The Secret World of Stargazing: Find solace in the stars

by Adrian West

'A book that will make the night sky your lifelong passion. An invitation to immerse yourself in the nature around you and the universe beyond. ' - Professor Brian Cox

The Secret World of Stargazing is the ultimate astronomy book to set you on your epic journey around the cosmos - it's a simple guide to the skies and makes stargazing fun, easy and enjoyable for all - absolutely no equipment is required!

Adrian West, AKA the internet sensation VirtualAstro, will take you through the seasons, showing you exactly what you can spot in the sky throughout the year, whether you're in your back garden or sitting on an exotic beach somewhere! While you're learning how to spot constellations, meteors and comets, you will be switching off your busy mind, sitting still in nature and paying attention to the small details that make up the big picture of life.

You'll finish reading this beautiful book and come away with a sense of grounding, connection, knowledge and a whole new appreciation of the sky above and the world outside your own - it will soothe your soul.

'An excellent, readable, bright guide to the night sky.' - Dara O'Briain

'A superb introduction to astronomy.' - Chris Packham

Genres: Astronomy, Nonfiction, Science

224 pages, Hardcover

Published April 26, 2022

Reviews

[Sherrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An introduction to stargazing by Adrian West, who, as Virtual Astro, runs pages about the subject on social media. Well worth following I should add. A very easy to follow book for the complete novice, almost too simplistic. Only disappointment was the lack of pictures or photos.

[Suzie Grogan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to knock off a star as this book, as whilst a lovely idea is behind it and it is full of inspiration and enthusiasm for the subject it needed a bloody good copy edit to take out the unnecessary and improve the flow. Then it would have felt less like a blog post, or a book written for children. Saying that though, the author definitely achieves his aim. I will definitely be looking at the sky with greater interest in the future, and fully intend to get the binoculars out on the next clear night…

[River · Rating 4 out of 5]

I met Adrian on one of his evening Stargazing evenings and it didn't disappoint as we watched the Geminid Meteor shower. A truly passionate man who is incredibly keen to share his knowledge.

This book is a fantastic introduction for anyone new to stargazing and is written in a simple and engaging way so not to alienate the reader. He, and his book, have definitely introduced me to a new passion 🤓💫

[Mitch Dubeau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adrian West puts together a simple short guide on how somebody can look at the sky and gather meaning from it. West makes astronomy accessible for anyone and everywhere. This book really does assume no science background and goes over the basics even explaining why the stars in the sky change throughout the year and what a planet is. He also goes in depth on how to identify constellations both the ones that do not change throughout the year and the ones that change and move about throughout the seasons. I cannot tell you how excited I was as a man of almost 30 years to finally be able to identify constellations. And what is both an act of science and an act of meditation Finding your own oneness with a universe so much larger than we can ever comprehend I recommend to almost everyone taking this book out and finding the northern star.

4.5/5 stars, would set off my car alarm jumping off on my car so I can lay on my back flat so I can look at Hercules again without breaking my neck.

* Waste of my time
** Fine but not thought provoking
*** Good and thought provoking
**** Excellent and thought provoking
***** World veiw changing

[Paddy Fagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I found it a really helpful introduction to stargazing. And really suited me, as someone who was interested and had somewhat haphazardly looked at the night sky before without really being sure what I was looking at (or for). It’s very much aimed as an introduction and one the that does require a telescope or indeed anything beyond an interest in looking up at the night sky.
I suspect for those with more knowledge or experience it will seem very basic, but it was ideal for me.

[Fantastic Mr. Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for someone taking an interest in astronomy. There are chapters describing the constellations visible depending on the seasons and your location, stories behind the constellations, information on the planets, and how to pick a beginner's telescope including the positives and negatives of each type of telescope. The information is clear and not too overwhelming for someone just starting out.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

thought this would be a book on the deeper meanings derived from stargazing, instead, it turned out to be a comprehensive beginners' guide to stargazing - still good, just not what I was hoping for out of this particular book

[Simon Harvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction to navigating the wonders of the night sky, including a brief retelling of many of the ancient myths which led to the naming of certain constellations. Also includes useful information on telescopes, apps and astrophotography kit.

[James Westwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book and brilliantly written by Adrian. Teaching us everything we need to know as beginners of looking up at the night sky. Definitely a book to hold on to and constantly refer to, as I continue look up! Thanks Adrian

[Ranya Derrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just feel inspired to learn more about the cosmos! I loved learning about the constellations but it was a bit tricky to remember / follow without putting it into practice. However, the later chapters on planets and meteors etc was great do understand more about these!

[Gem ~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really lovely introductory book to stargazing and enjoying looking up at night.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyable book covering everything you need to know to enjoy stargazing. I got a lot out of it and I liked the way it was told in a down-to-earth way.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice easy read about night skies esoecyon southern hemisphere which I doubt I'll ever see.
Made me smile reading it.

[Claudia Glazzard]

Great book as a proper introduction to star gazing, I've always been very much an amature at it but now feeling inspired to get out and learn some more constellations, when the clouds clear 😄