National Audubon First Field Guide: Night Sky (National Audubon Society First Field Guide)

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Summary: Audubon First Field Guide to the Night Sky
Review: Gary Mechler has written an easily readable description of the night skies and also gives a good account of the universe in general. Although a part of Audubon's First Field Guide series intended for readers 9-12, this well illustrated book could be a good starting point for a reader of any age. It starts with an overview of what astronomy is, and then progresses to lively descriptions of the universe and its contents starting with the big and far away, and coming progressively closer to our planet in our solar system. The second part of the book consists of star charts by the renowned stellar cartographer Wil Tirion. These beginner level charts of the most important constellations, feature enough binocular and telescope objects to keep a beginning telescope owner busy for many evenings. There are many color images of the constellations charted (some taken by the reviewer), so that you can compare the map with a photo of the real sky on a cloudy evening. The book ends with a useful reference section containing a glossary, tables of astronomical events such as eclipses, meteor showers, etc., a good further reading list, and usable index. The only criticism I can level at this handy and attractively priced book is that the signatures or parts of the sewn binding started to separate slightly almost immediately on opening the book a few times.