Recommended Books & Magazines for New Astronomer

[jadeia]

Hi All,

I'm Perth based and looking for a couple of recommendations on some books and magazines that might help me learn how to use my 10" Dobsonion a little better than I have been able too.

I only purchased the scope last week (my first) and have been viewing every night since (though last night was clouded over).

I picked up a copy of an Astronomy magazine but it's a US copy and focuses on Northern Hemisphere. What would be a good Aussie mag to subscribe too to learn more about using scopes and viewing.

I visited the technical bookshop in the city and picked up the 2010 WA Almanac, a star char thingy and a book on the history of Telescopes! Read the book, and have no idea how to use the other 2 things yet, I feel like maybe I'm missing a few steps.

I see photos and read stories that with my scope I should be able to clearly see planets and nebulae - would love to learn how :)

All the best,

Appreciate any advice - Adam.

[michaellxv]

"An Atlas of the Southern Sky" by Steve Massey and Steve Quirk is one i've seen in the bookshops that is quite good.

Check under http://www.iceinspace.com.au/reviews.html there are some book reviews.

And check your local library, mine had a good selection to get me started.

[StarGazing]

"Atlas of the Southern Night Sky" by Steve Massey and Steve Quirk is a great book also check out "Astronomica" by Sir Patrick Moore and Professor Fred Watson a book brought my misses is a fantastic book. Try these.

Alex.

[ngcles]

Hi Adam & Alex,



Gee I'm glad you enjoyed "Astronomica" -- but it wasn't by Sir Patrick Moore. Sir Patrick wrote the foreword only. The chief consultant was Fred Watson, Astronomer-in-Charge of the AAO but many people, almost all of them aussies, contributed to it and edited it ...

In Australia, Astronomica was published in a slightly smaller sized volume under the alternate name "Universe" and sold through the ABC shop. I see now it is in paperback and going at bargain-basement prices there.

Steve & Steve's (both of them good frinds of mine of long acquaintence) book you mention is an excellent publication -- highly recommended.

Adam, there is a magazine that promotes Australian amateur astronomy, particularly in the "using 'scopes and viewing" department ...

Seek, and you shall find !


Best,

Les D

P.S Look in my signature block ... and the fifth ad down in the extreme right-hand column!

[andrew2008]

I have seen Astronomica in QDB this week on special. It's $27 down from $75 so a great buy at the moment.

[Jabba]

Aus sky and telescope mag which is sold in most news agencies keeps me entertained each month, and it has a lot of various topics :)

[jadeia]

Thanks for all the great advice. Les - I just phoned a very helpful lady at AS & T and picked up a subscription with some free goodies. Thanks for the lead (didn't notice the ad at first!).

[Brundah1]

Hope its OK to add to this useful thread.

Thanks for the tip on QBD specials - still available.

Picked up Astronomica $27 (down from $75) and Universe $45 (down from $89). Both large general reference books with lots of detailed text, diagrams and brilliant astro pics. Bit of overlap between the two, but both worthwhile.

Along with other useful books I have obtained (see below), should exceed my reading time between ZZZs and odd jobs for the next decade or so :D

Backyard Astronomers Guide 3rd edition (great Christmas wish list)

Advanced Skywatching (an oldie but good observing info)

Atlas of the Southern Night Sky (good intro from the down under perspective - written by Aussies Steve Massey & co)

Space Stars and Planets (also by Steve Massey) Great childrens' astro book, bought it for my grandaughter; a budding Stargazer.

Cheers,

David

[markman123]

Thanks for the hot tip - just ordered Astronomica and Atlas of the Souther Night Sky.

Mark

[hendo]

I can certainly vouch for "Universe". A fantastic book! I was fortunate enough to buy a brand new hardcover copy for $34 - an absolute bargain!!

[jjjnettie]

Astronomy 2010
You'll find it at most book stores.