Star Maps for Beginners: 50th Anniversary Edition

Great manual for beginners. A lot of star maps that are easy to follow and understand.

I will have to buy more copies of this very simply printed pamphlet which offers seasonal maps of the major constellations. For those like myself who learned to find Orion and the Big Dipper when they were kids and stopped there, this is a handy map book for a clear night. Handy as in answering the vivid questions of children. Or handy as in comprehending the guidelines for navigation and where Orion hunts at different times of the year. Or handy as in understanding how Greeks implanted their mythology in the heavens. Its unlikely I'll progress past "beginner" but with my Star Map in hand I hope to inspire the next generation to Name that Star. There is no thrill quite like getting a call from a friend or offspring asking if you can see Ursa Major from your front porch. Enjoy. Read Ray Bradbury and visit your local observatory.

My son loved this book of constellations. They were easy to read and had good information.

It's true, it doesn't show where the planets are but for identifying constellations and stars, any time from about 6 pm to about 5 am, you can't beat this book. I write a What's Up In the Sky weekly column and I'd be lost without this book. It gives basic information, delineates the differences in the seasons, skywise, and throws in some mythology also. The chart, telling which sky map corresponds to the time of night is invalueable. I can't imagine looking at the sky without this book.

I'd be hard pressed to say how many copies of this book I have given away. Unlike most other star guides, this book gives clear, easy-to-follow maps and directions for finding stars and planets. A separate star map is provided for each month of the year. Just turn to the month you are looking at stars in and in no time, you can identify what you are looking at.The historical and mythical background given on constellations is excellent also.