The practical skywatcher's handbook

This practical, hands-onguide is the sailor's essential atlas of the sky. Assuming no prior knowledge, this comprehensive, practical handbook helps the user at sea or on land read and understand the changing sky.

Readersare given hands-on advice on how to read the night sky and star charts, as wellas information on whether particular stars can be seen with the naked eye orrequire binoculars or a telescope. At the core of the book are 150sky charts, showing what features can be seen in each position and when.

Everyconstellation in the northern and southern hemisphere is mapped out.

Simple methods are given for finding the biggest,brightest stars and then identifying other lesser stars by their relativeposition. For sailors out of the sightof land, celestial navigation really comes into its own - providing a suremeans of checking the boat's position even when GPS and other electronics malfunction. This book will provide a complete reference as to what stars and constellationsthey should be able to use when and where in the world. The Practical Skywatcher's Handbook is ideal for anyone, on land or sea, wanting a complete guide to the night sky.