Category Archives: Recommended Reading

Observing Handbook and Catalogue of Deep-Sky Objects (Luginbuhl & Skiff)

 This was one of the very first “serious” astronomy books I bought when I first got the Celestron Nexstar 11 GPS.  Initially, as I only used the Nexstar  for observing, the title of this book seemed relevant to my needs – yes … Continue reading

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The Arp Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies: A Chronicle and Observer’s Guide (Jeff Kanipe and Dennis Webb)

I can state without reservation that this is the most beautiful and informative astronomy book I currently own, and I own quite a few! But, what are the Arps?  In 1966 Halton Arp published an atlas of 338 “Peculiar Galaxies”, … Continue reading

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The Steve O’Meara Herschel 400 Observing Guide (Steve O’Meara)

The Herschel 400 is a list of 400 objects catalogued by the eighteenth century astronomers Caroline and William Herschel. I put Caroline’s name first here because apparently she made a couple of new discoveries, that were not on Messier’s list, and … Continue reading

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Deep-Sky Wonders (Walter Scott Houston)

Deep-Sky Wonders has been created by adapting the work of Walter Scott Houston from his Sky & Telescope articles over the years.  Unfortunately for us “Scotty” [as he was affectionately known] is no longer with us, the book was edited by … Continue reading

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Deep-Sky Companions: Hidden Treasures (Stephen James O’Meara)

This is the third Stephen James O’Meara book in the Deep-Sky Companion series and it is the biggest and heaviest! I had this one on pre-order with Amazon for over a year.  Twice the publication date was put back it seems … Continue reading

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Deep Sky Companions: The Caldwell Objects (Stephen James O’Meara)

This book starts with a foreword by Patrick Moore.  Why a foreword by Patrick Moore?  Because the Caldwell list is Patrick’s list – his full name being Patrick Caldwell-Moore, and he didn’t want to use the Moore (M) for fear … Continue reading

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Deep Sky Companions: The Messier Objects (Stephen James O’Meara)

 When you first start observing or imaging, the Messier list of objects is a very good place to start looking for nice deep-sky objects in the Northern Hemisphere. Stephen James O’Meara has produced a beautiful reference work on the Messier … Continue reading

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Sky Atlas 2000.0 (Will Tirion and Roger W. Sinnott)

 If you are to explore the heavens – you need a good map to guide you. In my opinion there is only one star atlas you need to consider, Will Tirion and Roger W. Sinnott’s “Sky Atlas 2000.0”.  Be prepared, … Continue reading

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