Observing Variable Stars: A Guide for the Beginner

David Levy's entertaining, well-researched book is aimed at the amateur enthusiast who likes to learn enjoyably. Beginning with advice on binoculars and telescopes, and how to observe the night sky effectively, the author goes on to describe thoroughly the field of variable star observation, a field in which amateurs have made important contributions. He shows how to interpret variations in light output in terms of the life of a star, from birth through to sometimes violent death. All of the major variable stars are described and classified, as well as other variable objects such as active galaxies, asteroids, comets and the sun. The book also contains a guide to the seasonal night sky. Throughout, practical observations serve to complement the text, producing an exciting, very readable introduction to this fascinating subject.

Table of Contents:
Foreword; Opening thoughts; Acknowledgments; Part I. Getting To Know The Sky: 1. Beginning with the Big Dipper; 2. Magnitude, color, and distance; 3. A word on binoculars and telescopes; 4. Learning to see; Part II. Getting To Know The Variables: 5. Meeting the family; 6. Getting started with Cepheids; 7. Algol, the demon of autumn; 8. How to estimate a variable; 9. Names and records; 10. Observing hints; 11. Stately and wonderful; 12. Stars of challenge; 13. Bright, easy, and interesting; 14. Betelgeuse: easy and hard; 15. Not too regular; 16. Nova? What nova?; 17. Supernovae; 18. Three stars for all seasons; 19. A nova in reverse; 20. RU Lupi?; 21. Orion, the star factory; 22. Other variable things; 23. The Sun; Part III. Suggested Variables For Observation Throughout The Year: Introduction: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, Southern sky notes; Part IV. A Miscellany: 24. Stars and people; 25. The next generation; 26. Going further; Glossary and abbreviations; Index.

Review :
"...as a simple guide for the novice observer, this volume has no rival." Astronomy "...successfully mixes the technical and human aspects of variable star observing and the reader is treated to a number of historical digressions that are educational in themselves." Astronomy "A well-written guide, by one of this country's most enthusiastic amateur astronomers..." Andrew Fraknoi, Mercury "If you think variable star observing is boring, this book will convince you otherwise. Most importantly, Observing Variable Stars will get you outside looking at the sky." Deep Sky "...marvelous and enchanting book about amateur astronomers and variable stars." Sky & Telescope "This new book is delightful and I learned a few new facts by reading it...The work is well researched, thought out, and executed...For those of you who have not yet been introduced to variable stars, enjoy this introduction. For those already acquainted with 'variables,' give yourself a few cloudy nights with this delightful book!" The Strolling Astronomer "Well presented with large, readable print, the book covers all the bases. Systematic observation is the goal, but the route is illuminated with anecdote and historic perspective." Griffith Observer "...This is a quality book throughout. I recommend it highly to amateurs everywhere who feel that they have passed the 'star gazing' stage and now wish to make their own personal contribution to human knowledge. The publishers are to be commended for giving David Levy the chance to make it available to a wide audience..." The Reflector