Your Passport to the Universe The night sky is alive with many wonders--distant planets, vast star clusters, glowing nebulae, and expansive galaxies, all waiting to be explored. Let respected astronomy writer Philip Harrington introduce you to the universe in Star Watch, a complete beginner's guide to locating, observing, and understanding these celestial objects. You'll start by identifying the surface features of the Moon, the banded cloud tops of Jupiter, the stunning rings of Saturn, and other members of our solar system. Then you'll venture out beyond our solar system, where you'll learn tips and tricks for finding outstanding deep-sky objects from stars to galaxies, including the entire Messier catalog--a primary goal of every serious beginner. Star Watch features a detailed physical description of each target, including size, distance, and structure, as well as concise directions for locating the objects, handy finder charts, hints on the best times to view each object, and descriptions of what you'll really see through a small telescope or binoculars and with the naked eye. Star Watch will transport you to the farthest depths of space--and return you as a well-traveled, experienced stargazer.

Written in a folksy, down-to-earth style, this user-friendly guide to the night sky is designed for beginner and intermediate stargazers ages twelve and up. It begins with chapters explaining the stars, nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies-and what readers can expect to see from their own backyards with a modicum of equipment. StarWatch then examines the major constellations, offering updated tales of the mythology surrounding them and detailing their seasonal movement in the sky. Later chapters delve into the moon, solar and lunar eclipses, planets, and "celestial extras" such as comets, meteor showers, and aurora borealis. The final chapter provides advice on purchasing a telescope and other stargazing equipment.

Every 3rd issue is a quarterly cumulation.

From stone age to space age, every human who has looked up at the night sky has seen the same stars in the same patterns. They reveal our entire history, as well as hinting at our ultimate fate. In Beneath the Night, Stuart Clark tells the full story of this relationship. From prehistoric cave art and Ancient Egyptian zodiacs to the modern era of satellites and space exploration, Clark reveals the history of a fascination that has shaped our scientific understanding; helped us navigate the terrestrial world; provided inspiration for our poets, artists and philosophers; and given us a place to project our hopes and fears. This is the story of the universe, and our place within it.

Grab your lawn chair and a pair of binoculars, and head outside with your guide to the night sky. Beloved WCCO Radio meteorologist Mike Lynch points out constellations and other fascinating features in the stars above. He highlights 27 constellations, offering tips that will make you an expert at locating objects in the night sky, as well as the stories and myths behind the constellations. Plus, his monthly star maps show galaxies, nebulae and more. With his warm anecdotes and step-by-step instructions, Mike helps you "make the stars your old friends."