The Night Sky Observer's Guide:
Volume 1: Autumn and Winter
Volume 2: Spring and Summer
George Robert Kepple, Glen W. Sanner
Ever since the publication of Burham's indispensable 3-volume Celestial Handbook (reviewed later in this series of reviews), I have been in search of an up-to-date replacement. This is not it. However, this is a pretty darn good observing guide to the night sky. There is a third volume in this set for you lucky southern sky observers, but I do not own it. Though these books have a token brief essay at the beginning of each constellation about the mythology, it in no way comes near the depth Burnham usually gives the topic.
Both the forward and the first chapter will reward readers who are relatively new to observing and astronomy, and those (like me) that need a constant brushing up on the usual subjects, such as stars, variables, galaxy classification, etc. The problem is that it is difficult to read so much text, in four very word-filled columns, in such a large book. I generally fall asleep, as it reads like a university text book. Still, there is valuable information, but a few more illustrations in these sections would have been a bonus.
There follows a chapter on each of the constellations. I will choose Hercules to give examples of how the books work, and how effective they are for observers. Chapter 46 (vol. 2) is entitled "Hercules the Strongman." 46.1 (Overview) discusses the mythology, as well as some quick facts about the constellation, such as it being the fifth largest. A small box gives proper pronunciation, its culmination dates, major showpieces, and some binocular objects.
46.2 is entitled "Interesting Stars." 8 stars are presented, and discussed with brief facts and very short paragraphs. They include single, variable and double stars. The section also includes a full-page chart of Hercules with stars to 6.5 mag. There are also two tables. The first lists 8 selected variable stars, given info across a single line for each star. The second table lists 44 doubles, again giving the facts across single lines (it might be of interest to note here that Burnham's lists five pages of doubles, about 150 stars). I really like the paring down of selected variables and doubles--this provides a nice introduction to these fascinating areas of observing.
46.3 is the largest section, entitled "Deep-Sky Objects." As in the brief discussion of the eight selected stars (46.1), each NGC object discussed, along with many objects from other catalogues, is handled with a few lines of the facts, followed by brief descriptions. For some objects there are close-up finder charts (more about these presently), and for many there are either photos or drawings from the eyepiece. Section 46.3 is 8 1/2 pages long, and makes for wonderful armchair reading. Due to our severe winters, this is likely the closest I will ever get to some of these objects.
Extras at the back of the books include a short bibliography, a thorough index, and two finder charts at the very end, and two at the very beginning, appropriate to each volume, though these charts are only in Vol 2. Now a word about those tiny finder charts. They are really, really small, making them almost useless in the field. We've even tried blowing them up a lot on our copier, but they are still much too ineffective. Instead of several of these tiny finder charts (11 of them for Hercules), perhaps blowing up the 4 quadrants of the main map and including more detail would have been more effective.
Each time a star or deep sky object is featured and detailed, the authors give ratings to each object, from one star to five stars. I'm not certain I like this, since ratings are subjective and depend on sky conditions, aperture, eyepieces, experience and many other factors. However, they are useful. If someone with a 6" scope wishes to track down a one-star Berkeley cluster, for instance, then at least they know what they are getting themselves into. The wealth of photos and sketches are likewise useful, though I will only look at them AFTER I have observed them myself, and possibly sketched them. Looking at photos of objects before viewing them more or less defeats the purpose of seeking these things out in the first place. Astronomy should be all about discovery, so by all means look at these photos and drawings, but only AFTER you have done the actual observing yourself. Each observation discussion also includes notes from using several apertures, something that is helpful. However, I find that many of the things I have seen in the 12" are only discussed in the 16"-18" category, so don't take it to mean that a larger scope is needed to see certain objects. Go ahead and try with your 6" or 8" and see where it takes you.
In conclusion, these books do not entirely replace my love affair with Burham's Celestial Handbook. However, they take some of the best things from it and improve upon them. I like the variable and double star lists, and the many deep sky objects that are included. The list of deep sky objects is not complete, however. For my purposes, this book would not allow me to observe all of the NGC. But mostly what it leaves out is of little interest to observers except the true fanatics like myself. I like the books and recommend them, and they belong on any serious observer's, armchair or otherwise, bookshelf.
Mapman Mike
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