Philip's Stargazing With Mark Thompson provides the perfect introduction to the fascinating hobby of astronomy for beginners, written by TV's favourite astronomer. With 30 years' experience in observational astronomy and helping hundreds of newcomers get started in their new hobby, Mark Thompson takes everything he has learned and leads his readers skilfully through their early stargazing experiences in this brand-new book - Philip's Stargazing With Mark Thompson. He provides a wealth of knowledge, with valuable hints and tips to aid beginners in their first steps in astronomy. Not only does Mark demonstrate great observational techniques and how to find the brighter objects in the sky, but he guides his readers through the important steps of choosing and using a telescope. This is a book that will not only act as a guide to the novice astronomer but, by drawing on Mark's own experiences, will be a companion to share in the wonders of the night sky.

A comprehensive guide to the night sky for stargazers and amateur astronomers of all ages, from Stargazing LIVE presenter Mark Thompson. To the beginner, the star-filled night sky can seem mysterious and unfathomable. But with this book as a guide the awesome nature of the Cosmos is brought down to Earth. Over the course of twelve chapters Mark Thompson, one of the presenters on BBC One's Stargazing Live and the resident astronomer on ITV's The Alan Titchmarsh Show, will take you on a journey through space, tackling the key concepts of astronomy and unlocking the secrets of the sky. From the origins of our Universe to the ever evolving techniques used to explore deep space, A Down to Earth Guide to the Cosmos traces the journey of galactic discovery that has obsessed mankind for thousands of years. Accompanying the narrative, a series of monthly sky guides focus on the astronomical highlights visible at each given time of year, with handy charts to show you exactly what to look for and how to navigate around the sky at night. As fascinating as it is accessible, A Down to Earth Guide to the Cosmos is a must for anyone who gazes up and wishes they knew more about the final frontier.

Have you ever dreamt of being an astronaut, travelling through the universe on your very own space mission? What would it be like to tour the Solar System, visiting the Sun and the planets, taking in everything from moons to asteroid belts along the way? What would you see, and how would you feel? What would you eat? How would you navigate and produce fuel? How would you survive? On this epic voyage of discovery, astronomer Mark Thompson takes you on that journey. From how to prepare for take-off and the experience of leaving Earth’s atmosphere, to the reality of living in the confines of a spaceship and the strange sensation of weightlessness, this is an adventure like no other. Suit up, strap in and enjoy the ride.

Philip's Astrophotography With Mark Thompson is an essential guide for anyone wishing to photograph or image the stars and planets, written by TV's favourite astronomer. For many people, looking at the sky is not enough and they would love to try and capture what they can see. Until a few years ago, capturing astronomical images was fraught with many challenges, but with the development of digital cameras replacing film, things have become much easier and great astronomical images are now within the reach of even the most novice stargazer. Mark Thompson has spent many years capturing the beauty of the night sky, first with film and now with the digital camera, and has discovered and overcome many of the pitfalls. This book takes the reader on a journey through the world of capturing astronomical images from using the humble mobile phone to specialist cameras, brought to life with Mark's personal experiences and many of his own astronomical images.

Did you know that stars are seasonal? That Orion is one of the brightest constellations? That a single day on Venus is longer than an entire year on Venus? Space has captivated mankind since the beginning of time. Fifty years ago, Neil Armstrong became the first man to step on the moon and since then our knowledge of astronomy has continued to expand. With so many mysteries yet to be solved, science journalist Abigail Beall takes readers on an astonishing journey though the landscape of space. In The Art of Urban Astronomy, you will be guided through the seasons and learn about the brightest stars and constellations, the myths and legends of astronomy and how to identify star clusters and galaxies with just your eyes or a pair of binoculars. For urban dwellers wrapped up in the rush and bustle of the city, it can be calming and truly valuable to take the time simply to stop, look and reconnect with nature. Packed full of seasonal star charts, constellation charts and fascinating facts, this is the perfect guide for those who have looked up at the night sky and don't know where to begin. After reading this book, you'll never look up in the same way again.

Invaluable for both beginners and advanced observers, Philip's Planisphere (Latitude 51.5 North) is a practical hour-by-hour tracker of the stars and constellations, designed for use anywhere in Britain and Ireland, Northern Europe, Northern USA and Canada. Turn the oval panel to the required date and time to reveal the whole sky visible from your location.The map, by the well-known celestial cartographer Wil Tirion, shows stars down to magnitude 5, plus several deep-sky objects, such as the Pleiades, the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) and the Orion Nebula (M42). Because the planets move round the Sun, their positions in the sky are constantly changing and they cannot be marked permanently on the map; however, the back of the planisphere has tables giving the positions of Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn for every month until 2020.The planisphere is supplied in a full-colour wallet that contains illustrated step-by-step instructions for how to use the planisphere, how to locate planets, and how to work out the time of sunrise or sunset for any day of the year. It explains all the details that can be seen on the map - the magnitudes of stars, the ecliptic and the celestial coordinates. In addition, the section 'Exploring the skies, season by season' introduces the novice astronomer to the principal celestial objects visible at different times of the year. Major constellations are used as signposts to navigate the night sky, locating hard-to-find stars and some fascinating deep-sky objects. The movement of the stars is also explained.

