Cosmic Challenge: The Ultimate Observing List for Amateurs

by Philip S. Harrington

Listing more than 500 sky targets, both near and far, in 187 challenges, this observing guide will test novice astronomers and advanced veterans alike. Its unique mix of Solar System and deep-sky targets will have observers hunting for the Apollo lunar landing sites, searching for satellites orbiting the outermost planets, and exploring hundreds of star clusters, nebulae, distant galaxies, and quasars. Each target object is accompanied by a rating indicating how difficult the object is to find, an in-depth visual description, an illustration showing how the object realistically looks, and a detailed finder chart to help you find each challenge quickly and effectively. The guide introduces objects often overlooked in other observing guides and features targets visible in a variety of conditions, from the inner city to the dark countryside. Challenges are provided for the naked eye, through binoculars and the largest backyard telescopes.

Genres: Astronomy

488 pages, Hardcover

First published October 21, 2010

Reviews

[Luca Signorelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a great and varied "challenging stargazing target" book this is your book. The great thing is that the challenges are graded upon your viewing instruments starting from the naked eye and ending with "monster" (15 inches & plus) amateur scopes. Each target is accompanied by a long and very well written description, fined charts and sketches giving you an idea of what to expect visually. Some of the challenges are relatively easy, particularly those with naked eyes and binoculars. Some, for instance, even getting a glimpse of "Einstein's Cross" or Abell 2065. are brutal and require experience and specific conditions. But even dreaming about them is great! If you're a serious amateur astronomer this is a must-buy.