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David Levy's Guide to the Night Sky
If, as Immanuel Kant once said, we are guided by the starry sky above and the moral law within, then, thanks to David Levy, we can now conceptualize Kant's adage at least half-way.
David Levy's Guide to the Night Sky is designed to satisfy observers who have just become interested in the sky and want to navigate their way around it. By stirring the imagination and putting observation in a framework of personal adventure, Levy explains how to discover the Moon, planets, comets, meteors, and distant galaxies through a small telescope. Fully updated, the new edition includes: a new section on the computer-controlled telescopes and how to use this new technology; one new chapter on how charge-coupled devices (CCDs) have revolutionized the art of astronomical observation; and an explanation of how a new variable star is discovered and studied, based on Levy's personal experience. Levy explores topics as diverse as the features of the Moon from night to night; how to observe constellations from both urban and rural observation sites; how best to view the stars, nebulae, and galaxies; and how to map the sky.
David H. Levy is one of the world's foremost amateur astronomers. He has discovered seventeen comets, seven using a telescope in his own backyard, and had a minor planet, Asteroid 3673 Levy, named in his honor. As a respected astronomer, he is best known for being the co-discoverer of the famous Shoemaker-Levy comet in 1994. Levy is frequently interviewed by the media and succeeded Carl Sagan as science columnist for Parade magazine. He has written and contributed to a number of astronomical books.
David Levy's Guide to the Night Sky is designed to satisfy observers who have just become interested in the sky and want to navigate their way around it. By stirring the imagination and putting observation in a framework of personal adventure, Levy explains how to discover the Moon, planets, comets, meteors, and distant galaxies through a small telescope. Fully updated, the new edition includes: a new section on the computer-controlled telescopes and how to use this new technology; one new chapter on how charge-coupled devices (CCDs) have revolutionized the art of astronomical observation; and an explanation of how a new variable star is discovered and studied, based on Levy's personal experience. Levy explores topics as diverse as the features of the Moon from night to night; how to observe constellations from both urban and rural observation sites; how best to view the stars, nebulae, and galaxies; and how to map the sky.
David H. Levy is one of the world's foremost amateur astronomers. He has discovered seventeen comets, seven using a telescope in his own backyard, and had a minor planet, Asteroid 3673 Levy, named in his honor. As a respected astronomer, he is best known for being the co-discoverer of the famous Shoemaker-Levy comet in 1994. Levy is frequently interviewed by the media and succeeded Carl Sagan as science columnist for Parade magazine. He has written and contributed to a number of astronomical books.
372 pages, Paperback
First published November 22, 2001
35 people want to read
About the author
David H. Levy
76 books20 followersDavid Levy is a prominent astronomer and author, most famous for his co-discovery in 1993 of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9, which collided with the planet Jupiter in 1994.
Levy was born in Canada, but now lives in Arizona. He has been involved with astronomy, as an observer, promoter, and author, for his entire adult life. Levy has discovered twenty two comets, given innumerable lectures, television appearances, and published articles in the major science and astronomy magazines.
He gained a Phd in English literature in 2010. There is an asteroid named in his honour, Levy 3673. He is married to Wendee Levy.
Levy was born in Canada, but now lives in Arizona. He has been involved with astronomy, as an observer, promoter, and author, for his entire adult life. Levy has discovered twenty two comets, given innumerable lectures, television appearances, and published articles in the major science and astronomy magazines.
He gained a Phd in English literature in 2010. There is an asteroid named in his honour, Levy 3673. He is married to Wendee Levy.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 30, 2008
Great book for anyone interested in astronomy. Excellent section on choosing the right telescope for your needs.
May 24, 2022
I LOVE IT
September 19, 2025
David Levy’s Guide to the Night Sky is indeed a valuable book for stargazers and astronomers, blending practical wisdom, rich historical insights, and elegant star charts. As Levy writes, “The night sky is a vast tapestry, inviting us to explore its mysteries with curiosity and wonder.” This guide refreshes celestial navigation skills while inspiring deeper connections with the cosmos. Though some technological details are dated, the timeless information and encouragement to discover cosmic wonders makes this book a treasured resource; reminding us that the universe always holds marvels in the cosmos for those who look for & resonate with the same.
The author's prose encourages readers to slow down and observe the stars, leading to discovering ethereal constellations and celestial phenomena, making this book a meaningful addition to an astronomer’s collection.
Levy includes helpful observing tips, seasonal sky guides, and advice on using telescopes and binoculars, making it easier to plan productive stargazing sessions around the year. It’s a timeless guide, that complements the advanced equipments and modern apps for star gazing in the current times, reminding us of the mesmerizing magic found in gazing and connecting with the cosmos!
The author's prose encourages readers to slow down and observe the stars, leading to discovering ethereal constellations and celestial phenomena, making this book a meaningful addition to an astronomer’s collection.
Levy includes helpful observing tips, seasonal sky guides, and advice on using telescopes and binoculars, making it easier to plan productive stargazing sessions around the year. It’s a timeless guide, that complements the advanced equipments and modern apps for star gazing in the current times, reminding us of the mesmerizing magic found in gazing and connecting with the cosmos!
April 15, 2011
A good, but somewhat sporadic, book on astronomy by one of the astronomers who discovered the comet Shoemaker-Levy (yeah, the one that crashed spectacularly into Jupiter). The information seems a bit dated, even though this is a second edition (or a reprint ten years later). I went in search of astronomy books on the shelves of my local library and gave this a whirl.
March 6, 2013
Amazing David Levy explains the night sky and the wonders of the universe so that anyone can understand. Also relates to his own personal experiances in learning the night sky
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews