Philip's Stargazing 2015 is a concise guide to the
northern-hemisphere night sky, helping starwatchers to
see the year's most fascinating events, whether
observing with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope.
The guide is suitable for use between latitudes 40 N and
60 N, including Britain and Ireland, Europe as far south
as Rome, and Canada and the northern USA as far south as
Philadelphia. Each chapter (one for each month of the
year) has a colour star map, created by Wil Tirion,
showing the positions and phases of the Moon, the
positions of the planets, and other useful information.
Each month also includes a constellation described in
detail; special events during the month, such as
eclipses; a featured astronomical object, usually a
deep-sky target; plus an astrophotograph, with details
of how it was taken. The Solar System Almanac explains
the movement of the planets, with particular attention
paid to their positions in 2015. Solar and lunar
eclipses, meteor showers and comets are also described.
Exploring the Deep Sky provides a list of recommended
deep-sky objects. The observer can use the monthly
charts to discover which constellations are on view, and
then use this information to plan deep-sky observing.
The book concludes with an Equipment Review. Here Robin
Scagell, author of Philip's Stargazing with a Telescope,
provides a round-up of what's new in observing
technology. |
|