Witnessing the sweep of the Milky Way, the remains of comets burning up in our atmosphere, or the shimmering aurora, we better understand the universe and our place in it. Lonely Planet's Dark Skies, the first world's guide to astrotourism, can help you experience all of this and more first-hand. Meticulously researched by dark sky expert Valerie Stimac, this comprehensive companion includes guides to 35 dark-sky sites and national parks, where to see the aurora, the next decade of total solar eclipses and how to view rocket launches, plus the lowdown on commercial space flight, observatories and meteor showers. Dark Skies is divided into sections to help you plan your dark sky tour: Stargazing focuses on the basics of appreciating the dark sky, with an overview on how to stargaze and what types of objects to look for, as well as tips for the urban stargazer. Dark Places is devoted to 35 of the best places around the globe for stargazing and experiencing the night sky, including sites designated by the Dark Sky Association. Astronomy in Action features some of the world's top research facilities and observatories,where you can get a closer look at space science. Meteor Showers has everything you need to know about the most consistent and impressive meteor showers that happen annually. Aurora is divided into two parts, one focusing on the aurora borealis in the northern hemisphere and the other on the aurora australis in the southern hemisphere. Eclipses follows the schedule of total solar eclipses over the next decade. If you've never experienced totality, here is your definitive guide to planning your trip. Launches helps you experience a different side of astrotourism: rocket launches and the countries that allow you to travel to see them. Space Tourism discusses the future of humans in space - including you! The major players in the evolving space tourism market are detailed, plus the world's most common destinations and experiences. About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world's number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we've printed over 145 million guidebooks and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You'll also find our content online, on mobile, video and in 14 languages, 12 international magazines, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more. Important Notice: The digital edition of this book may not contain all of the images found in the physical edition.

In a new flexi-paperback format, Philip's Complete Guide to Stargazing is an inspiring introduction to astronomy, providing all the information you need to explore the night sky. This is a comprehensive guide to an increasingly popular leisure pursuit. Author Robin Scagell first introduces the wonders of the night sky and explains how and why the sky changes during the night and through the seasons. He describes the various items of equipment you can use (binoculars, telescopes and accessories), and gives practical advice on what to choose and what you can expect to see. There are plenty of tips, too, for observing just with the naked eye. The book continues with chapters devoted to the Moon, the Solar System, the stars and deep sky objects, illustrated with photographs and observational drawings made by talented amateur astronomers, as well as spectacular images returned by spacecraft or taken by large telescopes. The month-by-month guide to the constellations features maps showing the constellations on view each month from both northern and southern hemispheres, and is applicable to any year and any place on Earth. A complete set of star charts presents the whole sky in a series of maps that show stars down to magnitude 5.5. These maps are drawn with black stars on a white background, so that observers can pencil their own observations on to the charts. Opposite each map is a 'photo-realistic' image which shows how the same portion of the sky typically appears to the eye. Completing the book is an illustrated A-Z dictionary of astronomy, covering the planets, stars and galaxies, cosmology, amateur astron­omy and professional observatories, space exploration, famous astronomers, scientific terms, theories and much more, and is illustrated with photographs, artworks and diagrams. Philip's Complete Guide to Stargazing is an invaluable reference source for astronomers of all levels.

Reach for the stars Stargazing is the practice of observing the night sky and its contents - from constellations through to planets and galaxies. Stars and other night sky objects can be seen with the naked eye, or seen in greater numbers and in more detail with binoculars or a telescope. Stargazing For Dummies offers you the chance to explore the night sky, providing a detailed guide to the main constellations and also offering advice on viewing other night sky objects such as planets and nebulae. It's a great introduction to a fun new hobby, and even provides a fun way to get the kids outside while doing something educational! Gives you an introduction to looking at the sky with binoculars or a telescope Offers advice on photographing the night sky Without needing to get your head around mind-bending theories, you can take part in some practical physics If you're looking for easy-to-follow guidance on getting to know the night sky, Stargazing For Dummies has you covered.

