Quote:
Originally Posted by jamespierce
The Back Yard Astronomers Guide is a great all round intro to this little hobby.
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Of course it is, it has my picture in it
On a serious note, I would rate this as the single best book for a beginner to purchase to get started. It is very comprehensive in terms of explaining everything a beginner needs to know about telescopes, eyepieces and binoculars and it has some excellent charts and target listings relevant to both hemispheres. The current edition is about the 3rd revision of this book and each revision has been an expansion and improvement on the previous.
Another book which is a lot smaller basic and more simple, which I quite like as a starting book for beginners is Collins Guide to Stars and Planets
http://www.bookdepository.com/book/9...FYqCvQod8ZIAMw
This is set out on similar lines to the previously mentioned Nature Guide to Stars and Planets in Post #6 ; but it is somewhat more detailed and expansive but it also costs a bit more.
In terms of specific charts some of the free planetarium programs are excellent, as are some of those you can purchase. I use Sky Tools 3 Pro which is excellent; but it isn't cheap and caters for all levels of observer. The standard edition for about $US100 is excellent for beginner to intermediate level observers with telescopes under 15" aperture.
http://www.skyhound.com/index.html
If you prefer to use a book form star chart IMO The Cambridge Star Atlas is by far the best for beginner to intermediate level observers
http://www.cambridge.org/au/academic...as-4th-edition
Cheers,
John B