The Observer’s Year

It was on ce said that 'the night sky always looks much the same'. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. There are 365 days in each year (366 in a Leap Year!), and from an astronomical point of view no two are alike. What I aim to do, in this book, is to go through a complete year and point out some special items of interest for each night. It may be a double star, a vari­ able star or a nebula; it may be a planet, or even the Moon in some particular aspect - there is plenty of variety. (Anyone unfamiliar with astronomical terms should consult the Glossary at the end ofthis book. ) Let it be said at once that you do not need a large and expensive telescope. A surprising amount can be seen with the naked eye, and binoculars give increased range; indeed, it is probably fair to say that good binoc­ ulars are ideal for the beginner, and are far better than very small telescopes. Telescopes are of two types: refractors, and reflectors. A refractor collects its light by means of a glass lens known as an object-glass (OG); the light passes down the telescope tube and is brought to focus, where an image is formed and is then magnified by a second lens, termed an eyepiece.

FROM THE REVIEWS:

IRISH ASTRONOMICAL JOURNAL
"If the amateur astronomer were to follow this yearly observing progression they would surely build up a good knowledge of the basic objects of interest, throughout the year, and, in addition, would enjoy a well-written explanation of concepts necessary for a full enjoyment of the night sky…Overall the book admirably achieves three purposes; providing a basic year-long introduction to practical observing, presenting a good fireside read and acting as a good source of reference. It should seriously be considered by amateur astronomers embarking on their first observing adventure.”

NEW SCIENTIST
"The book is beautifully written and bubbles with enthusiasm. Moore is a superb personal tutor, and will convert a complete novice to skilled amateur astronomer within 12 months.”

REVIEWS OF ASTRONOMICAL TOOLS
"This volume is an interesting reading book to last for a few years for people with some interest in astronomy and things happening in the sky, but not knowing too much on the hard background of astronomy.”

ASTRONOMY & SPACE
"Well, Patrick Moore has done it again. What an excellent book this is. I was waiting for someone to write a book on observing the night sky for every night of the year and at last someone did just that…This is a book that I would not hesitate to tell everybody to buy it if they have any sort of interest in astronomy.”

ASTRONOMY NOW
"…this book is a little treasure trove of astronomical trivia, as well as being an entertaining read…it is a book that every amateur astronomer will find captivating to delve into.”

From the reviews of the second edition:

"If you are attracted by the beauty of the night sky and would like to identify stars and planets or witness astronomic events, this book will help you … . The book contains numerous tables of the stars and their characteristics in the main constellations… . There are also many drawings … that will help the observer to locate the constellations in the night sky. … it may find a useful place on the bookshelves of any family or … any amateur astronomy club." (Fernande Grandjean and Gary J. Long, Physicalia, Vol. 28 (4-6), 2006)