Practical Skywatching is part of a four-book series, The Nature Companions; practical guides to observing and appreciating the wonders of the natural world. This spectacular series provides readers with a thorough understanding of topics such as skywatching, birding, natural habitat gardening, and rocks and fossils. Written in clear, accessible text by acclaimed scientists and specialists in each field, each book contains a wealth of images by the world's foremost photographers and detailed, specially commissioned illustrations. Designed for enthusiasts of all ages, The Nature Companions series is a comprehensive source of reference that belongs in the personal library of all those who are curious to learn more about the world around them.
David 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.
This is a comprehensive guide and introduction to skywatching and stargazing. It includes historical information about technology and mythology of astronomy and a little of astrology. It includes tips for stargazing and astrophotography as well as information about the planets and other celestial bodies. There are also star charts, detailed lunar maps, guides to finding deep sky object by star-hopping, and much more. I really enjoyed this book and have bookmarked probably 30 pages for quick references. This book is a great companion to my telescope, in fact I keep it in my scope's bag when I'm not referencing it. I wouldn't want to stargaze without it!