Beginner Astronomy Books

Stargazing Basics: Getting Started in Recreational Astronomy

How do I get started in Astronomy? Should I buy binoculars or a telescope? What can I expect to see? This wonderful informal guide has all the answers for an absolute beginner to get started observing the night sky. It begins with advice on how to choose appropriate and affordable equipment and accessories, and covers basic stargazing techniques, from observing with the naked eye to binoculars and telescopes. It then takes you on a tour of the night sky, covering the Moon, Sun, stars, planets, and more. Photos taken by the author, himself, will show how objects in the sky actually look through modest amateur equipment. Whether you are a parent thinking of buying a telescope for your children, or a newcomer yourself, this book has all you need to know to take the first steps into the fascinating world of astronomy.

List Price: $ 20.00
Price: $ 8.96

NightWatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe

Thoroughly revised, updated and expanded. The first three editions of NightWatch sold more than 600,000 copies, making it the top-selling stargazing guide in the world for the last 20 years. The key feature of this classic title is the section of star charts that are cherished by backyard astronomers everywhere. Each new edition has outsold the previous one because of thorough revisions and additional new material. NightWatch has been acclaimed as the best general interest introduction to astronomy. The fourth edition has improvements over the 3rd edition in every chapter, including: The famous charts, ideal for stargazers using a small telescope or binoculars A complete update of the equipment section, including computerized telescopes An enlarged photography section, including how-to instructions for using the new generation of digital cameras for astronomical photography, both with and without a telescope The tables of future solar and lunar eclipses, planetary conjunctions and planet locations, updated through 2018. This edition includes for the first time star charts for use in the southern hemisphere. There are also dozens of new photographs throughout the book that show the latest thrilling discoveries made by current space observatories and probes. (20061217)

• New Fourth Edition
• Perfect for any beginner or advanced astronomer
• Star Charts for stargazers
• Great for telescopes and binoculars
• Hard Cover, 192 pages, 11” x 10 3/4” x 7/8”

List Price: $ 35.00
Price: $ 20.72

Basic Astronomy Concepts Everyone Should Know (With Space Photos)

NOTE: This eBook includes color photos and color text. On black and white eReaders, these photos and text will appear as grayscale (so any text that is in color will appear dim on a black and white eReader). The photos are NASA space photos. (NASA did not participate in the writing or publication of this eBook.)

This eBook provides a highly visual introduction to some basic astronomy concepts that everyone should know, like explaining the phases of the moon and earth-based evidence of the heliocentric model. For full contents, see below. There are 40 full-color slides all together.

NOTE: This book specifically addresses the basic astronomy concepts listed below. (This is not a comprehensive introduction to all astronomy concepts.)

The author, Chris McMullen, is a physics and astronomy instructor at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. He earned his Ph.D. in physics at Oklahoma State University in phenomenological high-energy physics (particle physics). His doctoral dissertation was on the collider phenomenology of superstring-inspired large extra dimensions, a field in which he has coauthored several papers.

All rights are reserved by the author. However, educators may use this material in the classroom for the purpose of teaching astronomy concepts.

Contents:

(1) Understanding the lunar phases
(2) Understanding solar and lunar eclipses
(3) Understanding the seasons
(4) Evidence that the earth is round
(5) Ptolemy’s geocentric model
(6) Aristarchus’/Copernicus’ heliocentric model
(7) Understanding retrograde motion
(8) Objections to the heliocentric model
(9) Overcoming objections to the heliocentric model
(10) Evidence for the heliocentric modelNOTE: This eBook includes color photos and color text. On black and white eReaders, these photos and text will appear as grayscale (so any text that is in color will appear dim on a black and white eReader). The photos are NASA space photos. (NASA did not participate in the writing or publication of this eBook.)

This eBook provides a highly visual introduction to some basic astronomy concepts that everyone should know, like explaining the phases of the moon and earth-based evidence of the heliocentric model. For full contents, see below. There are 40 full-color slides all together.

NOTE: This book specifically addresses the basic astronomy concepts

Price:

Celestron 93991 Astronomy for Beginners Expansion Card (Blue)

Astronomy for Beginners Expansion card adds to the knowledge base of the SkyScout Personal Planetarium. Topics include: Objects in the Sky, Astronomical Distances, Star Hopping and Astro Trivia.

• Objects in the Sky – Explore the origins of a variety of objects in our sky. Stars, planets, clusters, galaxies and nebulas.
• Astronomical Distances – gives you a unique perspective of the vast distances between celestial objects in the sky.
• Star Hopping – learn the secrets astronomers and explorers use to navigate the night sky.
• Astro Trivia – Informative and fun trivia questions about the most famous night time objects.

List Price: $ 26.95
Price: $ 15.29

BARSKA 40070 Starwatcher Compact Refractor Telescope with Table Top Tripod And Carrying Case

Max power: 300x, Focal Length (mm) 400, Finder scope: 5×24, Draw Tube (inch): 1.25, Eyepiece#1:SR4, Eyepiece #2: K20, Diagonal: 45°, .An ideal entry-level telescope for amateur astronomers, the Barska Starwatcher 300-power telescope brings you closer than ever to the stars and planets. The refractor telescope is equipped with such features as coated glass optics for enhanced image brightness, interchangeable eyepieces with 3x Barlow lenses for increased viewing power, and smooth-functioning mounts. For good measure, Barska added a beginner’s version of the highly popular Deepsky Astronomy software, which is packed with a searchable database of more than 10,000 objects, including nebulae, star clusters, double stars, variable stars, and other types. Simply load it on your PC and begin your journey to the stars and planets. Bundled with a sturdy adjustable tripod and a soft carrying case, the telescope carries Barska’s limited lifetime warranty. Specifications
Max power: 300x Focal length: 400mm Finder scope: 5×24 Draw tube: 1.25 inches Eyepiece 1: SR4 Eyepiece 2: K20 Diagonal: 45 degrees Warranty: Limited lifetime About Barska
Barska is a worldwide sport optics company with strong brand recognition within the optics industry, with corporate offices in La Verne, California, and warehouses and distribution centers in La Verne and Shanghai, China. Barska offers an extensive line of precision sport optics products, such as binoculars, riflescopes, spotting scopes, and telescopes. The product range has been designed and built with the latest optical technology, allowing users to enjoy all their favorite leisure time outdoor activities, including bird watching, outdoor observation, hunting, fishing, stargazing, concerts, and sporting events.The Barska 40070 Starwatcher Compact Refractor Telescope with Table Top Tripod and Carrying Case is an ideal telescope for the aspiring amateur astronomer. Ideal for students or those interested in learning more about the night sky, the 70mm objective lens can zoom up to 300x power. Use one of the interchangeable eyepieces with a 3x power Barlow lens for increased viewing capability. A pan-head mount and tripod is included with the telescope along with a handy carrying case. Take this portable telescope outdoors at night and the stars will open up before your eyes.

• Entry-level telescope with 300x power and 400mm focal length
• Coated glass optics for enhanced image brightness
• Interchangeable eyepieces with 3x Barlow lenses for versatility
• Includes beginner’s version of Deepsky Astronomy software
• Adjustable tripod and soft carrying case; limited lifetime warranty

List Price: $ 142.90
Price: $ 59.00

Celestron SkyScout Personal Planetarium Expansion Cards; Multimedia; Astronomy for Beginners

Cards, Expansion; Celestron; Skyscout; Astronomy for Beginners; Shows objects in sky, answers questions about Universe; Topics include: Objects in sky, astronomical distances, star hopping, astro trivia

Price: $ 26.50

Astronomy 101 – A Beginners Guide to the Night Sky

A Family Learning Adventure — Have you ever seen the Andromeda Galaxy? …or the star cluster Pleiades? …or the moons of Jupiter? …or the craters on our moon?

Like most people, you’ve probably only seen them in books. But with a little effort and this video, you and your children can take the first steps in learning about star watching and the night sky.

Join Michelle and her mother as they show you how they explore the night sky together. Learn how they got started and the things they do to learn more about the stars. Watch exciting animation as Michelle explains all about the telescopes and how and why constellations seem to move across the night sky. Peer into binoculars and telecopes with Michelle and her mom as they view the moon and planets from their backyard.

Astronomy 101 is the family learning adventure that will open the universe of sky watching to you and your child.

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Star Gazer Astronomy Telescope With Aluminum Tripod

Expand your understanding of the universe with this powerful 60mm coated lens telescope, perfect for beginniners interested in astronomy. With a focal length of 800mm (f/13), budding astronomers will be able to detect close-up details of celestial phenomena as well as terrestrial views of nature or the urban landscape. Includes aluminum tripod with slow motion control rod for easy vertical micro adjustment. 33″ x 23 5/8″ x 49 1/8″ high.

• 33 in. x 23 5/8 in. x 49 1/8 in. high
• Includes aluminum tripod

List Price: $ 129.95
Price: $ 79.27

Celestron Accessory Kit

Celestron Accessory Kit

• Five superior grade Plossl eyepieces, all fully multi-coated for maximum contrast and resolution
• 2x, 1.25-inch Barlow lens gives you a total of ten power combinations
• Six colored eyepiece (planetary) filters
• 1.25-inch Moon filter provides maximum enjoyment of the moon especially during the brighter phases
• Items in this kit are valued at over 0.00 if purchased separately

List Price: $ 239.95
Price: $ 123.00

Orion SpaceProbe 3 Altazimuth Reflector Telescope

If you’re looking for an affordable entry-level telescope for that beginning astronomy enthusiast, our SpaceProbe 3 Altaz is the perfect choice. Great for all-around stargazing, this highly portable, uncomplicated scope is just the right size and weight for the entire family, and just the right price for parents. This is a quality telescope, with a 3″ (76mm) glass primary mirror mounted in a sturdy Neptune Blue Metallic aluminum tube. The rack-and-pinion focuser accepts standard 1.25″ eyepieces. Two Explorer II eyepieces, a low-power 25mm (28x) and a high-power 10mm (70x), are included. An EZ Finder II finder scope mounted on the tube helps zero-in on the sky target. The altazimuth mount is lightweight and easy to use. To aim it, simply move it up or down or left or right. An adjustable, aluminum tripod with accessory tray is also included. One-year limited warranty. Orion’s surprising little Spaceprobe 3 has been picked by independent reviewers as one of the best telescopes in its price class. Unlike similar telescopes seen in discount stores, Orion has refined the Spaceprobe 3 by paying attention to the little details, and that make this telescope a great value. The Spaceprobe 3 comes with an unusually complete set of accessories. The package includes two very good Explorer II eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), an adjustable altazimuth tripod, a good red-dot finder, a student edition of “The Sky” planetarium program, and a well written manual. The package even includes the tools you’ll need to assemble the telescope and align the optics. The Spaceprobe 3 is a Newtonian reflector. That means it uses mirrors instead of lenses. Newtonians are primarily used for astronomy because the images are upside-down. Orion includes a collimation tool and good directions for aligning the mirrors. The reward for aligning the mirrors is seen in images that snap into sharp focus. My Spaceprobe 3 arrived properly aligned right out of the box. With its Explorer II eyepieces, this telescope consistently delivers fine views. Using the 25mm eyepiece (28x magnification) the Pleiades cluster is simply wonderful, showing dozens of stars. From a rural location with a dark sky, the Orion Nebula is a big ghostly

• A fantastic beginner telescope that’s lightweight.
• 76mm aperture reflector telescope is large enough for wonderful views of the Moon.
• The included EZ Finder II makes finding celestial objects a breeze.
• Includes two 1.25″ telescope eyepieces, EZ Finder II reflex sight, smooth rack and pinion focuser.

List Price: $ 99.99
Price: $ 99.99