The Night Sky Companion

Thebookyouareholdinginyourhandsisoneofthebestlearningandoutreach tools you could want for your collection. The Night Sky Companion is full of informationaboutastronomy.Thinkofhowmanytimesyouhavewalkedoutside, lookedatthestarsandwonderedwhatnewthingsyoucouldexplore.Maybeyou areabeginnerandyouwanttolearnthebasicsofstargazing,orperhapsyou’re a seasoned sky veteran. Either way, I bet you will see and learn something new each night. I have used Tammy Plotner’s previous books to help plan my outreach programs. Not only do they tell you what you can see in the night sky, just as this book does, but they also explain some of the history and science which has brought us to this point. You will quickly realize astronomy is what you make it. It can be extremely challenging or very relaxing: it’s up to you to decide. With this book, you can use telescope or binoculars of any size—or just kick back under the Milky Way and enjoy the view. It will be your “companion” to help you discover our galaxy. Picture yourself enjoying a warm August night watching the Perseid meteor shower, or seeing the Harvest Moon rise. While the spring holds the promise of bright planets and distant galaxies, there is somethingtobesaidaboutthoselong,coldwintereveningstoo!Youcanspend hoursobservingandstillgettobedbeforemidnight.Witheachchangingseason, with every constellation wheeling overhead, Tammy will show you the best of the night sky. ThewealthofinformationhereabouttheMoonwillamazeyou.Waituntilyou point a telescope its way and find a specific crater. Suddenly, the lunar terrain takes on a new look. It has a stark beauty which will keep you coming back. ix OhioAurorainMay(Credit—TerryMann). Foreword xi Both beginning and advanced amateur astronomers will enjoy this book.

From the reviews:

"Thanks to the great folks at Springer Press (and Sir Patrick Moore), this incredible 674 page, full-color glossy book filled with astronomy pictures, astronomy history, sky watching tips and daily information … . takes a look at astronomy every day over the course of the year – offering an overview of general history, soft science, astronomical trivia, and observing guides and motivation. Designed to appeal to readers at all skills and involvement, it provides a digest for sky watchers interested in all-in-one place information … ." (www.universetoday.com, January, 2008)

Tammy Plotner lives in Ohio. She is a successful freelance writer, non-professional astronomy educator, advanced amateur astronomer, and lecturer. She is currently President and director of Outreach Education and Programs at Warren Rupp Observatory, and webmaster, team member and Astronomy Outreach coordinator for the Astronomical League.