Take up the fascinating hobby of astronomy with this informative and straightforward book as your guide. In Philip's Practical Astronomy, author Storm Dunlop introduces the basic concepts of astronomy, explaining how, what and when to observe, and providing lists of recommended objects with which to start. Star charts help the reader to navigate the night sky, identify the constellations, and find planets, comets, galaxies and deep-sky objects. The book is illustrated with over 160 colourful photographs and diagrams, plus more than 30 tables. The book is organized in two parts: 'Introducing Astronomy' provides the essential information on how to observe, whether with the naked eye, binoculars or a small telescope; where and when to look; how to find your way around the sky by 'constellation-hopping'; how to use star maps and planispheres; and how to record your observations with drawings and photographs. 'Exploring the Sky' looks in more detail at the objects the amateur can view, from aurorae and meteors (shooting stars) to the Moon, Sun, planets and comets, and beyond to stars, nebulae, the Milky Way and other galaxies.Philip's Practical Astronomy is illustrated with some spectacular colour photographs as well as clear and informative diagrams, with detailed star charts by Wil Tirion, the world-renowned celestial cartographer.