Mapping the Sky: The Essential Guide for New Astronomers FROM THE PUBLISHER
Destined to become the guide of choice, Mapping the Sky is a glorious survey for the lay astronomer. Written with beginners in mind, it sets the stage with a history of the science and outlines the basics of stargazing, from choosing the right telescope to taking photographs of the stars. Readers discover how to tell a star's magnitude by its color, find the most famous constellations, and much, much more. Featuring a handy star wheel, entertaining text, and page after page of illustrations, photographs, and diagrams, Mapping the Sky is a volume as rich and vibrant as its subject.
Author Biography: Leila Haddad is a scientific journalist. Alain Cirou is director of the French Astronomy Association and the editorial director for Ciel & Espace, a French astronomy publication.
SYNOPSIS
A very attractive 9x9" square book with dark blue glossy pages and fabulous illustrations—including color diagrams, photographs, and reproductions of 17th- and 18th-century artwork. Haddad, a science journalist and Cirou, director of the French Astronomy Association and editor of Ciel & Espace, provide a beginner's introduction to observing with the naked eye, buying and using binoculars and telescopes, celestial coordinates and motion, and observing planets and deep sky objects. A planisphere is tucked into the back flap. Originally published in France by Éditions du Seuil in 2001 under the title Clés de voûte, savoir l'astronomie, voir le ciel. Annotation ©2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
This beautifully and generously illustrated book is a fine beginner's guide to observing the night sky. Part one, by science journalist Haddad, presents a comprehensive background, from the development of our understanding of the heavens, to the construction of the lunar and solar calendars, to the work of Kepler, Brahe, Copernicus and others who advanced the science of astronomy. The text is divided into relatively brief, easily digested blocks, with colorful diagrams and historical illustrations. Part two, by Cirou, director of the French Astronomy Association, offers "Keys to the Sky": he begins with the most basic steps, such as choosing the right site for observation; understanding light and optics; picking a telescope; and recognizing the constellations and planets before moving into deeper space and astrophotography. The spectacle of the heavens, says Cirou, "afford[s] endless emotion and delights." He and Haddad offer a handsome handbook on how to access those delights. (Sept.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
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