Stargazing: Beginners Guide to Astronomy

Collins Astronomy

by Radmila Topalovic, Tom Kerss

This is the perfect beginner’s guide to astronomy for use in both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere. It discusses how to plan your stargazing and what you can see with your eyes, as well as how to choose binoculars and telescopes and what you can see using them. The book also offers seasonal star charts and constellation charts and gives readers specific objects to look for in the sky. This guide from Royal Observatory Greenwich provides all you need to know to get started in stargazing and discover the universe.

Genres: Astronomy, Nonfiction, Science, Education, Space, Reference, Nature

224 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2017

Reviews

[Robert Lambregts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starts pretty basic, but then it's highly informative and interesting. Collins is known for these kind of crash-course books and they don't often disappoint. Loved it all and will probably read more from them soon.

[Lateef Amodu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains information on the Earth in relation to space, the celestial sphere, solar system and transient events. There’s also a lot of guidance on preparing for stargazing sessions, using your bare eyes for initial stargazing, taking pictures during the night sky, recommended binoculars and telescopes to use and what to look out for when stargazing (i.e. planets, comets, eclipses, asteroids and more). It also includes extensive display of the constellations and seasonal objects, with information on how to read them. Overall, I thought this was a good and easy to read entry level book on astronomy. I felt I was given enough information to start a stargazing expedition, if I ever decided to pursue it. There wasn’t a case of information overload here and left wanting to further explore astronomy. The book is well presented, with lots of illustrations and actual photographs of stars, planets, comets and more.

Note: The version I read was by The Times, but it’s by the same authors and institute (Royal Observatory Greenwich); the content is very likely the same as this HarperCollins edition.

[Hazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Collins Stargazing is a super book. I really enjoyed reading it. The wording was simple to follow and the photography in it was fantastic.

Great book to start out learing about stargazing but also to go back to again and again to remind yourself of what to look for at specific times of the year.

I would recomend this to beginners and also seasoned stargazers.

Thanks to Netgalley and Collins for the ARC. (My review is my own opinion.)

[Sampurna Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprehensive and exactly what I needed as I'm beginning to explore astronomy.

[Louisa Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great introduction to stargazing! My partner bought me this book along with a telescope for my birthday, and I found loads of great tips in it, along with some great introductory information about the solar system, planets, stars and galaxies. I don't really have a mind for science so some of it went a bit over my head, but I am sure I will be using this book over and over again for planning my stargazing sessions!

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stargazing: Beginner’s Guide to Astronomy by the Royal Observatory, narrated by the ever-engaging Tom Kerss, is a celestial gem. As someone new to astronomy, I couldn’t have asked for a better guide to exploring the wonders of the night sky. From the very first chapter, it builds a solid foundation for complete novices, starting with basic concepts and gradually expanding into the more intricate workings of the cosmos.

What I loved most was how approachable and clear this book is. Tom Kerss’s narration feels like a friendly expert guiding you step by step, from understanding telescopes and celestial maps to identifying planets, stars, and even planning stargazing sessions. It made complex ideas seem accessible, and I found myself eager to try out the tips under the night sky.

The book also offers fascinating tidbits about humanity’s place in the universe, seamlessly blending curiosity with science. The detailed advice on what to look for throughout the year adds a practical layer, making it feel like a lifelong companion for any stargazer.

I would absolutely recommend this guide to anyone who’s ever looked up at the stars and wondered. It’s perfect for beginners and provides enough depth to spark a lasting love for astronomy. I’m already looking forward to exploring more books from the Royal Observatory to further my journey through the cosmos.

[Ines · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an excellent audiobook, wonderfully narrated by one of its authors. I’m pretty sure it would be best appreciated at night when you can stargaze your heart away! I couldn’t do that however, yet I still imagined myself doing it. It covers a wide range of topics and made the subject matter super accessible. It’s not too long either, so you don’t feel overwhelmed, yet stays really informative.

As a complete beginner, I felt I was in vey capable hands with all the tips and advices being given. The only downside of having the audiobook as an ARC is that it appears that the PDF accompanying the audiobook weren’t accessible but I’m pretty sure if you get this the classical way, your experience will be even more improved. Otherwise, it’s a great introduction to stargazing that I will gladly revisit. Thank you for giving me such a lovely time.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful audiobook to encourage and inspire the beginner stargazer.

It’ is a challenge to write a novice guide on a specialist subject, but this audiobook rises to the occasion. The authors provide an early section devoted to explaining technical terms in easier language so that when the terms are used later, the listener can follow what’s being discussed.

The narrator is one of the authors, and he delivers the narration in a tone that is pleasant and even but also conveys his enthusiasm and wonder. This enhanced my experience of the book.

I especially appreciated the advice about stargazing apps, equipment and photography.

Thanks to the authors and publisher for granting me access via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Catherine Craig (Angelic Light) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this audiobook, which is about astronomy, and I found it very interesting. It was easy to understand and I learned a lot from it. It is suitable for beginners and it covers topics such as planets, stars, celestial maps, how to do stargazing and what equipment you will need to do this, such as telescopes. It is a fantastic book which I highly recommend. The narrator was amazing and he had a lovely voice, which was easy to listen to while I was doing my housework :)

Many thanks to the author, publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

[Rubén Terrón · Rating 4 out of 5]

El contenido de esta guía es perfecto para iniciarse en la astronomía. Contiene explicaciones sencillas acompañadas de muchas fotografías y gráficos. El formato de impresión es pequeño, pero desde luego que no se le puede pedir uno mayor dado el precio que tiene. A pesar de ello, personalmente me parece un acierto que sea más pequeño y puedas llevarlo a cualquier parte, pues no deja de ser un libro que querrás consultar en tus observaciones. La calidad de impresión es muy buena.

[Ajit Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it, it started with a very basic understanding of astronomy and gradually gives an idea about how everything works and especially how to read the night sky. I would definitely recommend it to the beginners and I'd love to get other books by Royal Observatory to get ahead in the game.

[Skyesmum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always loved the stars and planets and stargazing is one of my favourite things to do. I have made copious notes of the advice given to make the stargazing all the more fulfilling. Now I just need the clouds to behave. The narrator has a great tone and I have enjoyed listening to him.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some really cool info here. It will be most useful as an adjunct to other sources but a nice introduction for this novice.

[Linus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book for beginners I have ever come across: highly recommended to anyone interested in stargazing and amateur astronomy!

[Bellæ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,75 ⭐️

[pnut · Rating 3 out of 5]

absolutely amazing pics and some fun facts. but some unnecessary info

[Tariq Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a nice introduction to stargazing and astrophotography.
I liked the accompanied files which the book went through detailing sections of it.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting, informative and a great starting point for stargazers. There is so much to learn from this book, I enjoyed reading it.