Tacy says:

This book is outstanding for two people: parents that are considering buying a telescope for their children, and adults that have an interest in becoming an amateur astronomer. This book will allow both groups of people to learn more about not only the stars, planets, and our universe, but to make intelligent decisions on purchases of such things as telescopes, binoculars, software programs, or more reading material.

All too often a parent will buy the “blue light special” telescope for their children, yet the child is quickly frustrated with inferior optics, a wobbly stand, and no knowledge of what to look at and why. This book will allow those parents to grasp the basics of astronomy and therefore teach their children to appreciate the universe. Mr. Dickinson has presented material so that everyone can enjoy the night sky; whether viewed with a telescope, binoculars, or the naked eye.

For those older children or adults, this book will allow them to jump headfirst into astronomy as a lifelong enjoyment. If you want to have only a basic understanding of the celestial bodies, this book is more than enough. But in the last few pages, Mr. Dickinson tells you where to go to find greater resources to further knowledge. Because of his recommendations and my own research, I’ve acquired the following items that I would also like to recommend:

Sky Atlas 2000.0 by Wil Tirion (a great resource for finding objects not usually in the astronomy magazines’ monthly inserts)

The Backyard Astronomer’s Guide by Terence Dickinson (this is a “sequel” to Nightwatch and between these two books, they are used about 80% of the time compared to my other resources)

Turn Left at Orion by Guy Consolmagno (I enjoy using this book to plan an observation session for “old favorites” or as a “highlights tour” for showing to those new to astronomy)

Other resourses that are more in depth that you may want to consider if you become very serious about astronomy:

Burnham’s Celestial Handbook, Volumes 1, 2, & 3

Deep-Sky Companions : The Messier Objects

A subscription to Sky & Telescope or Astronomy

I can’t say enough about Nightwatch. This may be your first, or your “first and last” book on astronomy. But either way, you will enjoy astronomy because of Terence Dickinson’s writing.

Twila says:

5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Intro to the Night Sky
The book contains just about everything that a stargazer needs to know about the night sky. Dickinson explains celestial things very well, and discusses earthly objects…

Valley says:

This is perhaps the most important book you’ll need to get started if you feel you’re one of those people who have suddenly been captured by astronomy. The book sets out to answer all those questions that will inevitably flood your mind and does so in a way that is very easy to understand, complemented by a touch of inspiring poetry. It never gets too technical, yet the amazing wealth of information in there is never compromised.

Topic coverage is very broad and the depth of information I find is very satisfying. Chapters include the structure of the universe, stargazing, a detailed guide to selecting and purchasing equipment, the stars, the planets, the moon and sun, solar and lunar eclipses, comets, meteors, auroras and even how to photograph the night sky.

The book is further enriched by an abundance of backgrounders, star charts, tables, breathtaking images and excellent diagrams explaining things like measuring degrees with your hand and how to use the constellations to find other stars. Important stars and constellations are treated like individual personalities as a lot of the associated data such as distances are put into perspective.

Nightwatch is a clearly focused book. Rich in information, and down to earth with its content, it will satisfy the budding backyard astronomer’s need to appreciate what’s out there and how to enjoy it.

Cwen says:

5.0 out of 5 stars
Great amateur book!
I bought this book a few months ago after I bought my telescope. This book continues to wow my friends and family who love to look at it on the coffee table.

Gioia says:

5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book for beginners
Overall I’d say this is a great book for those just getting into astronomy. It has some practical advice on how to choose a telescope, and what to point it at once you’ve got it…

Augusta says:

5.0 out of 5 stars
A Must Buy for anyone interested in Amateur Astronomy
Hands down one of the best books for someone who wants to learn about the heavens. Very easy to read and extremely helpful for newbies and those that need a refresher to Astronomy!

Hala says:

5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent beginner’s book
I’m just getting into astronomy with my 10 year old son and this book is great.