The author of A Space Traveller’s Guide to the Solar System shares 101 fascinatingly fun facts sure to change how you see outer space—and Earth. Did you know a compost heap generates as much energy as the Sun? Or that dung beetles use the Milky Way to navigate? Maybe you have not been into space but if you have then you will know that astronauts have feet as soft as babies! 101 Facts You Didn't Know About Space takes you on a wild journey around the Universe bringing you facts galore. Whether you are a space enthusiast or a newcomer you will find plenty of facts in here to keep you amused and entertained. “A good read, and there’s something for all levels of space enthusiast, from young adults to more experienced readers.” —BBC Sky at Night (UK) “Everything is explained brilliantly, the illustrations are inspirational and truly breathtaking, and, if you ask me, this is the way science should be taught in schools . . . . With this excellent book, we will at least be prepared for what we find when we eventually do break free of our solar system and find our destiny in the stars! Exceptional!” —Books Monthly

Winner of the International Lannan Literary Award for Nonfiction Animal tracks, word magic, the speech of stones, the power of letters, and the taste of the wind all figure prominently in this intellectual tour de force that returns us to our senses and to the sensuous terrain that sustains us. This major work of ecological philosophy startles the senses out of habitual ways of perception. For a thousand generations, human beings viewed themselves as part of the wider community of nature, and they carried on active relationships not only with other people with other animals, plants, and natural objects (including mountains, rivers, winds, and weather patters) that we have only lately come to think of as "inanimate." How, then, did humans come to sever their ancient reciprocity with the natural world? What will it take for us to recover a sustaining relation with the breathing earth? In The Spell of the Sensuous David Abram draws on sources as diverse as the philosophy of Merleau-Ponty, Balinese shamanism, Apache storytelling, and his own experience as an accomplished sleight-of-hand of magician to reveal the subtle dependence of human cognition on the natural environment. He explores the character of perception and excavates the sensual foundations of language, which--even at its most abstract--echoes the calls and cries of the earth. On every page of this lyrical work, Abram weaves his arguments with a passion, a precision, and an intellectual daring that recall such writers as Loren Eisleley, Annie Dillard, and Barry Lopez.

“Howard Blum writes history books that read like thrillers.”—New York Times A retired spy gets back into the game to solve a perplexing case—and reconcile with his daughter, a CIA officer who married into the very family that derailed his own CIA career—in this compulsive true-life tale of vindication and redemption, filled with drama, intrigue, and mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of The Last Goodnight, It’s a real-life thriller whose stunning conclusion will make headline news. On a sunlit morning in September 1978, a sloop drifts aimlessly across the Chesapeake Bay. The cabin reveals signs of a struggle, and “classified” documents, live 9 mm cartridges, and a top-secret “burst” satellite communications transmitter are discovered aboard. But where is the boat’s owner, former CIA officer John Paisley? One man may hold the key to finding out. Tennent “Pete” Bagley was once a rising star in America’s spy aristocracy, and many expected he’d eventually become CIA director. But the star that burned so brightly exploded when Bagley—who suspected a mole had burrowed deep into the agency’s core—was believed himself to be the mole. After a year-long investigation, Bagley was finally exonerated, but the accusations tarnished his reputation and tainted his career. When Bagley’s daughter Christina, a CIA analyst, married another intelligence officer who was the son of the man who had played a key role in the investigation into Bagley, it caused a painful rift between the two. But then came Paisley’s strange death. A murder? Suicide? Or something else? Pete, now a retired spy, launches his own investigation that takes him deep into his own past and his own longtime hunt for a mole. What follows is a relentless pursuit to solve a spy story—and an inspiring tale of a man reclaiming his reputation and his family. It’s a very personal quest that leads to a shocking conclusion. The Spy Who Knew Too Much includes 8 pages of black-and-white photographs.

"I WILL CONTINUE TO ENJOY STARGAZING AS THE MONTHS GO BY" Helen Sharman, astronaut "VERY USEFUL INDEED" Chris Lintott, Sky at Night presenter "IF YOU BUY JUST ONE GUIDE... YOU WON'T DO BETTER THAN THIS" BBC Sky at Night Magazine Philip's Month-by-Month Stargazing 2020 is the new, bestselling and most-up-to-date guide for Stargazers in Britain and Ireland. The new 2020 edition has been completely revised to make it even more essential for exploring the night skies - making the night sky accessible to beginners and experts alike. · 12 month-by-month Night Sky Maps for year-round stargazing · Monthly Calendar of moon phases and special events in 2020 · Planet Watch: the best viewing days for planets in 2020 · Dark Sky Map of the UK - find the darkest skies · How to photograph the night skies - with cameras and smartphones · The major astronomical events of 2020 · Month-by-month Top 20 Sky Sights 2020 · Plus new, illustrated Jargon Buster Plus: · Expert advice on what to see each month from Heather Couper and Nigel Henbest, Philip's internationally renowned authors. · The Solar System 2020 explains the movement of the planets, with particular attention paid to their positions in 2020. Solar and lunar eclipses, meteor showers and comets are also described. · Expert Robin Scagell's Equipment Review looks at the pros and cons of Stargazing with reflector or refractor telescopes. · And all superbly illustrated with photographs taken by the best amateur photographers illustrating the night skies. About the Authors Philip's Stargazing Month by Month 2020 is written by two of the UK's best-known and respected astronomers. Prof. Heather Couper and Prof. Nigel Henbest are qualified astrophysicists, dedicated to sharing their love of the cosmos to everyone. They work in TV and radio broadcasting, international presentations, and have written over fifty popular books between them.