Starfinder: The Complete Beginner's Guide to Exploring the Night Sky

This book is a must for any beginning telescope user. It kind of feels like a kids kit, but for adults. I was very excited to see all of the different parts of the kit. The book is informative and useful. Would recommend.

Ever since I was a kid, I've always wanted to learn more about astronomy. I'd look up at the stars with awe but never really learned much beyond identifying the big dipper. I knew I needed a good star book that was basic enough so that I could learn from the beginning. So when I saw that DK was putting out Starfinder, I immediately ordered it. My expectations were high but I have to say that I am extremely pleased with this resource. The kit comes complete with a moveable star chart that can be positioned so that you can look at the sky and the labeled chart and have them match up. There's also very informative book that looks at the nature of astronomy, talks about the planets and stars, and outlines the movements over the course of the year (including interesting things to look out for from now until 2012. A feature that I most like, however, are the cards. I originally thought that the cards would be most useful for kids. I tend to use them to learn a little more each time I go out to look at the stars. I simply pull a card and try to learn something new. I find it makes the process less overwhelming and more fun. Funny, I ordered the set for myself. Yet, everyone in my family thought that I got it for them: to use when camping, to teach the little ones about the stars, or to have something to do while smoking outside.

I pretty much bought this book for, well, the blatant starfinder because it is much bigger and prettier than the tool I own and I thought it would be handy for teaching the astronomy merit badge to those little Boy Scouts. Anyway, the starfinder tool is extremely cool (and big!), but the book that comes with it is definitely a keeper, for it takes "beginners" through the basic essentials of stargazing via the necessary equipment, procedures, and a thorough look at our solar system and the many things in it. There are also some AMAZING photos from various satelittes and telescopes. Loved it!