Philip's Practical Astronomy Second Edition, Updated and Revised edition

Attractive, clearly written and includes all that a beginner would need to know to get started.
--Popular Astronomy

A concise, illustrated guidebook for amateur astronomers.

Practical Astronomy covers all the basics amateur astronomers need to know. It explains how to observe, whether with the naked eye, binoculars or a small telescope, and where and when to look. Aspiring astronomers will be able to get outside right away by finding constellations and visible planets before locating more challenging phenomena.

The book features:

• Full coverage of comets, planets, major stars, constellations, nebulae, the Milky Way and other galaxies
• The best of the new telescopes and accessories for beginning astronomers
• Planetary and solar eclipse tables
• Spectacular color photographs and clear and informative diagrams
• Star charts
• Maps by renowned celestial cartographer Wil Tirion
• The latest images captured by the Hubble Space Telescope.

Practical Astronomy is organized in two parts:

Part 1 Beginning Astronomy explains how to navigate the sky by "constellation-hopping," how to use star maps and planispheres, and how to record observations with drawings and photographs.

Part 2 Exploring the Sky looks in more detail at all the objects the amateur can view, from aurorae and meteors (shooting stars) to the Moon, Sun, planets and comets, and beyond to stars, nebulae, the Milky Way and other galaxies.

Practical Astronomy is an ideal astronomy how-to manual for beginners.