I got hold of this book to update my Moon guide. Why do that when the place hasn't altered for the last three billion years? Mmmm. Good question Pete. Well, my 'olde' guide book, 'A Concise Guide of the Moon' published by Hamlyn in 1976, I still like a lot. It has map drawings of the visible surface in 10 by 16 degree sections, with excellent detail, even showing the landing sites of Luna, Ranger, Surveyor, Apollo & Zond crafts. However this Phillip's guide by Peter Grego is an 'Observer's guide'. The meat of Grego's work is in the crescent maps from day two of the lunar cycle to day 14 'full moon. The author takes the observer on a guided tour that includes the naked eye or binocular viewer and up to the higher power optical instrument observer. The gibbous moon is treated in less detail but is still full of advice and hints at 'what to look for' detail. The book also includes advice for photography. Also of value at the back of this publication is a list of resources and lunar bibliography and software. My highlight is the Virtual Moon Atlas, a freeware package obtainable from www.astrosurf.com which I very highly recommend for any level of astronomer.
This is not a book you sit down and read straight through... at least I don't. But I'm enjoying it immensely, it seems to be well researched (of course) and well written (and well drawn! Moon pictures!!)
For a non-astronomer, I have actually read a fair number of astro-based textbooks and nonfiction, and this is definitely one of the more accessible/interesting for how detailed and technical (not in a bad way!) it is.
I love it (in case you can't tell by the 5 stars and nice things I'm saying). I haven't read every word but will at some point (maybe not in order...this lovely book does not require linear-reading). I've learned SO much already that I am excited for the next time I'm out of the light-pollution of NYC and can really try to spot the specific characteristics of Artemis' and Selene's domain!
I actually keep this in my bag for when I can't focus any longer on a book I'm reading, or if I just need to cleanse the mind a bit. Interesting enough to engross me, but no drama, characters, etc, to get sick of.
I received this as part of the goodreads giveaways program.
I won this book from the Good Read Giveaway. This is an amazing book. A great guide to Moonwatching . Has detailed maps of lunar features. Wonderful illustrations of close up images. Teaches reader how to select and use equipment. A wonderful resource for any classroom, library and moon enthusiast.
This book is everything moon. The moon, the whole moon and nothing but the moon. If you’re a fanatic astronomer who loves everything lunar, this is for you. From chapters outlining theories of the moon’s creation and evolution to how to best observe and record your findings to a history of astronauts traversing its surface, this is for any lunar lunatics in your life.
An excellent reference, and introduction, to observing the moon. While much of the beginning of the book can be found on-line, the day-by-day observing charts, and the comments on how to observe, are well presented and informative.
A good reference to have, especially days later when you are sorting through photos and trying recollect your thoughts about a specific night's observations.