Sets out a simple month-by-month program to reveal all of the night sky's biggest and most beautiful secrets in just one year – and with only a few hours of stargazing each month By investing just an hour a week and $50 in binoculars, it’s possible to learn a few simple techniques and quickly gain a real insight into the night sky's ever-changing patterns – and what they tell us about Earth, the seasons and ourselves. Searching more for a learned appreciation of nature and our exact place within the cosmos than academic scientific knowledge, science and travel writer Jamie Carter takes the reader on a 12 month tour of the night sky's incredible annual rhythms that say so much about Earth. During the journey he learns about the celestial mechanics at work in the skies above that are – to the beginner – almost beyond belief. As well as the vital constellations and clusters, and the weird and wonderful nebulas, he searches out “dark sky destinations” across the globe that help increase knowledge and give a new perspective on familiar night sky sights. On the journey he witnesses a solar eclipse and grapples with star-charts, binoculars, smartphone apps, telescopes, spots satellites and attempts basic astro-photography. By year's end, the reader will be able to glance at the night sky from anywhere on the planet and tell what direction he or she is facing, what time it is, where all the planets are and even where the Galactic Center Point is.

Astronomy Hacks begins the space exploration by getting you set up with the right equipment for observing and admiring the stars in an urban setting. Along for the trip are first rate tips for making most of observations. The hacks show you how to: Dark-Adapt Your Notebook Computer. Choose the Best Binocular. Clean Your Eyepieces and Lenses Safely. Upgrade Your Optical Finder. Photograph the Stars with Basic Equipment.

This new edition of Philip's Stargazing with a Telescope has been fully revised and updated to include the latest telescopes and accessories on the market.The book reveals what to expect from a telescope and how to choose the right one. It gives straightforward explanations of how they work, and how to progress from first-time user to hobby observer. In addition, it gives practical help for setting up and using any telescope, and provides lists of objects to look at with different sizes of telescope, from both town and country, including the Sun, Moon, planets, comets, asteroids, stars, clusters, variable stars, double stars, novae and supernovae, nebulae and galaxies.Aimed principally at newcomers to astronomy of all ages, who would like to begin observing for themselves, Philip's Stargazing with a Telescope describes the full range of telescopes that are internationally available, with examples of objects to observe from both northern and southern hemispheres. It also gives informative advice about suitable accessories, such as eyepieces and filters, plus suggestions for astrophotography using cameras, CCDs and webcams. The guidance given is appropriate for all observing conditions.The book also includes a glossary of technical terms and an index, making it even easier for the beginner to use and understand.

This innovative Haynes Manual presents in-depth information about all the practical aspects of astronomy. Written with style and enthusiasm by a dedicated amateur and extensively illustrated, this book applies the Haynes approach to a popular and inspirational hobby that requires plenty of practical information and understanding. Whether novice or keen amateur, everyone with an interest in astronomy will be fascinated by this Haynes Manual.

"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.

The touchstone for contemporary stargazers. This classic, groundbreaking guide has been the go-to field guide for both beginning and experienced amateur astronomers for nearly 30 years. The fourth edition brings Terence Dickinson and Alan Dyer's invaluable manual completely up-to-date. Setting a new standard for astronomy guides, it will serve as the touchstone for the next generation of stargazers as well as longtime devotees. Technology and astronomical understanding are evolving at a breathtaking clip, and to reflect the latest information about observing techniques and equipment, this massively revised and expanded edition has been completely rebuilt (an additional 48 pages brings the page count to 416). Illustrated throughout with all-new photographs and star charts, this edition boasts a refreshed design and features five brand-new chapters, including three essential essays on binocular, telescope and Moon tours by renowned astronomy writer Ken Hewitt-White. With new content on naked-eye sky sights, LED lighting technology, WiFi-enabled telescopes and the latest advances in binoculars, telescopes and other astronomical gear, the fourth edition of The Backyard Astronomer's Guide is sure to become an indispensable reference for all levels of stargazers. New techniques for observing the Sun, the Moon and solar and lunar eclipses are an especially timely addition, given the upcoming solar eclipses in 2023 and 2024. Rounding out these impressive offerings are new sections on dark sky reserves, astro-tourism, modern astrophotography and cellphone astrophotography, making this book an enduring must-have guide for anyone looking to improve his or her astronomical viewing experience. The Backyard Astronomer's Guide also features a foreword by Dr. Sara Seager, a Canadian-American astrophysicist and planetary scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an internationally recognized expert in the search for exoplanets.