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The classic beginner's guide to viewing and understanding the heavens. Twelve maps trace the month-by-month progression of the constellations; revised tables give approximate positions of the planets for the years 1992 through 1997; and special sections discuss meteors and comets. Also includes mythological lore and statistical information about each planet.
List of contents
CONTENTSPREFACE
EXPLANATORY NOTES
THE HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE CONSTELLATIONS
MOTIONS IN THE SKY
THE PLANETS AS BRIGHT STARS
THE JANUARY SKY
THE FEBRUARY SKY
THE MARCH SKY
THE APRIL SKY
THE MAY SKY
THE JUNE SKY
THE JULY SKY
THE AUGUST SKY
THE SEPTEMBER SKY
THE OCTOBER SKY
THE NOVEMBER SKY
THE DECEMBER SKY
BEYOND THE UNAIDED EYE
THE SUN'S FAMILY
METEORS: "HOT RODS" OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM
About the author
I. M. LEVITT, PH.D., an internationally recognized scientist, is Director Emeritus of the Fels Planetariurn at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.
Summary
Designed with the beginner in mind and useful to anyone interested in astronomy. Star Maps for Beginners is the classic guide to viewing and understanding the heavens. Its superb maps -- drawn in the shape of two crossed ellipses -- provide the reader with a unique perspective on the sky and have been widely acknowledged as the easiest system yet devised for locating any constellation at any time of the year.
Now revised for the 1990s, with updated planet charts and a new section on spotting meteor showers. Star Maps for Beginners includes:
12 complete maps -- one for each month -- showing the positions of the constellations viewed from every direction
a synoptic table that shows how to choose the proper map for use at any time special tables that give approximate positions of the planets for the years 1992 through 1997
the most up-to-date overview of the solar system available today the latest facts about each of the planets -- orbit, size, atmosphere, internal structure, climate, and terrain
a full chapter on the history and development of the constellations, and the ancient legends and mythological lore surrounding them
a special section on meteors -- how they originate and when and where to spot them.
Initially published in 1942 and now celebrating its 50th anniversary, Star Maps for Beginners has sold more than 450,000 copies.
Additional text
Sky & Telescope The best way to learn the constellations that we have ever run across.
