A guidebook for beginning amateur astronomers, Turn Left at Orion provides all the information you need to observe the Moon, the planets and a whole host of celestial objects. Large format diagrams show these objects exactly as they appear in a small telescope and for each object there is information on the current state of our astronomical knowledge. Revised and updated, this new edition contains a chapter describing spectacular deep sky objects visible from the southern hemisphere, and tips on observing the upcoming transits of Venus. It also includes a discussion of Dobsonian telescopes, with hints on using personal computers and the internet as aids for planning an observing session. Unlike many guides to the night sky, this book is specifically written for observers using small telescopes. Clear and easy-to-use, this fascinating book will appeal to skywatchers of all ages and backgrounds. No previous knowledge of astronomy is needed.
• Clear and easy to use; no previous knowledge of astronomy required
• Revised and updated to include new material
• This is a unique book: it is the only book available with specific, object-by-object descriptions of how to find deep sky objects with a small telescope
Contents
1. How do you get to Albireo?; 2. How to use this book; 3. The Moon; 4. The planets; 5. Seasonal objects: Winter; 6. Seasonal objects: Spring; 7. Seasonal objects: Summer; 8. Seasonal objects: Autumn; 9. Southern hemisphere objects; 10. How to run a telescope; 11. Where do we go from here?; Glossary; Tables; Index; Acknowledgements.
Reviews
‘Wonderful … it is one of those books about which you say, ‘If only I had something like this when I was a beginner‘.’ Journal of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific
‘This is a GREAT BOOK! … This book is unique, with easy, clear directions on how to find these celestial objects, the best conditions, and what you will see. Consolmagno and Davis do a terrific job.’ Colin Haig, Event Horizon, Hamilton (Ontario) Amateur Astronomers Newsletter
‘No telescope owner should be without this classic (now updated) amateur astronomy manual.’ Jamie Love, Science Explained
‘Turn Left at Orion has all the qualifications of a good beginner’s guidebook. It makes observing deep-sky objects easier, and most of the objects listed can be seen from the city. More importantly, it makes observing FUN!’ Kathy Anderson, The Reflector, The Astronomical League Newsletter
‘Turn Left at Orion is the most user friendly field guide I have ever come across.’ The Eyepiece, Neville (Wisconsin) Public Museum Astronomical Society
‘When and if you buy that first telescope, you should get Turn Left at Orion’ . Battle Point Astronomical Association, Bainbridge Island, Washington
‘If you have difficulty finding objects, perhaps the person who gave you the telescope forgot to give you a good set of star maps. I’d recommend Turn Left at Orion. With it and a telescope of practically any size, you'll find plenty to see.’ Tom Burns, Columbus (Ohio)
‘This book is really a must have!’ Bob Martino, Perkins Observatory, Ohio Wesleyan University
‘This book is an ideal catalog of just the kinds of wonders in the sky that we like to show the public in any of the telescopes at our AAAA public star parties…’ Newsletter of the Ames (Iowa) Area Amateur Astronomers
‘Should be packaged with every first telescope …’ Chet Raymo, Sky and Telescope
