Richly illustrated with a luminous and informative collection of maps, photographs, and graphics, this atlas is the perfect companion for exploring the wonders of the universe as viewed from Earth.
This expansive illustrated atlas invites readers to roam the night sky for constellations, planets and moons, eclipses, comets and meteor showers, auroras, and deep-sky treasures including nebulae and galaxies-many visible to the naked eye and all with binoculars or a backyard telescope.
Beginning with basic space science and including a complete set of night sky maps for all four seasons in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, this fascinating book guides the reader toward the most rewarding observations. A unique chapter on astro-tourism highlights ancient observatories, dark-sky preserves, and other global destinations for the sky-seeking traveller; a final chapter details current and future space missions and what they might discover.
Richly illustrated with awe-inspiring imagery-including photos from space missions and telescopes, science-based artists' interpretations, and explanatory graphics-the book also contains 170 maps and charts of planets, moons, and constellations, from Earth's moon to moons of Saturn. Practical advice throughout helps readers see what they have been reading about, building key observational skills such as "star hopping" from easy-to-find stars to fainter deep-sky objects and focusing on "deep sky treasures:" areas rich in observable phenomena.
Approachable and authoritative, gorgeous and fascinating, this large-format illustrated atlas will intrigue all who love to gaze up in wonder at the night sky-and find themselves wanting to know more.
National Geographic Stargazer's Atlas: The Ultimate Guide to the Night Sky is a beautifully, often breathtakingly, photographed and accessibly written guide to the night sky and how to understand what we see when we look up. Due out 25th Oct 2022 from National Geographic, it's 432 pages and will be available in hardcover format.
This is a worthy member of the National Geographic stable of classic coffee table books - absolutely full of beautiful clear photography and packed with accessible information. The early pre-release media package provided for review included a small fraction of the final page content and it's impressive enough that I plan to order a copy for my home library.
The book contains layman accessible language throughout, lots of diagrams and on-page definitions and explanations. The content is arranged thematically and the chapters move from the vastness of space/stars/celestial bodies, through our own Solar System, to an almanac of stargazing events and maps. Each of the specific constellations and points of interest include maps, best viewing times, locations, and background information.
The photography throughout is stunning. This is a highly recommended choice for public and school libraries as well as for scouting/activity groups, and home use. Stunningly gorgeous and well done.
Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
