition he has written and edited the following "Astronomy" 'bookazines' of around 100 pgs., each: "Atlas of the Stars" (2006), "Hubble's Greatest Pictures" (2007), and "The 100 Most Spectacular Sky Wonders" (2008). He is also the author of many recent articles.

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