Norton's Star Atlas and Reference Guide: Amazon.co.uk: Mr Ian Ridpath: Books

Product Description

Generations of amateur astronomers have called it simply Norton's - the most famous Star Atlas in the world. It's immediate success was largely due to Norton's uniquely accessible accessible arrangement of maps in slices, or 'gores' each covering approximately one-fifth of the sky, and its inclusion of stars visble to the naked-eye.

From the Back Cover

Generations of amateur astronomers have called it simply Norton's: the most famous star atlas in the world. Now in a superbly redesigned, two-color landmark 20th edition, the first of a new century, this combination star atlas and reference work has no match in the field.

First published in 1910, coinciding with the first of two appearances by Halley's Comet during the book's life, Norton's owes much of its legendary success to its unique maps, arranged in slices known as gores, each covering approximately one-fifth of the sky. Every star visible to the naked eye under the clearest skies—down to magnitude 6.5—is charted along with star clusters, nebulae and galaxies. Extensive tables of data on interesting objects for observation accompany each of the precision drawn maps. Preceding the maps is the unique and authoritative reference handbook covering timekeeping and positional measurements on the celestial sphere; the Sun, Moon and other bodies of the Solar System; telescopes and other equipment for observing and imaging the sky; and stars, nebulae and galaxies. Throughout, succinct fundamental principles and practical tips guide the reader into the night sky. The appendices Units and Notation, Astronomical Constants, Symbols and Abbreviations, and Useful Addresses complete what has long been the only essential reference for the stargazer.

Now presented more accessibly than ever before, the text and tables of the 20th edition have been revised and updated to take account of the new and exciting developments in our observation of the cosmos. The redesignedstar maps offer outstanding legibility, in the living room or under a red light in the dark outdoors.

Presented with an authority that has stood for generations, Norton's Star Atlas and Reference Handbook remains the indispensable companion for all who gaze at the night sky. For use with your first pair of binoculars, in choosing your first telescope, and as a trustworthy companion no matter how far your interest takes you, this elegant edition launches Norton's into a new century as the classic reference in astronomy.

Praise for the landmark 20th edition of the classic star atlas

"Once in a blue moon a book appears to dramatically and forever change its subject; in short, the work becomes an indispensable resource for generations. Norton's Star Atlas is such a work."

—Leif J. Robinson, Editor Emeritus,Sky & Telescope (from the Foreword)

"The new edition of Norton's Star Atlas should be a real winner: once again, the amateur astronomer's indispensable companion."

—Stephen P. Maran, author ofAstronomy for Dummies, and editor ofThe Astronomy and Astrophysics Encyclopedia

"This beautiful edition is a superb redesign and authoritative update of the classic star atlas."

—Greg Laughlin, Astronomy Department,University of California, Santa Cruz,co-author of The Five Ages of the Universe

"The unique and time-honored projection used in the Norton's star charts is particularly handy and has always been my favorite."

—Owen Gingerich, Harvard-SmithsonianCenter for Astrophysics,author of The Eye of Heaven

"Ian Ridpath is one of the most dedicated and prolific writers on astronomy. His works all have clarity and authority, and he is ideally suited to infuse new life into a classic."

—Sir Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal,University of Cambridge,author of Our Final Hour

"The 20th edition is a great event. Pi Press is republishing this book with such style. It may not help people to find new stars, but it will remind them of how we came to know so much."

—Sir John Maddox, Editor Emeritus Nature,author of What Remains To Be Discovered

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful

Complete, authoritative but too terse 3 Feb 1999

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

If one book could cover most topics in general astronomy authoritatively, its Norton. From recommendations on reporting celestial phenomena to specifying telescope characteristics, it seems the author grouped everything that could be of interest to earthbound amateur observers. Very terse in descriptions, Norton's is geared to advanced astronomers who require a reference or a refresher. For example, its star maps are not as clear as a Wil Tirion presentation, but it does not suffer from lack of completeness. For astute beginners, the book is very well indexed and organized, so an unfamiliar concept referred in one section is detailed elsewhere. Readers are rewarded with a book densely packed with information in under two hundred pages.

I was impressed by the care made in the production of the paperbound handbook. Not immediately obvious is that the large page format allow charts and maps to present detail clearly. Tyvec-like bindings allow pages to open flat without distortion. I did not find any typographical errors. The maps, are not ideal for field astronomy use.

Norton's is not light reading, but is encyclopedic in breath and style. For the 20th Edition, its editors should strive for readability, and garner a 5/5 rating.

Marv Gozum, MD

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impressions of Nortons 11 April 2012

By IMCDundee

This is the de facto standard in star atlases,and it dosent disapoint ,my only minor caviat , once you have a reasonable set up,you may be looking for guide stars with lower mag than 8.5 for possible guide scope candidates, (idea for the publishers , for areas of interest give us small area maps keyed to the the area of interest {nebula ,clusters etc}heald in an index!}).. top product ,recomended

Norton's Star Atlas 17 Sep 2011

By Pierre Lebec

This is a 'must-have' for anyone with an interest in astronomy. It is by far the best that I have found and includes essential information for caring for and setting up your telescope.