Turn Left at Orion: A Hundred Night Sky Objects to See in a Small Telescope - and How to Find Them

A superb guidebook described in Bookwatch as 'the home astronomer's "bible"', Turn Left at Orion provides all the information beginning amateur astronomers need to observe the Moon, the planets and a whole host of celestial objects. Large format diagrams show these objects exactly as they appear in a small telescope and for each object there is information on the current state of our astronomical knowledge. Revised and updated, this new edition contains a chapter with ten new spreads describing spectacular deep sky objects visible from the southern hemisphere, and tips on observing the upcoming transits of Venus. It also discusses Dobsonian telescopes, with hints on using personal computers and the Internet as aids for planning an observing session. Also new to this edition are redrawn "Guidepost" figures at the beginning of each season chapter that allow readers to visualize a three-dimensional view of the sky's dome; redesigned seasonal object layouts that provide more space for the naked-eye charts; a new spread on double stars near Bootes has been added to Spring, replacing the "Shrinking Double" spread; and a unique "When and Where to Look" table has been added to the last page, among other new features. Unlike many guides to the night sky, this book is specifically written for observers using small telescopes. Clear and easy to use, this fascinating book will appeal to skywatchers of all ages and backgrounds. No previous knowledge of astronomy is needed.

Table of Contents:
1. How do you get to Albireo?; 2. How to use this book; 3. The Moon; 4. The planets; 5. Seasonal objects: Winter; 6. Seasonal objects: Spring; 7. Seasonal objects: Summer; 8. Seasonal objects: Autumn; 9. Southern hemisphere objects; 10. How to run a telescope; 11. Where do we go from here?; Glossary; Tables; Index; Acknowledgements.

About the Author :
Guy Consolmagno is a Jesuit brother at the Specola Vaticana (Vatican Observatory) dividing his time between Tucson, Arizona and Castel Gandolfo, Italy. He studied the origin and evolution of moons and asteroids in our solar system. His telescope is a 3.5” catadioptic. Dan M. Davis is a professor of geophysics in the Department of Earth and Space Sciences at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. His research concerns the formation of mountain belts on Earth. Most of his observations for this book were made with a 2.5” refractor.

Review :
'Wonderful ... it is one of those books about which you say, 'If only I had something like this when I was a beginner'.' Journal of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific 'This is a GREAT BOOK! ... This book is unique, with easy, clear directions on how to find these celestial objects, the best conditions, and what you will see. Consolmagno and Davis do a terrific job.' Colin Haig, Event Horizon, Hamilton (Ontario) Amateur Astronomers Newsletter 'No telescope owner should be without this classic (now updated) amateur astronomy manual.' Jamie Love, Science Explained 'Turn Left at Orion has all the qualifications of a good beginner's guidebook. It makes observing deep-sky objects easier, and most of the objects listed can be seen from the city. More importantly, it makes observing FUN!' Kathy Anderson, The Reflector, The Astronomical League Newsletter 'Turn Left at Orion is the most user friendly field guide I have ever come across.' The Eyepiece, Neville (Wisconsin) Public Museum Astronomical Society 'When and if you buy that first telescope, you should get Turn Left at Orion' . Battle Point Astronomical Association, Bainbridge Island, Washington 'If you have difficulty finding objects, perhaps the person who gave you the telescope forgot to give you a good set of star maps. I'd recommend Turn Left at Orion. With it and a telescope of practically any size, you'll find plenty to see.' Tom Burns, Columbus (Ohio) 'This book is really a must have!' Bob Martino, Perkins Observatory, Ohio Wesleyan University 'This book is an ideal catalog of just the kinds of wonders in the sky that we like to show the public in any of the telescopes at our AAAA public star parties...' Newsletter of the Ames (Iowa) Area Amateur Astronomers 'Should be packaged with every first telescope ...' Chet Raymo, Sky and Telescope 'Stars all look pretty much the same, but this book tells you how to find unusual, deep-sky objects, such as the ring Nebula, which looks like a perfect smoke ring. Other guides simply don't provide this. Part of the excitement of astronomy is finding things; this book is invaluable.' Tom Parker, The Times