Recommended Books & Magazines for New Astronomer

[jadeia (Adam)]

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 (Michael)]

"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 (Alex)]

"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,

Originally Posted by 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.

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 (Keenan)]

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 (Adam)]

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 (David)]

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

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 (Mark)]

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

Mark

[hendo (Steve)]

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 (Jeanette)]

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