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Date: 15 Jul 2007 18:41:49
From: Megahaole
Subject: book advice for novice observer
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I am a non-observer who has bought a fairly nice telescope for my 10-
year-old grandson. Does anybody recommend "Turn Left at Orion," or is
it sufficiently outdated (in its charts & tables) that I should avoid
it?
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Date: 17 Jul 2007 00:55:01
From: Brian Tung
Subject: Re: book advice for novice observer
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Megahaole wrote:
> I am a non-observer who has bought a fairly nice telescope for my 10-
> year-old grandson. Does anybody recommend "Turn Left at Orion," or is
> it sufficiently outdated (in its charts & tables) that I should avoid
> it?
I have a review of this at
http://astro.isi.edu/notes/orion.html
Bottom line: I recommed it as an observing guide. It's a good idea to
accompany it with an atlas. My recommendation for a beginner's atlas is
the Collins Atlas of the Night Sky:
http://astro.isi.edu/notes/collins.html
A planisphere is also highly suggested: Sky and Telescope makes one that
is a good starter.
--
Brian Tung <brian@isi.edu >
The Astronomy Corner at http://astro.isi.edu/
Unofficial C5+ Home Page at http://astro.isi.edu/c5plus/
The PleiadAtlas Home Page at http://astro.isi.edu/pleiadatlas/
My Own Personal FAQ (SAA) at http://astro.isi.edu/reference/faq.html
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Date: 16 Jul 2007 02:50:07
From: Matt J. McCullar
Subject: Re: book advice for novice observer
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Don't forget your local library. Chances are they've got plenty of good
stuff you can look through and decide which is best for you. And it's free!
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Date: 16 Jul 2007 02:46:18
From: Terry A Haimann
Subject: Re: book advice for novice observer
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I would add Norton's Star Atlas and if your Grandson has access to a pc,
Cartes Du Ciel.
On Sun, 15 Jul 2007 18:41:49 +0000, Megahaole wrote:
> I am a non-observer who has bought a fairly nice telescope for my 10-
> year-old grandson. Does anybody recommend "Turn Left at Orion," or is
> it sufficiently outdated (in its charts & tables) that I should avoid
> it?
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Date: 15 Jul 2007 18:44:33
From: Quadibloc
Subject: Re: book advice for novice observer
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Megahaole wrote:
> I am a non-observer who has bought a fairly nice telescope for my 10-
> year-old grandson. Does anybody recommend "Turn Left at Orion," or is
> it sufficiently outdated (in its charts & tables) that I should avoid
> it?
.
I'm not familiar with that book, although others here have said it is
excellent.
But I don't see how you would have any need to be concerned about its
charts and tables being out of date. Precession doesn't happen that
fast, and, in general, except for the motions of the planets, the part
of the sky accessible to amateur telescopes does not really change
much on conventional time scales. Advances in astronomical knowledge
haven't changed amateur observing that much either, even if the hobby
has been changed by progress in optics.
John Savard
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Date: 15 Jul 2007 15:56:55
From: Joe S.
Subject: Re: book advice for novice observer
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"Megahaole" <TrapperBart@gmail.com > wrote in message
news:1184524909.214719.222170@d55g2000hsg.googlegroups.com...
>I am a non-observer who has bought a fairly nice telescope for my 10-
> year-old grandson. Does anybody recommend "Turn Left at Orion," or is
> it sufficiently outdated (in its charts & tables) that I should avoid
> it?
>
"Turn Left At Orion" is excellent.
Also, look for "Skywatching," by David H. Levy. You may find it at a
well-stocked bookstore.
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Date: 15 Jul 2007 21:58:59
From: Ioannis
Subject: Re: book advice for novice observer
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Megahaole wrote:
> I am a non-observer who has bought a fairly nice telescope for my 10-
> year-old grandson. Does anybody recommend "Turn Left at Orion," or is
> it sufficiently outdated (in its charts & tables) that I should avoid
> it?
It's still an excellent book, although I would conjecture (based on my observing
experience) that the sketches he provides apply more to a 3" refractor than a
2.x" one.
For smaller refractors (in the 60-75mm range) the sketches are a bit optimistic
although occasionally they are right on the spot.
It's an invaluable book for the casual and serious observer.
--
I.N. Galidakis --- http://ioannis.virtualcomposer2000.com/
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