Beginner's Observing Guide 
An Introduction to the Night Sky for the Novice Stargazer
By Leo Enright
Foreword by David Levy
Now in its 5th edition - sold out!
We regret to inform readers that author Leo Enright died suddenly in August of 2009. He had just completed work on the 6th edition days before his death. The updates were in the hands of the graphic designer. The RASC will be publishing the 6th edition with the blessing of his family early in 2010.
At last! An easy to follow guide to the sky that provides essential information in a non-technical way - the basic information about:
- The motion of the heavens
- The position of objects in the sky
- The brightness of heavenly objects
- Finding your direction from the stars
- The names of the brightest stars
- The naming systems for stars
- What to make of the constellations
- How to read star maps
- Observing the Moon and its phases
- Observing "unaided-eye" variable stars
- Observing meteors and meteor showers
- Observing comets, aurorae and the zodiacal light
- Observing the Sun safely
- Recording observations quickly and easily
- Month-by-month star maps that are easy to read
- Numerous tips on becoming a better observer
- Practical exercises to develop observing skills
- Special information about binocular observing
- Information about when to buy a telescope
- Considerations to remember when buying a telescope
- Recommended sources of additional information
- A helpful glossary of amateur astronomical terms
- Answers to questions asked by beginning observers
- An appendix that lists:
- the 88 constellations
- Solar System data for both the Sun & planets
- the 30 brightest stars
- 10 variable stars to be observed with the "un-aided eye"
- the 10 nearest "unaided-eye" stars
A user-friendly format intended for use outdoors:
- star maps that fold out
- a binding that allows the book to lie flat
- space to record observing notes at the end
Purchase Information
Sold out! A new addition is in the works and it is expected to be available early in 2010.