National Geographic Backyard Guide to the Night Sky

Stargazing’s too much fun to leave to astronomers. This National Geographic book brings the solar system, space, stars, science, and planets to life in your own backyard, inspiring us to look up and understand the heavens above. 

Authors Howard Schneider and Patricia Daniels take an expert but easygoing approach that doesn’t overwhelm—it invites. Ten chapters cover everything a beginning stargazer will need to know, from understanding the phases of the moon to picking Mars out of a planetary lineup to identifying the kinds of stars twinkling in the constellations.

Throughout the book, star charts and tables present key facts in an easy-to-understand format, sidebars and fact boxes present illuminating anecdotes and fun facts to sweep us swiftly into the stardust, and by the time we realize we’ve been schooled in solid science we’re too engrossed to object.

Along with practical advice and hands-on tips to improve observation techniques, the guide includes an appendix full of resources—from books and web sites to lists of astronomy clubs and associations to local planetariums and museums. This indispensable book guides us on a new path into the night sky, truly one of the greatest shows on Earth.

• 50 Things To See With A Small Telescope
• Star Finder!: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Night Sky
• NightWatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe
• Guide to the Stars
• Weather: A Fully Illustrated, Authoritative and Easy-to-Use Guide (A Golden Guide from St. Martin's Press)
• Astronomy with a Home Telescope: The Top 50 Celestial Bodies to Discover in the Night Sky
• The Night Sky 40°-50° (Large) Star Finder
• 2019 Guide to the Night Sky: A Month-by-Month Guide to Exploring the Skies Above North America
• Field Guide to the Night Sky (National Audubon Society Field Guides)
• National Geographic Pocket Guide to the Night Sky of North America