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The Monthly Sky Guide
In full colour throughout, the seventh edition of Ian Ridpath and Wil Tirion's famous guide to the night sky is fully revised and updated for planet positions and forthcoming eclipses up to the end of the year 2011. The book contains a chapter on the main sights visible in each month of the year, and is an easy-to-use companion to the night sky. It will help you to identify prominent stars, constellations, star clusters, nebulae and galaxies, to watch out for meteor showers, and to follow the movement of the four brightest planets. Most of the sights described are visible to the naked eye and all can be seen with binoculars or a small telescope. The Monthly Sky Guide offers a clear and simple introduction to the skies of the northern hemisphere for beginners of all ages.
Paperback
First published January 1, 1987
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About the author
Ian Ridpath
89 books16 followersIan William Ridpath is an English amateur astronomer, who has been an active observer, writer, editor, and broadcaster, on the subject since 1972. He is also known for his UFO skepticism, an interest in astro-philately, marathon running (having participated in the London Marathon dressed as Halley’s Comet) and, most recently, horse racing.
Ridpath has an equally varied and productive professional life. He has written or edited over forty books in the field of astronomy, he is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society (Council member 2004–07), a member of the Society of Authors, a member of the Association of British Science Writers, he has worked at the University of London Observatory, and manages a self-publishing business. He also regularly gives talks and lectures on astronomy.
He is most well known in astronomical circles as the editor of the Oxford Dictionary of Astronomy, and for his updates and work on the acclaimed classic Norton's Star Atlas.
Ridpath has an equally varied and productive professional life. He has written or edited over forty books in the field of astronomy, he is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society (Council member 2004–07), a member of the Society of Authors, a member of the Association of British Science Writers, he has worked at the University of London Observatory, and manages a self-publishing business. He also regularly gives talks and lectures on astronomy.
He is most well known in astronomical circles as the editor of the Oxford Dictionary of Astronomy, and for his updates and work on the acclaimed classic Norton's Star Atlas.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 6, 2019
I received this book via Netgalley in return for an honest review. I liked the in-depth descriptions of the various types of stars, constellations, galaxies and planets. I also really liked the month-to-month guide of the stars and planets we should be able to see in the sky from 2020-2024. The only drawback I had was I read this on Kindle and the pictures of the constellations and stars were hard to see or non-existent. If you are interested, I would buy a physical copy of the book.
April 24, 2018
4 1/4 stars
October 19, 2019
See my full review here.
As a long-time stargazer, I am delighted to be once again living in a (relatively) remote area away from city light pollution, making it easier to explore the nighttime skies. I have begun introducing the planets and constellations to grandchildren when they visit, and this book would be an excellent choice for budding stargazers of any age. A technical error (mine) cost me access to the digital copy of the 10th edition (published in 2019) that I obtained through NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review. I did obtain and examine an older edition as well as an excerpt from the new edition, so I do feel able to comment on this title, with the understanding I did not examine the newest edition directly. The introduction covers astronomy basics, and the gear you can use, including your unaided eye. I like that they note that you don’t need a big telescope – hiking binoculars are enough to give you a good image of the moon, galaxies, star clusters, and even planets. Signposts of spring, summer, autumn, and winter help new skygazers learn their way around the seasonal constellations. The monthly sky charts are the real reason to pick up this book, though. Each month includes a colour chart, key stars and sometimes meteor showers to watch for, information on the planets, and discussions of the constellations to watch for. This is an excellent introduction to star gazing that is accessible to young readers discovering the beauty of the night sky. A basic one-page index allows access to specific searches of planets and constellations, and includes entries on each of the galaxies you can see from Earth. My thanks to Dover Publications and the Grand Forks & District Public Library.
As a long-time stargazer, I am delighted to be once again living in a (relatively) remote area away from city light pollution, making it easier to explore the nighttime skies. I have begun introducing the planets and constellations to grandchildren when they visit, and this book would be an excellent choice for budding stargazers of any age. A technical error (mine) cost me access to the digital copy of the 10th edition (published in 2019) that I obtained through NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review. I did obtain and examine an older edition as well as an excerpt from the new edition, so I do feel able to comment on this title, with the understanding I did not examine the newest edition directly. The introduction covers astronomy basics, and the gear you can use, including your unaided eye. I like that they note that you don’t need a big telescope – hiking binoculars are enough to give you a good image of the moon, galaxies, star clusters, and even planets. Signposts of spring, summer, autumn, and winter help new skygazers learn their way around the seasonal constellations. The monthly sky charts are the real reason to pick up this book, though. Each month includes a colour chart, key stars and sometimes meteor showers to watch for, information on the planets, and discussions of the constellations to watch for. This is an excellent introduction to star gazing that is accessible to young readers discovering the beauty of the night sky. A basic one-page index allows access to specific searches of planets and constellations, and includes entries on each of the galaxies you can see from Earth. My thanks to Dover Publications and the Grand Forks & District Public Library.
August 10, 2008
Oh!this book is my love!it was the first thing that taught me astronomy!I didn't know the constellations,stars,asteroids and....
I never forget that night,when I opened this book under the sky and by its help I found Ursa Major constellation.my eyes were full of tears...it was such an unforgettable night!:)
I never forget that night,when I opened this book under the sky and by its help I found Ursa Major constellation.my eyes were full of tears...it was such an unforgettable night!:)
July 11, 2007
read this book and start searching sky and stars
August 1, 2020
This book was great to help figure out what we were looking at in the sky. Easy to use and covers 2020 through 2024. Would really recommend!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews