There are thousands of books available on the topic of astronomy and
can be quite overwhelming for the beginner. We have compiled a list of a
few books on topics from learning the constellations to making your own
telescope that we feel are worth your time . Most of the books listed
here can be found at your local library or from a company such as
Astronomy or Sky and Telescope. Hope you enjoy, and remember: Keep
Looking Up!
Beginner's Guide to Amateur Astronomy by David J. Eicher This owner's manuel for the night sky gets beginners off to a great start in the hobby of astronomy. Many topics are covered including types of telescopes, basic astrophotography, and the solar system. To Know the Stars by Guy Ottewell A guide to astronomy for children, teachers, and beginners. Learn constellations by sharing in the lore of their past. Celestial Delights by Francsis Reddy and Greg Walz-Chojnacki A beginning viewer's guide to the best sky shows from now through the year 2001. Miller's Planisphere edited by Ian Ridpath Shows the sky for any day of the year at any hour. Made with waterproof plastic. Moon Map from George Philip, Ltd. A 36 x 26 fold-out map showing over 500 features visible with the naked eye and binoculers. Will Black Holes Devour the Universe? by Melanie Melton 101 complex questions are answered in simple, easy-to-understand explanations. Back to Top
Burham's Celestial Handbook by Robert Burham, Jr. Provides data, stories, and images for thousands of stars and deep-sky objects. A three-volume set. Consice Dictionary of Astronomy by Jacqueline Mitton Contains 2,300 definitions of concepts important to learning how to speak in the language of astronomy. Peterson's Field Guide to the Stars & Planets by Pasachoff and Menzel A pocket-sized reference guide with hundreds of photographs and 72 monthly sky maps. Also includes a TON of information, defiantly the best pocket-reference book available Uranometria 2000.0 by Tirion, Rappaport, and Lovi Contains 259 charts woth 332,000 stars down to mag. 9.5. The ultimate in star charts for the amateur astronomer. Back to Top
How to Make a Telescope by Jean Texereau The classic reference book on how to make a Newtonian or Cassegrain telescope. Build Your Own Telescope by Richard Berry Complete plans on how to build five telescopes with backyard tools. Back to Top
Astrophotography - An Introduction by H.J.P. Arnold A member of Sky and Telescope's Observer's Guide series, this manual is an excellent starting point to learn how to take great photos. Choosing and Using a CCD Camera by Richard Berry An excellent book to pick up before investing in a CCD camera. Explains the procedures and equipment needed to get started in CCD photography. Back to Top
A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking Although an EXCELLENT book that explains many of the new advances in theoretical astrophysics, it is not as easy of a read as it is made out to be. If you have trouble understanding the concepts, Hawking has also written a companion to Brief History. Black Holes, Baby Universes,... by Stephen Hawking A follow-up to Brief History, Baby Universes is an easier read that contains more personal information about Hawking and many transcripts of his lectures. Cosmos by Carl Sagan Although we have not personally read this book, the PBS video series based after it is highly accalimed. Back to Top
The Dream is Alive - narrated by Walter Cronkite Watch a shuttle launch and visit with the astronauts in space. Some call it the best space documentary ever made. Hubble Space Telescope - Rescue in Space Join the astronauts in space as they repair the optics on the Hubble Space Telescope. Patrick Stewart narrates "The Planets" Based on Gustav Holst's classic suite, "The Planets". Stewart's voice and breathtaking NASA photography combine to make a spectacular video. Back to Top
If you have any suggestions for this list, please let us know: astro@astro.newaygo.mi.us