50 Things to See in the Sky

This is a fascinating book that helps you learn how to observe the objects in the sky above us. It begins with instructions on what you will need and some tips and tricks to get the most out of your experience. The first 22 objects are things that can be seen with the naked eye - the north star, the moon landing site,and the space station. The next 14 you will need binoculars or a telescope to assist you in viewing - Andromeda Galaxy. and the Orion Nebula. The last 12 you will need and observatory or a website that show pictures from the Hubble. The authors include step by step instructions on how to locate a see each of the 50 things.they have included history and stories and background on each. There are diagrams and drawing along with advice and tricks on how to enjoy your viewing..This is a wonderful book in easy to read language.suitable for elementary age to adults. Resources and websites along with a glossary of astronomical terms is included.

50 Things to See in the Sky is a super cool guide to discovering the mysteries of the universe hiding in the night sky. The book goes beyond the constellations we’ve all gazed at for years, expanding to include nebulas, sun spots, and a number of other wonders I’d never have thought to search for. As an adult reader, I realized how much I’ve missed out on when just glancing up every now and then as I move about the world. With a telescope, a little knowledge, and a bit of determination, you can see things that would have blown the minds of the masses a few short centuries ago.

I was most surprised at the in-depth nature of the guide. This isn’t just a list of things in space for you to check off. With each thing, you get a description of what makes it special and a set of instructions and optimal viewing parameters to follow for the best effect. Each entry is different, with some pointing out the various parts of a constellation and others giving the optimal dates to view a comet or the spots on a distant planet. It’s extremely accessible, making it the perfect companion for adult and child stargazers. Some equipment is needed for a few of these hard to see phenomenons, but it’s definitely worth it.

The illustrations add the perfect touch. It’s a great minimalist style that mirrors the distance removed when stargazing. We’re only seeing a minutiae of the details when we look to the sky and the artwork brings that haziness a bit closer while still leaving it up to the imagination to fill in the details.

Overall, 50 Things to See in the Sky is a great read that gave me a renewed appreciation for the many things just waiting to be seen. It’s a great fit for stargazers who want to expand their knowledge of what lies beyond.

Review to be published on 10/1: https://reviewsandrobots.com/2019/10/01/50-things-to-see-in-the-sky-book-review

This is a simple but grown up book that will appeal to all ages.
The next step up from an I Spy book, it is all things to astronomy. It takes a confusing subject, and amid the vastness of the universe it brings looking up into the night sky within everyone’s grasp.
It made me want to rush out into the darkness and look up and marvel at the constellations. It made me want to buy a powerful telescope or binoculars.
However, the author was ahead of me and held me, the reader in check. By starting with the familiar and those objects visible with the naked eye, a clear and detailed journey was started through the night sky.
I have always been fascinated by the moon, planets and the stars. I remember an early school trip to the planetarium and spooky black and white coverage of The Sky at Night with Patrick Moore.
Sadly my enthusiasm and interest has never been sustained. I think it is like a number of natural sciences. I see a bird where birders see a curlew. I see a pattern of stars where astronomers point out the constellation. This book is the motivation to get out and started in this interest. It cautions about buying equipment and advises to join a club and attend special night watches. It tells you where to look, the best conditions, explains the time to adjust to night sight and stresses health and safety aspects around looking at the sun.
The book is cleverly illustrated with the steps to take to plot yourself across the space all around us. It encourages one to look up those pictures on the internet where powerful telescopes have captured stunning images.
Loved it. Would give it to any young person or friend in desire of a new hobby or keen to explore science.
It finishes with a glossary of terms most of which have already been spoken of in the text. Furthermore there are details of the best apps and websites on this subject.
A book which is perhaps 50 years too late in my life; yet many of these discoveries have only been made within my lifetime. I commend it to everyone and I hope it is well received and flies and takes a new generation into space and their imaginations.