Nightwatch - Terence Dickinson

This is the fifth edition of this established introduction toastronomy, but the first edition with UK specific content. With morethan 275,000 copies in print since its initial publication, Nightwatch has become the standard reference guide to stargazers around the world.Terence Dickinson covers all the problems beginners face, starting withthe fact that the night sky does not look the way a modern-city dwellerexpects. He discusses light pollution, how to choose binoculars andtelescopes, how to pronouce the names of stars and constellations,telescope mounts, averted vision and why the Harvest Moon looksespecially bright. Most of the photographs are taken by amatuers, whichgives the section on astrophotography a particularly inspirationalgleam. The deep-sky star charts are incredibly comprehensive and allthe tables of dates and times of future solar and lunar eclipses,planetary conjunctions and planet locations have been updated throughto the year 2018.
'One of the best handbooks for the wannabe astronomer'. Dr. Tim O'Brien, senior lecturer in astrophysics at Jodrell Bank Observatory.