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Burnham, Robert Burnham's Celestial Handbook : An Observer's Guide to the Universe Beyond the Solar System Volume 1 (Andromeda through Cetus) Volume 2 (Chameleon through Orion) Volume 3 (Pavo through Vulpecula) An absolute treasury of information, including related history and mythology. This book is very obviously a work of love for astronomy. |
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Consolmagno, Guy & Davis, Dan Turn Left at Orion The new edition of this excellent book, packed with viewing tips and clear instruction. Also realistic drawings of what you can expect to actually see. |
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Gribbin, John Companion to the Cosmos An excellent guide, arranged alphabetically. Thoroughly worth getting. |
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Harrington, Philip Touring the Universe through Binoculars Over 1,100 objects, arranged by constellation, in this excellent book on observation with medium and large binoculars. |
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Karttunen, Hannu et.al. Fundamental Astronomy 3540609369An undergraduate level book with marvellous breadth and depth, and whichis very readable. Not for the novice amateur. |
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Levy, David H. Observing Variable Stars: A Guide for the Beginner A good introduction to this fascinating branch of astronomy, where the amateur still makes a valuable contribution. Has good charts and seasonal observing suggestions. |
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Levy, David H. Skywatching An attractive and comprehensive introduction for the beginner, with charts by the lauded Wil Tirion. Suitable for about age 12 to adult. |
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Malin, David & Frew, David Hartung's Astronomical Objects for Southern Telescopes This exquisitely illustrated handbook is a must-have for those able to observe the magnificent sights of the southern skies. |
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Malin, David A View of the Universe Fantastic book with stunning astrophotography, as one would expect from David Malin. He explains the difficulties and procedures relating to these images. |
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Minnaert, Marcel The Nature of Light and Colour in the Open Air Compulsive examination of the naked-eye optical effects which produce some of the most beautiful sights in the sky. You'll never again look at a humble shadow in the same way! |
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Moore, Patrick (ed) The
Astronomy Encyclopedia An excellent and comprehensive encyclopedia; ideal basic reference for new astronomers. |
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Murdin, Paul (ed) Encyclopedia
of Astronomy and Astrophysics Without doubt, THE most comprehensive encyclopedia of astronomy ever published. |
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Ridpath, Ian Dictionary of Astronomy A very thorough quick reference, written in the clear, understandable style that we have come to expect from Ridpath. Highly recommended. |
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Ridpath, Ian and Tirion, Wil Collins Gem: Stars This little "gem" is often overlooked by serious astronomers, but its small format (8cm x 11.5cm) gives you a star atlas in your shirt pocket! Separate chart for each constellation, down to mag 5. Lots of DSOs, including the Messiers, are marked.Recommended |
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Tirion, Wil Sky Atlas 2000.0 Large (15" x 19") Star Charts, covering both hemispheres down to mag 8.5 . This is an excellent atlas for the intermediate and advanced amateur. This is the 1998 edition. |
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Tonkin, Stephen AstroFAQs THE quick reference to get you up and running in practical astronomy. |
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Tonkin, Stephen (ed) Astronomy
with Small Telescopes Excellent book that shows how to get the best out of a small (up to 125mm aperture) telescope. |
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Upgren, Arthur Night Has a Thousand Eyes Thiis is, quite simply, the best introduction to naked eye astronomy yet written. Upgren weaves a remarkable book that takes the reader to a greater depth of understanding and knowledge than any other book aimed at a similar readership. The style is captivating and the explanations have a simplicity that comes from a mastery of the subject matter. Highly recommended. |
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Van Zyl, J.E. Unveiling the Universe This is, perhaps, one of the most complete introductory astronomy books ever published. This is an outstanding book which deserves to be far better known. |
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Zeilik, Michael & Gregory, Stephen Introductory Astronomy & Astrophysics An extremely good advanced text. The "prelude" addresses the mathematics and physics necessary for the rest of the book. The authors have a knack of making complex concepts easy to understand without trivialising them. Highly recommended! |